Apex teen headed to Super Bowl LX after battling leukemia through Make-A-Wish trip

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- An Apex teenager is heading to the Super Bowl after completing years of cancer treatment, thanks to Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina and Fanatics.

Sixteen-year-old James Walter recently finished two and a half years of chemotherapy to treat leukemia. Now, he is in San Francisco with his parents for what he calls the trip of a lifetime, attending Super Bowl LX.

"Honestly, such a huge thanks to God and the people at the Make-A-Wish Foundation ... It's a dream come true, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," James said.

James is one of 23 Make-A-Wish children from across the country traveling to the Bay Area with their families for Super Bowl festivities.

His mother, Maureen Walter, said the family has already begun connecting with other Make-A-Wish families during the trip. She said the journey to receiving this wish has been difficult.

"I was diagnosed with first, coronavirus ... but the big diagnosis was a rare form of leukemia. I was 12 when I was initially diagnosed and 15 by the time I rang the bell," James said.

James spent years undergoing treatment at Duke, with the Super Bowl wish serving as motivation during his recovery.

"You're never prepared for something like this ... but along the way, so many people helped us. The support staff at Duke was phenomenal," said his father, Ken Walter.

The Walter family boarded a flight early Wednesday morning at Raleigh-Durham International Airport bound for San Francisco. While there, they will attend the game and take part in special red carpet events for Make-A-Wish children.

James, an athlete who plays football and basketball, is also excited about the matchup.

"I'm a big Duke fan ... but with Drake Maye from North Carolina. I'm definitely rooting for the Patriots for this Super Bowl ... it's just amazing," James said.

Ken Walter said James is also part of a support group that helps people living with long-term, chronic illnesses and is looking forward to giving back. The family says they are deeply grateful to the staff at Duke and Make-A-Wish for helping make the experience possible.

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