INDIANAPOLIS -- An 8-year-old basketball superfan who was battling cancer at Riley Hospital for Children died Saturday, after a long fight with leukemia.
Brody Stephens was diagnosed with leukemia not once, but twice. He became a basketball star at Riley Hospital where he got numerous visits from Indiana players and his favorite team, The Golden State Warriors.
The New Palestine boy got a special visit from the Warriors’ Steph Curry last fall and was able to travel to California to practice with the team earlier this month.
In a message posted on "Bubbles for Brody," the family said Brody passed away Saturday because of complications from a viral infection.
"It is important for us and ALL of you to know that Brody beat leukemia twice. He is and forever will be 2 wins and 0 losses against leukemia," the family wrote. "We were just very lucky to be the people he called Mom, Dad and Brothers."
The Golden State Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr shared a message of love on Twitter after hearing of Brody’s passing.
We love you Brody. #brodystrong https://t.co/RolZDmvm1i
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) April 30, 2017
Thousands of people have followed Brody’s journey as he battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia for the second time in his young life.
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Messages of support and love for Brody's family filled social media after news of his passing.
Southern Hancock County Schools says counselors will be available Monday to support all Southern Hancock students and staff. They are also asking everyone to wear orange Monday to show their love and support of Brody's family.
The family is planning a celebration of life ceremony for Brody at New Palestine High School, but no time or date has been set.
I was lucky to meet 1 of the most inspirational humans to ever walk this earth.. RIP Brody, your story will be told forever #BrodyStrong pic.twitter.com/5SFAomAlIf
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 30, 2017
Saluting inspirational 8 year old Brody Stephens who lost his battle with cancer.Prayers to his family. #brodystrong pic.twitter.com/7cweZGi5nd
— Sgt. Tony Slocum (@ISPPeru) April 30, 2017
