Oregon teen fighting cancer has special interest in Rockets' playoff run

redhotrox · May 22, 2015

Rockets met Sam over two years ago, awesome story about the bond that they formed and the bit of happiness they've been able to bring to a kid who deserves it so much.

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BEAVERTON, Ore. - As the Houston Rockets wrapped up their NBA Western Conference semifinals on Sunday with a 4-3 series victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, their coach was understandably happy.

But the first words out of his mouth at the postgame press conference after the Game 7 win were not about his team but about Sam Day, a Beaverton boy who has been living with a rare form of cancer known as Ewing's sarcoma. Day has had treatments in Houston and has bonded with the Rockets, a connection noted by Rockets' coach McHale: "The little guy's a fighter. He's the biggest Houston fan."

"It shows that he's thinking about me," said Day. "That meant a ton and it was just awesome."

During his fight with Cancer, Day, 13, has lost his left leg and part of his right foot. The cancer has also spread to his lungs. Day said in some ways, he can relate to the Rockets.

"They got a lot of drive... they're going in knowing they're the underdogs but they're still going hard," said Day. "They've persevered and I've persevered through a lot."

No matter where the Rockets are playing, Day lets the team know he's watching. He often sends encouraging text messages to the players, before games.

"Good luck, good shot, we got this," shared Day.

After a tough win over Cleveland this season, Day got a surprise phone call from Houston shooting guard, James Harden.

"He said, 'hey man, I just wanted to call and say that one was for you, that was a tough game,'" said Day.

Day's father, Bob Day, said he's grateful for the encouragement and love the team has shown his son.

"It's just stunning," said Day. "What we're learning is to be grateful, enjoy it and go on to the next day," he said.

For Sam, it means even more.

"It provides a good distraction so that I don't have to focus on the cancer," he said.

http://www.kgw.com/story/sports/nba/2015/05/22/beaverton-boy-has-special-interest-in-rockets-nba-playoff-run/27743643/
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bobloblaw · May 22, 2015

Great story! I'm not sure I agree with ending the article in that way... Seems kind of a sad note: "It provides a good distraction so that I don't have to focus on the cancer."

Nice to know we have fans in Oregon. Screw the Trailblazers!

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Oregon teen fighting cancer has special interest in Rockets' playoff run

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