News

Odell Beckham Jr. Visits Young Cancer Patient In Texas [PHOTOS]

Odell Beckham Jr. made one ailing child’s dream come true over the weekend.

Odell Beckham Jr. cancer patient Texas

On July 17, a radio DJ in Amarillo, Texas named Tommy Lee reached out to the New York Giants wide receiver in a Facebook post. In the post, Lee pleaded Beckham to come meet a 9-year-old boy named Jayro Ponce who is fighting cancer (a malignant rhabdoid tumor) and whose “hero” is Beckham, and included a picture of him and Ponce.


“We hope you see this and can find it within your heart to reach out to this young man who is battling for his life, and is now at the Ronald McDonald House in Amarillo, Texas…,” Lee’s post began. “His name is Jayro and is a hero to many of us here in Amarillo, but Odell Beckham you are a hero to Jayro. Can you please reach out to Jayro and fulfill one of his dreams. Thank You from everyone here in Amarillo,Texas!”

Danny Richburg — the father of former Giants center Weston Richburg — noticed Lee’s post and jumped on Twitter to contact Beckham and attempt to set up a visit as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The facility in Amarillo, Texas where Ponce is being treated is just a few miles from the Richburgs’ hometown of Bushland. Beckham responded to Richburg on Twitter one day later, on July 18, saying “How could I make it happen?”

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!

A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.

Weston Richburg visited Ponce earlier this year, and learned then that Beckham was the boy’s favorite player.

Beckham eventually visited Ponce on Saturday after coordinating the trip with Make-A-Wish and took photos with the boy’s family:

“We were blessed to spend time with this amazing soul and his friend! There’s no words for this experience,” Team Jayro wrote on FaceBook. “Jayro enjoyed this experience to the fullest. Thank you Make A Wish!”

Team Jayro shirts are available to raise money to help fund the family’s medical and travel expenses.

This is not the first time Beckham has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The Giants wideout wore cleats with the organization’s name on them during a game last season, and has regularly spent time with sick children before games.

Beckham has been spending his offseason in Los Angeles. The Giants’ training camp begins on Friday, with players expected to report by Thursday. Beckham is set to attend.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has also worked with several hospitals around the country over the years to raise money for a cause entitled Tackle Kids Cancer.


CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 27: Odell Beckham #13 of the New York Giants avoids a tackle by Derrick Kindred #30 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Like
Like Love Haha Wow Sad Angry
Pablo Mena

Writer and assistant editor for usports.org. NY Giants and Rangers fan. Film and TV enthusiast (especially Harry Potter and The Office) and lover of foreign languages and cultures.

Recent Posts

50 Most-Infamous Athlete Mugshots: WWF Star André the Giant Arrested After Putting Cameraman In Headlock In 1989

On August 21, 1989, WWF star André Roussimoff, who's better known as André the Giant,…

21 minutes ago

Cowboys’ Brandon Aubrey Smashes Kicking Records Despite Lions Loss

The Dallas Cowboys lost to the Detroit Lions, 44-30, on Thursday night. However, kicker Brandon…

40 minutes ago

After Five-Star Running Back Savion Hiter Commits To Michigan, Team Looks To Get The Most Out Of Him

After five-star running back Savion Hiter officially committed to the University of Michigan last week,…

59 minutes ago

50 Most-Infamous Athlete Mugshots: WWE Star Brock Lesnar Arrested On Suspicion Of Steroid Possession In ’01

In January 2001, former UFC and WWE star Brock Lesnar was arrested on suspicion of…

1 day ago

U.S. Draws Paraguay, Australia and UEFA Playoff Winner In World Cup Group

The United States Men's National Team now knows its opponents for next summer's World Cup,…

1 day ago

Despite Personal Streak Ending, LeBron James Makes Unselfish Pass To Set Up Game Winner

With the game tied and seconds winding down, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James' streak…

1 day ago