When Sterling Owens Jr. and Matt Maneval entered each other’s lives through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBS) in 2017, they had no idea their bond would be life-saving for both of them. Sterling, now 16, was just eight years old when he was matched with his Big Brother Matt, now 33, through Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area.

But Sterling would need Matt’s support more than he thought. Three months into their mentorship, Sterling found out he had been diagnosed with leukemia.

Undeterred, Matt was by Sterling’s side throughout cancer treatment. Years later, Matt would look to Sterling for support during his own health scare that required brain surgery.

Supporting Sterling through leukemia

During Sterling’s battle with leukemia, Matt consistently showed up for him.

“I was able to visit him in the hospital a few weeks after—we spent our time still playing games with brotherly competitive spirit, though now our outings were interrupted as doctors and nurses........

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