CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Brian Kennedy says just a few years ago, he wasn’t sure if his family could attend a large event like Dribble for Victory Over Cancer.

What You Need To Know

  •  Donors raised over $65,000 this year

  •  The event focuses on helping families whose children have been diagnosed  with cancer

  •  Money raised will go toward a cure and treatments 

They couldn’t risk catching any kind of sickness in large gatherings and bringing it home to their children. 

But improved health conditions made it possible this year. 

“It’s just been a real honor. Especially with UNC, they’ve been treating Harrison for three years," Kennedy said. "Everything they do for cancer patients and their families. This is our small way of coming and saying thank you.”

Christmas Eve 2020 forever changed the Kennedy family. 

Their youngest son, Harrison, who was just 2 at the time, was diagnosed with leukemia. 

Three years later, Harrison continues to battle, and to get better. 

His father says one of their escapes is right here on the court. 

“We’re a house divided, but sports is something we cherish in our household," Kennedy said. 

The Kennedys left behind their Duke allegiance on Sunday to support other families facing the challenge of cancer at Chapel Hill with Tar Heel athletes. 

They were even honorary captains. 

“This is just validation that we are getting closer to the finish line, that Harrison can ring his bell soon, and hopefully when that day comes, we will be celebrating like we are today," Kennedy said. 

The event concluded with a one-mile dribble across campus. 

Kennedy says milestones like this, three years after the diagnosis, have helped Harrison’s confidence and energy shine. 

“He’s wide open now, he’s going to enjoy the dribbling we’re going to do," Kennedy said. "He’s going to put some skills on the pavement for sure with the basketball.”

In a crowd of hundreds, dribbling and marching through campus, Kennedy says his biggest realization is he isn’t alone in the fight.

“Just know if you’re watching this and your kid's got cancer, and you’re going through what we’ve got through, we're thinking of you and we know exactly what you’re going through," Kennedy said.