Cancer Survivor to Flag Bearer at World Cup

A 13-year-old boy, Graham, who bravely fought and overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma, is preparing for an extraordinary moment. Diagnosed at age 10, Graham underwent intensive chemotherapy at Boston Children's Hospital and entered remission nearly three years ago. He will now step onto an international stage as an official flag bearer for Boston's first World Cup match.

Graham will join other patients from Boston Children's Hospital as flag bearers for the FIFA World Cup 2026. He will carry the flags of Haiti and Scotland onto the field at Gillette Stadium. This opportunity represents immense pride and gratitude for his family, highlighting Graham's resilience after a challenging year.

Graham's journey began when his parents noticed a swollen bump on his neck, leading to a misdiagnosis before a biopsy confirmed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. After five months of treatment, he achieved remission by November 2023. Now a healthy seventh grader, Graham is excited about the "awesome" opportunity, with his mother, brother, and friends watching from home.

Graham will cheer for Scotland during the match, one of seven Boston will host. Looking ahead, he is transitioning to the survivorship clinic, signifying progress in his recovery. Graham encourages children undergoing treatment to have confidence in their medical teams, emphasizing their ability to help them persevere through tough times.