Morrisville teen fighting cancer has batting cage in backyard
MORRISVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- A Triangle 14-year-old battling Hodgkins Lymphoma has a brand new batting cage in his backyard thanks to Make-A-Wish and Zaxby's.
Liam Canard got to try it out at a Wish Party Wednesday afternoon. Canard had all eyes on him, so naturally he was "Really nervous because I had a lot of people watching me, and my dad was throwing me breaking balls and knuckle balls."
The Wake County teen was hitting like a star, though, thanks to Make-A-Wish's Eastern North Carolina Chapter, Zaxby's, Alliance Landscapes LLC, LA Downey & Son, Inc. and Arbormax Tree Service.
"Everybody thought that I would choose a trip or meet my favorite baseball player, but I've always wanted a batting cage ever since I was, ever since I started playing baseball," said Liam.
"Ah, seeing the excitement on his face and the joy this is going to bring him over the next few years is really is just incredible," said Jim Canard.
Liam was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in June 2014.
"We went through the shock and awe at first, and then we realized we have to settle with this and move forward," said Annette Canard.
But Make-A-Wish helped the family move forward by providing Liam with the ultimate dream and one of the group's most unique projects.
"This batting cage wish was our first in our chapter's history, and we were so excited, but we had to scratch our heads on what needs to happen. We had to take down a lot of trees and level the backyard and build a retaining wall, and the list kept growing and growing but we are so thrilled that Liam is out there right now enjoying the wish and will be for years to come," said Kristen Johnson, Eastern NC Make-A-Wish President and CEO.
Liam's teammates also came through on his special day and designated him with a new responsibility.
They're all saying that instead of going to practice, we'll just come here every day now," said Liam.
The 14-year-old also has plans to hit every day until it gets dark, and with that, a new request has come up.
"He wants this whole Field of Dreams thing going on now, so we're warning all the neighbors," said Annette Canard.
Liam's batting cage is the chapter's 200th wish granted this fiscal year, and this dream come true provides so much more for this baseball fan.
"This is his passion, and this has helped get him through the six months of chemotherapy and the three months of radiation therapy, so I'll enjoy being out here pitching to him and watching him hit the ball and have fun," said Jim Canard.
More information about Make-A-Wish and how you can give is at: eastnc.wish.org.
