Roping Event Creates Life Changing Moment for Child with Leukemia

Jennifer Pierce, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Oklahoma getting to experience the hospitality most of us take for granted each day.

The National Team Roping Finals at the fairgrounds didn't just host some of the best rodeo stars this weekend, they helped one Oklahoma boy who is struggling to overcome cancer walk away with a brighter outlook on life.

Eight-year-old Gus Weir got a day pass from Children's Hospital to meet some of his rodeo heroes. And at one point he got to swap stories with one of them, though he didn't share everything.

"My back was hurting real bad and I can't really sit down that good," Gus said.

It's the regular aches and pains he feels from the leukemia that's attacks his body, but this weekend he had a little extra motivation to put it aside and even though the men are larger than life to Gus, the cowboys said he's the real hero.

"These cowboys set out to inspire these kids, but the kids inspire them 100 times more," Donnalyn Guintana said.

Quintana has seen it happen dozens of times. She's the founder of Western Wishes, an organization that brings hope to children with disabilities or terminal illnesses. To spend a day, or even just a few minutes, with a country music star or rodeo star can sometimes make a world of difference in a child's recovery.

"It's nice to think we might have a little bit of a contributing edge to that," Guintana said.

It helped one of Western Wishes' first recipients 15 year ago.

"As long as you have support and people behind you, you can get better," said Alyssa Bigon. "You can fight it and be strong."

Bigon beat cancer and she wants Gus to know, he can, too.

"There is something more out there," said Bigon. "Enjoy life along with…this is just a setback."

Two other Oklahoma children were supposed to be at the rodeo with Gus, but their illnesses kept them away from the event.