WEDNESDAY, MAY 10TH
To The Bat Cave
Vicente is a lot like other 18-year-olds. He cheers on the Golden State Warriors, is a big Arizona Diamondbacks fan and likes to read comic books; Batman is his favorite. Vicente is reserved, but tenacious and hopeful.
Vicente was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma five years ago, a type of bone cancer that is often seen in children and young adults. Because of his illness he sits in a wheelchair and visits the hospital several times a week.
We first met Vicente and his family at the start of 2017. His sweet, soft smile immediately warmed our hearts. Although he receives treatment regularly and can't take part in some of the same activities that other high schoolers can. Vicente always exudes a positive and upbeat attitude.
In March, we learned his 18th birthday was just around the corner. We knew that the foundation needed to help make this day an unforgettable memory; a day to escape treatments and hospital rooms.
Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, his hospital caretakers and his family joined forces to plan an evening of fun. On April 9th, Vicente's friends, family and supporters gathered at the Colten Cowell Foundation;s Bat Cave to celebrate his big day.
The afternoon was filled with rides in the Bat mobile, meet and greets with the Phoenix Police SWAT team, chats with Bruce St. James of KTAR and -of course-plenty of pizza and cake. Vicente also received some signed gear from D-Backs Paul Goldschmidt, Golden State Warriors swag, action figures comic books and a brand new 40 inch TV.
We are so thankful for all the generous folks from around the community that could give their time and donations so that we could celebrate Vicente, a bright and beaming young man, in magnificent style!