Phoenix Suns to debut half-hour special following Valley teen’s fight with cancer
Jan 26, 2016, 8:00 AM
Don't miss a powerful special #PHX4Jared debuting on @foxsportsaz after #SunsAtCavs. https://t.co/KevAzLzCz9
https://t.co/wcNIOsD8ln
— #WeArePHX (@Suns) January 25, 2016
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns will debut a half-hour special that followed one Valley teenager’s fight with cancer on Wednesday, according to a recent press release.
PHX 4 Jared will follow Valley teenager Jared Ornoski’s more than year-long battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which he was diagnosed with as a junior in high school after doctors discovered a lump in his neck.
The Phoenix Suns got word of the then-17-years-old’s diagnosis and made him an honorary member of the team’s front office, allowing Ornoski to attend the 2015 NBA Draft Lottery, assist with pre-draft workouts and greet Suns rookie Devin Booker on draft day.
Team President Jason Rowley said the special is not just about showcasing the personal hardships of cancer, but the effects it has on loved ones as well.
“What we’re really highlighting is Jared and his family and the trials and tribulations they really had to deal with when they were working through having him fight this disease,” he said.
Rowley said he and the team were thankful that they were able to offer Ornoski hope and fun during a dark time, one that involved him fighting battles for himself and others in similar situations.
“I’m very happy to say that throughout his battle, he really worked positively himself to raise funds and awareness for the disease or for those in a similar situation,” he said. “Jared was going through this himself but was also trying to help others.”
Unlike most cancer-centered stories, Ornoski’s has a happy ending, ending chemotherapy this past June. He is now a senior at Phoenix Christian Preparatory School and has returned to the basketball court as the starting point guard for his school.
“It’s really just been a phenomenal journey for him and something we’re proud to play a small part in,” Rowley said.
RT to join in celebrating our friend & honorary front-office member @JaredOrnoski‘s victory over cancer. #PHX4Jared https://t.co/7SCB8i37L6
— #WeArePHX (@Suns) August 7, 2015
The special will premiere on FOX Sports Arizona on Wednesday after the Phoenix Suns take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It will also be available on Thursday on Suns.com.
KTAR News’ Lauren Grifo contributed to this report.
