JENISON, Mich., (June 17, 2014) — Cameron McKinnon loves playing the piano like his idol John Legend. But recently, the hobby has become more difficult for the 16-year-old due to his recent diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
McKinnon, who has been playing since age four, continues to do so despite the bone cancer, which has left his left arm so fragile that it needs to be in a cast and held up by a sling.
He also suffers from Type 1 diabetes, which was diagnosed in middle school.
The Jenison High School junior’s only wish as he prepares to begin chemotherapy is to see R&B star John Legend perform in West Michigan. The family tried to buy tickets to his June 18th show at Frederik Meijer Gardens on their own, but they sold out in record time. Still, McKinnon continued to hold out hope that he would see his idol.
His mother, longtime Wyoming Public Safety Officer Margaret McKinnon, reached out to friends on social media in a last-ditch attempt to get tickets.
A tweet about their situation caught the eye of FOX 17. Tuesday, we dropped by the McKinnon’s home to “Pay It Forward” to the super fan with two tickets to the John Legend concert.
“I didn’t expect this, I’m just flabbergasted, I’m going to cry almost,” said Cameron. “It’s a great surprise.”
McKinnon said the surprise is even more meaningful since he will begin chemo Friday at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
“I’m so grateful, I’m so very grateful,” said Margaret. “Everyday is a good day and if we can give him the good days it makes it all worthwhile.”
