Willox Visits Four-Year-Old Bobcat Fan in Cancer Treatment
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Second-year Bismarck Bobcats forward Cullen Willox took a break from his off-season training Tuesday to pay a visit to Landon LaVallie, a four-year-old Bobcat fan who is hospitalized with liver cancer at the University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital.
On his visit, Willox brought Landon balloons and an impossible-to-find SCRRRATCH bobblehead statue from the Cats’ 2003-04 Borne Cup campaign—along with an invitation to be his guest at an upcoming regular season game.
“It was nice to make Landon smile knowing that he has been through so much,” stated Willox, the top-scoring rookie on last season’s Bobcat squad with 14 goals and 20 assists. “To see everyone in the room smiling… there were a lot of emotions.
“Being able to reach out to people in the community in any way is a great feeling, but I really hope that by visiting we made the tough time they’re going through a little easier.”
Joining Willox on the visit was Bobcats owner and CEO, Thom Brigl.
Landon, who is a Bismarck native, was taken to Minneapolis last week after doctors discovered a tumor in his liver.
“I was deeply touched and honored to have met Cullen and Thom today,” Landon’s mother, Michelle, stated via a Facebook post to the ‘Team Landon’ group. “I cannot thank you enough for the kindness you have showed my son, support and generosity.”
Donations to help Landon’s family through this trying time can be made at any Capital Credit Union branch to the “Benefit Account for Landon LaVallie.” Fans interested in showing support to Landon and his family can join the Team Landon page on Facebook.
The Bobcats are leaders in the Bismarck/Mandan area in the fight against childhood cancer: partnering with Basin Electric for the annual St. Baldrick’s Game, through which the Cats have raised nearly $50,000 in the last five years.
Willox and the rest of the 2014-15 Bobcats report for Training Camp next weekend.
With the 2014-15 season arriving soon, demand for season tickets is at an all-time high; fans who want to lock in their seats for the entire campaign should call the Bobcat office at 222-3300 today!