Cameron Jaros is your typical 12-year-old boy. A fan of all things basketball, minions and Harry Potter, there’s not much that can keep this 7th grader down—not even cancer. Cam got his chance to see the Cleveland Cavaliers play. But, what exactly caused LeBron James to stop the pregame warmup?
After being diagnosed with leukemia this past May, the boy from Austintown, Ohio, started chemo treatments almost immediately at University Hospital in Cleveland. He drew strength from the support of his family, friends and community who rallied behind him throughout his fight.
Over the last six months, Cam’s treatments have gone so well that his family decided to celebrate.
With one final treatment to go, the Jaros’ made the hour-long trek to Cleveland for a totally different reason: To watch the Cleveland Cavaliers play.
Cam made a special sign he’d hoped would be featured on the jumbotron at some point in the night. It read: “My last chemo is Thursday. I”m here to celebrate. #CamStrong.”
To his delight, the cameraman found Cam and zoomed in on him for the big screen. As he held his poster proudly, fans couldn’t help themselves from joining in a standing ovation for this brave little boy.
With thousands of likes and nearly a hundred replies, the public (Cavs fans and others) all reacted with love and well wishes for the young fan. Here are several of the comments:
“#BiggerThanBasketball sending well wishes to you and your family bud #AllForOne get well soon man”
“
im so happy for that person.”
“Congratulations I hope you stay healthy”
“Goosebumps, Cavs Twitter. Well done. #ThisIsWhyWePlay”
“You got this!!!”
“God bless! 
”
“Get well and stay strong kiddo! All of Cleveland is pulling for you! #CavsCare #ClevelandCares”
And, Paul, Cam’s dad replied to the string of comments.
“Cam can’t even begin to thank the @Cavs for the support you have given him. #cavsforlife”
Cam’s sign — and his fight against cancer — caused LeBron James to stop the pregame warmup
Cavaliers players even joined in, including LeBron James, who paused his pregame warmups to applaud Cam in his fight against cancer.
The celebratory game and unexpected support from the Cavs crowd gave Cam the extra boost he needed to kick cancer’s butt in his final chemotherapy session later that week.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the tough things a little easier! Way to go, Cam, you’re one inspiring 12-year-old!
Cam’s story gets even better
Cam and his family enjoyed another Cavs game later that year. They’ve been basketball fans for years and love to watch their stars, like LeBron James, play.
The Cavs tweeted, “Cameron is back at @TheQArena with some good news tonight 
#ThisIsWhyWePlay || #CavsCare”
Yes, the Jaros family is overjoyed at Cam’s recovery. The interest and attention given by the Cavs were just icing on the cake — making the tough journey just a bit easier.
