Cancer patient gives back to those who supported him

APEX, N.C.

Middle Creek High School student Rashawn King originally wanted to meet a sports superstar. However, he's now decided he wanted to give back to those who supported him.    

King looks like a normal teen athlete but he's preparing for something doctors said he'd never do again.

"Right now, I'm training to walk on to the football team," said King.

The trip to N.C. Central University next year is the light at the end of the journey down a dismal tunnel. It started at a game his sophomore year.

"I realized I couldn't run or breathe very well," said King. "My face started to swell up. I wasn't performing like I normally do."

UNC doctors diagnosed King with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Trainer and mentor Orlando Smith spent many days with King during intensive chemotherapy.

"I've never met a kid with a bigger heart," said Smith. "When he sets his mind to something, he's a very go forth kid."

"Always stay positive, think positive," said King. "Put your family first, put God first, never give up and nothing good comes without a fight."

That determination and King's classmates kept him in the game -- holding fundraisers and a "Pray for Ray" day. It changed his priorities when the Make a Wish" foundation called.

"My wish at first was to meet Lebron James and spend the day with him because that's my idol, you know," said King.

Now, instead of Lebron, King requested lunch for the entire student body.

"I decided to pick Chick-fil-a," said King. "You know, give them Chick-fil-a sandwiches, fries and chips. I want to thank them and appreciate them for praying for me and being there for me when I was down."

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