Hawken “Hawk” Hunt has already accomplished more in his short life than some people decades older. The three-year-old from Chargin Falls, Ohio has beat cancer and now, he has thrown out the ceremonial first pitch at a Cleveland Indians game.
According to Cleveland.com, Hawk took to the mound prior to Tuesday night’s game against the Minnesota Twins thanks to A Special Wish Cleveland, which grants wishes to children under the age of 21 who have been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.
At just seven months old, Hawk was diagnosed with Burkitt leukemia, making him the youngest person to ever have the disease. Burkitt leukemia is a rare fast-growing blood cancer in which too many white blood cells form in the blood and bone marrow.
While undergoing treatment, he had to stay at Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for six months, and that’s when he got to meet Indians players, like Cody Allen, Corey Kluber and Josh Tomlin, who would often visit patients at the hospital.
Ultimately, that’s what sparked his interest in the Indians and throwing the first pitch, so when A Special Wish Cleveland learned about the boy’s bond, they jumped into action.
Upon learning that he’d get his chance, Hawk got right to work getting his arm ready in the backyard.
4 days and counting until the @Indians game. @Hunt_EdLeader and @HuntHawken practicing for the big day. @aspecialwishcle @lifEXTRAORD pic.twitter.com/QMN3F94Gl6
— Shannon Beach (@ShannonBeach1) August 3, 2018
Prior to the game, A Special Wish made sure Hawk and his family, who rode in a limo to get around that evening, were well fed at dinner, which was important considering they had to wait out a two-hour rain delay.
But, once the sky cleared, Hawk, who was dressed in Indians gear, walked onto the field in front of a cheering crowd and delivered a strike.
Hawk has been in remission now for a year, according to WKYC.
And even though the Indians lost by a run, Hawk and his biggest fans felt like they won.
Thank you to @aspecialwishcle and @Indians for making last night memorable. And thanks to all these lovely people who waited two hours in the rain to see our hero @HuntHawken throw out the first pitch. #blessed #grateful #teamhawk pic.twitter.com/nQr3ATTHfk
— Shannon Beach (@ShannonBeach1) August 8, 2018