Young boy battling cancer meets hero, cancer survivor James Conner

NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — A 5-year-old boy battling cancer recently got the chance to meet one of his heroes, University of Pittsburgh running back and cancer survivor James Conner.

Andrew O'Neil has plenty of superheroes on display at his family’s home in North Huntingdon, but none of them have been an inspiration to him like Conner has been.

Andrew’s family shared video with Channel 11 News of his meeting with Conner, which was one of his brightest days in a while. The joy was evident through the smile on Andrew’s face.

Conner was asked questions about football by Andrew, but it’s his performance off the field that has touched the boy’s heart and has given him strength to keep fighting.

“I like that he had chemo like me,” Andrew said.

Last April, Andrew was diagnosed with neuroblastoma -- stomach cancer. He has since endured 13 hours of surgery, countless needle pricks and radiation -- all leading up to his meeting with Conner, which included sideline access and hangout time in the locker room.

This weekend, Make-A-Wish is sending Andrew and his family back to Walt Disney World. They were previously invited there, but the trip was cut short when Andrew got sick.

Andrew is looking forward to returning to the park.

“It’s going to be fun,” he said.

Cox Media Group