An inspirational little boy who danced and celebrated the end of his chemotherapy in a viral video last year is once again making headlines — this time for earning a spot on the Robert Morris Colonials men’s basketball team.
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Jimmy Spagnolo is only in second grade, but his heroic, life-long battle with an inoperable brain tumor has repeatedly landed him in the press. And, due to his bravery, little Jimmy was recently granted a spot on the Colonials college basketball team, which represents Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.
Jimmy suffers from an optic nerve glioma brain tumor, which was diagnosed when he was just 4 months old. Since then, he has courageously battled through his disease — and his plight caught the attention of Andrew Toole, who coaches the Colonials.
“Jimmy’s story is one of hope and love, and what he’s gone through in his short life proves that he’s a fighter,” Toole told the Tribune-Review. “It’s truly an honor to sign him to an NLI and have him become an official member of the Robert Morris program.”
The team held an adorable event on Saturday during which Jimmy signed a national letter of intent and was honored by the team.
Watch some of the footage below:
Jimmy went viral last year after he celebrated his last round of chemo with some bell ringing and a rousing dance — one that inspired pure elation in the hundreds of thousands of people who watched it on social media.
His mom, Lacie Spagnolo, said at the time that she believes her son has a purpose and that love, prayer and positivity have helped guide the family through his ordeal, as KDKA-TV reported.
“Jimmy is here for a purpose, and his purpose is to spread hope and love and inspire people,” she said. “And that’s all he does.”
https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensPgh/videos/10154984597968844/
Speaking more specifically about the viral video of Jimmy celebrating, Lacie took a positive look at the future.
“It’s one victory notch in our belts, seven years later,” she said. “Will we have many more? You bet we will.”
Jimmy still has the tumor, but it is much smaller than it once was and doctors believe he can live with it so long as it doesn’t increase in size. Prayers up for Jimmy and the Spagnolo family.