A young Houston boy who had to evacuate during Hurricane Harvey because of a medical emergency has crossed a big medical hurdle here in Omaha, and a star player has lifted his spirits in a big way.
Steven Garay, 10, finished up his final chemo therapy treatment Friday at Nebraska Medicine.
When he was 3 he had triple transplant surgery, and when Hurricane Harvey hit he had severe stomach pains. Steven was transported out of Houston to Omaha where his previous doctor is, and diagnosed with PTLD a form of cancer after having a transplant.
Since September he's had a great spirit, and has been attending Field Club Elementary school.
His mother says this is an amazing feeling.
"But it's a huge relief that he's able to breathe and be here and healthy," Jennifer Ramirez, Steven's mother, explained.
Steven, a huge fan of Houston Texans star JJ Watt, wanted to let him know how he was doing and put it on social media. Minutes later Watt sent a response.
"I'm going to have a big smile on my face," Steven said. "It was cool and I didn't even know he was going to reply."
Steven also banged the gong at Nebraska Medicine to let everyone know he finished his final chemo treatment. Afterwards, Watt sent another video of encouragement on twitter.
"I wanted to say how happy I was and send you my best wishes as you move on to the next phase so congratulations, enjoy the day and I hope you have the biggest smile on your face because you deserve it you were strong you fought through it all you were so tough and congratulations man," Watt said.
Steven and his family wanted to thank everyone in Omaha for their support and helping them through their journey.
