The Marauders celebrated Ky’ree Collier with a pregame ceremony Wednesday for winning the battle against a rare form of cancer. Ky’ree is 4 years old, and he attends nearly every Dunkirk game, cheering on his hometown team, led by his older cousin, K’vion Tell.

“I see him as a little me,” K’vion said. “He jumps around and has that burst of energy when he’s on the court. It’s amazing.”

Ky’ree was welcomed at center court with his mother, Kadijah Collier. K’vion was there to greet them, along with teammate Aries Cheverez, with flowers and a gift basket. K’vion hugged his younger cousin at center court.

“It was absolutely beautiful,” Kadijah Collier said of the ceremony. “We are truly inspired. They have been doing such a good job this entire year, so to think about us, it’s just amazing.”

Ky’ree Collier acknowledges the crowd during a pregame ceremony at Dunkirk High School, Wednesday, before the Dunkirk Marauders played the Allegany-Limestone Gators.

Both teams later came on the court to take a photo to commemorate the occasion. Just prior to tip-off, all five Allegany-Limestone starters walked over to Ky’ree to give fist bumps to celebrate his victory over cancer.

“That was beautiful, and unexpected from another team,” Kadijah said.

K’vion said, “I respect Allegany so much, especially with him being my little cousin, supporting him – it’s great.”

Plans for the ceremony began early in the year, but they were finalized as the season wound to a close and the schedule was finalized, following a series of weather-related postponements. The idea started with head coach Sixto Rosario’s niece, Hannah Reyes.

“She said there’s this young boy that I think we should recognize. He went through a lot. It sort of matches what we’ve been through as a team,” Rosario said.

After coordinating with Ky’ree’s family, the ceremony fell into place. “We were just excited to put it together,” Rosario said. “It was a good night. I thank everybody for coming out.”

Even with Ky’ree’s cousin as a leader on the team, Rosario did not consult him until the plans were already in motion. “He told me in practice, I didn’t even come up with it,” K’vion said. “He just said we’re going to do this for your little cousin. He’s been through so much and I think he deserves that.”

Ky’ree was diagnosed with Stage 1 kidney cancer, due to a rare Wilms Tumor,

at just three years old. The rare form of cancer only affects roughly 500 children in the U.S. each year.

Ky’ree first showed symptoms of the disease by vomiting profusely at night for roughly six months. His mother was told initially by doctors that it was due to acid reflux, but she refused to believe it.

Mothers know best.

After reaching out to a specialist at Children’s Hospital, Ky’ree went through a change in medication, an abdominal X-ray, and an MRI, where doctors found two lesions.

At that moment, Ky’ree’s entire world changed. His family was told that he needed surgery to remove his right kidney. After surgery, the results came back and called for chemotherapy.

Ky’ree went through 19 grueling rounds of chemotherapy, along with two additional surgeries. Still, his spirits were high and he continued to persevere. His family and friends referred to themselves as Ky’ree’s Army. They coined the term “Wilms Tumor Warrior”, which was printed on custom hoodies featuring Ky’ree dressed in Buffalo Bills attire.

Dozens of members of Ky’ree’s Army were in attendance on Nov. 20 at Roswell Park as Ky’ree rang the victory bell to celebrate his victory over cancer. He is now in remission, and will continue to visit doctors periodically to monitor his recovery.

Kadijah hopes one day to establish a foundation to provide support for families going through a similar diagnosis. She also agreed to donate Ky’ree’s kidney for medical research. Kadijah credits the support of her family and friends for uplifting her spirits through Ky’ree’s battle.

“Family has been my biggest support. Of course the community, as well, but without family, I can’t tell you that I would’ve even made it to this point,” Kadijah said.

She also commended the doctors and specialists at Roswell Park for their efforts, as well as the support of various organizations throughout the process, including the Buffalo Bills.

“We’ve received so much love. We’re so appreciative and so thankful that so many people care about my son and what he’s experienced,” Kadijah said.

The Marauders ended up winning Wednesday’s contest over Allegany-Limestone by a score of 82-50. Tell had 20 points in the win.

Not many nights this season for Dunkirk featured someone stepping foot on the court with more to celebrate than K’vion Tell, the program’s all-time leading scorer. Wednesday, he was happy to take a backseat to his little cousin.

“It was definitely a struggle going through it all as a family member, as his big cousin. I love that little man,” K’vion said. “When he pulled through, it was just amazing. Now seeing him get recognized for it, and look so happy jumping around, it was amazing because I know he went through so much.”