Outpouring of love, invites for experiences for Durham boy with brain cancer after dad's plea
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's the second day of Onyx Williams stealing all of our hearts. Wednesday was a typical day at home as he played with his toys and learned.
The four-year-old is battling high-grade glioma, which is a rare and aggressive cancerous brain tumor. The story has garnered a lot of attention on social media and beyond.
"I feel really good. I feel poured into. We've been getting a plethora of invites and opportunities," said Raheem Williams.
"I received a message from a boy in Africa. He just wanted to be like I love your music. I see what's going on with your son. We're praying for you."
Williams said he's going to have to create a schedule before his son starts radiation on November 18.
"Awww! That was my reaction," said Caitlin Gooch, a Wendell resident.
Gooch has built a following on social media as the Black Cowgirl, educating people about being an equestrian while promoting literacy. She gifted Onyx with a coloring book and a trip to her ranch.
"Whenever it fits their schedule, he's welcome to come home and ride horses with us. He's welcome to join our summer camps," she said.
Onyx's story even caught the eye of the North Carolina Central University Men's Basketball Head Coach, Levelle Moton.
"It made me go home and hug my children a little tighter," said coach Moton.
Moton's team plays the Tar Heels this Friday, and he wants to offer Onyx an opportunity to make his coaching debut.
"I want him to come ride along and take the bus trip with us. He can have the pregame meal and be my honorary assistant coach," Moton said. "He can even draw some plays on the board if he wants to."
As more people continue to answer Williams' call to create experiences for his son, who has a terminal brain cancer, he's taking in these precious moments with Onyx.
He doesn't quite understand the magnitude of the response his story has gotten, but he wanted to share words of appreciation.
"Thank you, everybody."
