By Josh Cohen Nov. 8, 2013
ORLANDO -- As we all know in basketball, a good pass by one player is imperative for his teammate to take a good shot. And when pros warm up before games, they rely on crisp, direct passes to allow them to get into a rhythm.
On Friday, November 8 prior to the Orlando Magic’s game against the Boston Celtics, guys like Glen Davis, who continues to work his way back from his foot injury, Kyle O’Quinn and Maurice Harkless were recipients of excellent passes from helpers.
And one of the assistants that night was Trevor Scheerer, an enthusiastic six-year-old who was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer most common in children, in March of 2012. While he and his dad Timothy have attended plenty of Magic games before, this was the first time Trevor had the opportunity to be up close with his favorite team and players and be a big part of the Magic’s preparation for a game.
“He’s loving it,” Timothy said while watching his son grab rebounds and make passes to the players he looks up to. “We really appreciate the Magic having us out here.”
Also there to support Trevor and watch him have a blast around the Magic was a cancer survivor and founder of a nonprofit organization aimed to help children with life-threatening illnesses.
Kasie Forman, who runs Kasie Helpz Kidz and overcame cancer twice when she was younger, is one of the key inspirations for Trevor and many other kids who are dealing with unfortunate medical issues. Forman beat thyroid papillary cancer when she was 13 and 14 years old and now is encouraging children who are in similar situations.
“Never give up,” Forman said when asked about the advice she gives to ill children. “Just to get out of bed and just push yourself makes so much of a difference in how you feel. Also to think positive makes a big impact.”
Being a part of events like a Magic game are significant in a child’s spirit and motivation, Forman believes.
“To see people in the public spotlight give their time to help kids (like Trevor) it means a lot to them,” Forman said. “It’s putting a smile on his face and it’s making him feel great. This takes your mind off of it.”
To learn more about her organization and her story overcoming cancer, please visit https://kasiehelpzkidz.org.
The Orlando Magic celebrates 25 years of Magic basketball both on and off the court. The Magic’s commitment to Central Florida is celebrated in its Silver Season with 25 years of giving through more than $40 million donated to the local community by way of event sponsorships, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants over the years. Through a quarter century of giving, Magic community programs have impacted nearly two million total youth along with more than 5,000 player and community ambassador appearances. The Magic continues its quest to be champions on the court and in the community and looks toward a city that flourishes through a collaborative effort of the Magic’s coaches, players, employees, partners, fans and Central Floridians. To learn more about the Magic’s community efforts, please visit https://www.nba.com/magic/magic-in-the-community.