NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. — An young cancer survivor who stole hearts with his famous fist bump with Bruins players six years ago is making headlines again.
Now 13-years-old, Liam Fitzgerald is celebrating his first game with his middle school basketball team.
The team manager-turned star point guard has been waiting anxiously for this moment, starting for the very first time on the Melican Middle School’s basketball team in Northborough. From the look of excitement on his face and the energy he brought to the game, you’d never guess Liam woke up feeling under the weather.
“I said, ‘maybe you should skip the game, stay home,'” said Christine Fitzgerald, Liam’s mother. “'Nope. I’m a ninja, I’m a ninja warrior. I’m tough. I can fight through this pain, and I’m not missing this game tonight, Mom.'”
Against all odds, Liam is indeed a warrior. Having been born with Down syndrome and then beating leukemia after a scary diagnosis before his fourth birthday, the seventh grader’s strength is inspirational and infectious.
Six yeas ago, the then-eight-year-old Bruins super fan’s fist bump with the team quickly went viral.
Within just seconds of Tuesday night’s game, with a little planning and some good sportsmanship on both teams, Liam sunk his first basket.
He had showed us at home, how it was gonna go, and where the guys were gonna stand, and who’s gonna pass it to who and then [said] ‘I’m gonna shoot,’ and I’m like, it actually went in," said Christine. “That’s what I was happy about.”
Liam bonded with his teammates and played to win, so much they eventually defeated the opposite team, Charlton, in a game he says he’ll remember forever.
“It was amazing, and I made a lot of buckets,” said Liam.
“This is Liam being Liam, he doesn’t see himself as being any different than anyone else,” said Bill Fitzgerald, Liam’s father.
Christine and Bill said this game wasn’t just special for their family. When there’s awareness and inclusion, the entire community benefits.