A courageous eight-year-old child from Indiana, who became friends with sports stars like Stephen Curry while battling leukemia, has sadly passed away due to a viral complication. The boy, named Brody Stephens, had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia as a baby, and while he initially won his fight against it, the cancer returned in 2015. His father shared the news of his passing with the Indianapolis Star.
Brody quickly struck up a friendship with Steph Curry, his basketball hero from the Warriors team, after the famous NBA player paid him a visit in the hospital in November.
Curry shared something on his phone with Brody during their one-hour hangout. Brody, who went through hospitalizations and a transplant, had his heroes visit him, including Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, tight end Jack Doyle, and coach Chuck Pagano. Recently, Brody was flown to California by Golden State to be their ball boy, watch the team’s shoot-around, and attend Coach Steve Kerr’s pre-game press conference. According to Brody’s dad, Jason Stephens, his son was a remarkable child who inspired everyone he met.
Unbeknownst to Brody, the celebrity was about to visit him and he had already set up all of his Curry-related stuff in his room as he typically does.
The video of Brody, accompanied by his dad Jason, dribbling the ball in a hospital hallway like a pro went viral, bringing joy to many. Curry expressed his happiness at getting the chance to meet with Brody and spend some time with him and his family over the past few months. The story began when WFNI-1070 AM host Dan Dakich started tweeting about Brody, which caught the attention of the Warriors team. In November, Curry and the team arranged to surprise Brody at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. During the visit, Curry chatted with the boy for an hour, leaving him speechless for a few minutes upon walking into the room.
According to Jason, everyone present in the room was well-aware that Brody had been yearning for this meeting with Curry. During the said encounter, Curry took the time to sign all of Brody’s NBA trading cards as well as his coveted Number 30 jersey. For Brody, whose life had already been laced with numerous challenges, the experience proved to be a gratifying break from it all. Jason remarked that during the hour and a half spent with Curry, all members present, including Brody’s brothers, mother, and even the attending nurses, were able to momentarily forget about their troubles and simply cherish the moment.
The basketball player expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet and spend some time with Brody. Curry acknowledged that it was an easy part on his end – showing up and getting to know Brody, while hoping to create a lasting memory. During his games, Curry wore black-and-orange BrodyStrong wristbands. Apart from Curry, Brody also made friends with Glenn Robinson III and received a letter from LeBron James. The Warriors have decided to honor Brody during the playoffs. Brody’s father, Jason, wants to clarify that his son didn’t die of leukemia, but of a viral complication. Jason adds that Brody will always be undefeated against leukemia with a record of 2 wins and 0 losses.
