Ethan Whitney, 16, thought he was filming a promotional video for his internship at his father’s robotics company. Little did he know it was actually a crew from ESPN because, in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the network was surprising him with a visit from his favorite basketball player, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jimmy Butler, as part of their annual “My Wish” series.
Whitney, a teen from Wisconsin, is undergoing treatment for B-cell lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with in August. In less than a year, he has gone through six rounds of chemotherapy and, unfortunately, doctors have also discovered a tumor in his brain that is inoperable.
“At points I was scared. But, you know, if my mom and dad were going to be scared then, you know, I have to be the one that’s not scared,” he told ESPN host Chris Connelly.
It’s a stance he’s taken even in his lowest moments. In early May, while receiving treatment, he was given an anti-nausea medication, which caused a reaction so severe, he nearly lost his life.
Fast-forward a month, and Whitney was in L.A. playing basketball with Butler, taking him on in dominoes, eating lunch with him and even driving one of his cars.
It was an unforgettable day both for Whitney and for the 28-year-old NBA star.
“It just didn’t seem like he was with an NBA player,” Ethan’s mom, Jennifer Sabourin, told the Post-Crescent after the incredible trip. “Other than he was amazing at basketball. Because he just didn’t come off that way to him. He was very warm and welcoming to the whole family, bringing us into his home.
“He just treated Ethan with such respect and grace. He was wonderful.”
Whitney is now awaiting a stem cell transplant, which is scheduled for August. Until then, he’ll draw upon the memories from a day far more important than any NBA game Butler will ever play in.
