Eleven-year-old Gavin McCarthy was ready for his debut as honorary captain for the annual "Battle of the Badges" basketball charity game.
He was playing with the Boston Police Department’s team Sunday as they went up against the Boston Fire Department.
“We told Gavin today he’s basically our boss today,” detective Bruce Higgins said.
He shies away from interviews, but his skills -- and his brave battle with a brain tumor -- make it clear why he deserves to lead the team. It’s the third year the organization A Shot For Life has chosen a child to be honored during the game.
“I think it’s really nice of them to give back to Gavin and how they’re supporting him,” a young spectator said.
In just three years, A Shot For Life has raised close to $100,000 for cancer research -- a cause that CEO Mike Slonina holds dear to his heart.
“My mom was diagnosed with brain cancer when I was 17," Slonina said. "We actually had our first-ever event in this gym in 2011. I shot for 24 hours straight, and that was the birth of A Shot For Life. It’s taken different forms [since then]."
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It has became an organization that helps bring hope to people dealing with brain cancer -- as well as a little feud between badges on the court, all for a good cause.
“We are definitely trying to help fight the cancer as well,” Boston firefighter David Blandino said.
