Brighten Your Day

Young Cancer Survivor's Dream Comes True At Phillies Opening Day

April 3, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In a heartwarming display of kindness and generosity, Zachery Dereniowski, known on social media as @mdmotivator, brought joy to a young boy's life by fulfilling his dream of attending the Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day.

Samuel / Credit: @mdmotivator

Dereniowski, whose mission is to spread positivity and kindness through small acts, has captured the hearts of millions with his inspiring social media videos. From surprising strangers with monetary donations to providing support to those in need, he has made it his life's mission to make a difference.

Last week, Dereniowski took to his Instagram story, asking his followers if there was anyone he should surprise during his visit to the Philadelphia area. That's when Lauren, the mother of 7-year-old Samuel, reached out to him. Samuel, who recently underwent brain cancer surgery and had finished chemotherapy in January, had a burning desire to attend the Phillies Opening Day.

In a touching collaboration between Dereniowski and Lauren, they orchestrated a surprise for Samuel while he was hosting a lemonade stand to raise funds for tickets to the game. Little did Samuel know, he was in for the surprise of a lifetime.

As Samuel shared his journey of overcoming cancer, Dereniowski unveiled a gift beyond his wildest dreams - $1,000 in cash and tickets to the Phillies Opening Day.

Accompanied by his family and Dereniowski, Samuel experienced a day filled with magic and surprises at the ballpark. The Phillies organization treated him to an unforgettable experience that included time on the field and a special meet-and-greet with players.

Watch the video below.

@mdmotivator “I had brain cancer” 🥹❤️ @MLB #cancer #mlb #phillies #baseball #dream #money #surprise #openingday #family #kind ♬ original sound - Zachery Dereniowski