Local

UPDATE: Iredell teen with brain cancer watches Final Four

Matthew Bailey said in a private box seat for the Final Four.

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — An Iredell County boy who is battling brain cancer got to mark off a couple of items from his wish list this weekend.

Last week Channel 9 reported about Matthew Bailey top 10 list of big wishes.

Matthew's top 10 list consists of going to the Final Four, throwing a football with Cam Newton, visiting Cameron Indoor Arena and meet Coach K.

On Friday afternoon, the 13-year-old and his family boarded a plane and headed to the NCAA Final Four in Texas thanks to Lowe's.

While at the Final Four, Matthew sat in a private box for the two games Saturday night.   A photo shows Matthew in the cockpit of the plane.

His family's pastor, Joel Settle, said the teen received an autographed Duke basketball team poster. He also received an autographed Duke football helmet from Coach David Cutcliffe.

On Monday, Settle said Matthew received an autographed basketball from Coach K and a signed hat from Jabari Parker.

Lowe's also was able to get Matt an autographed Cam Newton jersey.

There is no word on whether he will get to meet Coach K.

Matthew's pastor encouraged him to create the list as a way to take his mind off of an aggressive treatment he is undergoing.

Matthew's list has spurred a social media movement. Hundreds on Twitter and Facebook have sent messages of support to Matthew and recently a family friend stepped forward offering free tickets to the Final Four.

WSOCTV.com revealed Matthew's top 10 list on Twitter and the hashtag #Top10ForMatt caught on quickly and spread.

"It's just amazing how people have rallied around and really helped to keep his spirits up," Don Bailey, Matthew's father.

"Pray for other people doing the same stuff as I do. We go down there to where I have to do my treatment and there's people who need help, need the prayers more than I do, so just help them, pray for them," Matthew said.

Matthew Bailey's Top 10 list:

No. 1: Throw a football with Cam Newton

No. 2: Play H-O-R-S-E with Bobcats owner Michael Jordan

No. 3: Tebow with Tim Tebow

No. 4: Play a pick up game with Kevin Durant

No. 5: Meet Johnny Manziel

✔ No. 6: Go to the NCAA Final Four

No. 7: Visit Cameron Indoor Arena, meet Coach K

No. 8: Sit courtside for a Miami Heat game

No. 9: Go to the Super Bowl

No. 10: Go to an NBA Finals game

PAST COVERAGE:

WSOC

Most Read