Natick Soccer Team Dedicates Season Opener To Boy Battling Cancer

click to expand

NATICK (CBS) - The Natick High School varsity boys' soccer team dedicated their season opening game to Connor Heffler, an 11-year-old who is battling a rare and aggressive cancer.

Fans were asked to wear Connor's favorite colors, blue and orange. The celebration was complete with an honorary Captain's arm band for Connor. And, the National Anthem was sung by the Boston Bruins' own anthem singer, Rene Rancourt.

"It's going to be impossible to top Connor Heffler. He is one of the nicest, truly nice people that I've ever met," Rancourt said.

Rene Rancourt sings National Anthem as Connor Heffler (center) looks on. (WBZ-TV)

Last year, Connor was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer called glioblastoma. At one point, Connor was a talented hockey player. Then one morning, he woke up and discovered he couldn't move his legs.

Despite his diagnosis, Connor has maintained a positive attitude. "Just don't think about the negative!" Connor said Wednesday night.

His contagious positivity was also passed onto the players at Wednesday night's game. "He gives you a lot of inspiration. Knowing a middle-schooler can go through this and keep pushing through," Natick soccer captain Brian Holihan said.

A raffle was held to raise money for Heffler's treatment. Donations can be made for Connor Heffler at any branch of Middlesex Savings Bank.