LeBron James to grant two wishes with Make-a-Wish Foundation

Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James has been busy this summer, starring in a blockbuster movie, inking a deal with Warner Brothers Entertainment, and, obviously, taking some time off. But this week, he’s working closely with the Make-a-Wish Foundation to grant the wishes of two very special boys.

Brenten Cox, a 9-year-old from rural Arkansas, was diagnosed with a tumor on his brain stem in early June. According to local reports, Cox and his family will make their way from their tiny hometown of Ravenden Springs (Population: 118) to Cleveland early this week so he can hang out with the Cavaliers superstar.

Cox was surprised with the news on Saturday, after he and his youth basketball team played a “pick-up game” against the Arkansas State men’s team — another wish granted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation — that included referees, an announcer, scoreboard operators, and seven Red Wolves players. Following the game, Cox was presented with an MVP trophy and given the news that he’d soon be traveling to Cleveland to meet James.

“It was really overwhelming to be there and see that,” Arkansas State head coach John Brady told the Northeast Ohio Media Group. “This young man, I mean, his future is up in the air, obviously. That LeBron would do something like that for this young man, it’s really moving.”

Also visiting Cleveland this week to spend time with James is 17-year-old Ray Tripp, who suffered a life-changing injury two years ago. According to his mother, Latisha Fields, two weeks after his 15th birthday, Tripp was playing basketball and went into cardiac arrest. He suffered a brain injury due to lack of oxygen and is now re-learning everything from walk to talking.

“He’s a miracle. He’s struggling to come back and to get to where he was before, but he’s making good progress and hopefully he’ll really enjoy this wish,” Make-A-Wish Volunteer Steve Dalberto told local media.

Dozens of people turned out to the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport on Sunday, to see Tripp off on his adventure to Cleveland to meet James.

“…Out of anyone, (James) would be who he would want to meet. He kind of idolizes him and he really looks up to him,” Fields said.