Young Cancer Survivor Leads Kentucky Football onto Field for Spring Game

Ryan Cremeens, a nine-year-old cancer survivor, led Kentucky's football team onto the field before Friday night's spring game at Commonwealth Stadium.

According to ESPN.com's Edward Aschoff, Cremeens was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft-tissue tumor, last year. He is cancer-free after undergoing his last round of chemotherapy March 30.

The young Wildcats fan from Richmond, Kentucky, celebrated with the football team that supported him through his treatment.

"It was very comforting to Ryan because these guys that Ryan looks up to were coming up and telling him to be strong and do great," his father, Eric Cremeens, told Aschoff. "As a family, it made us feel good to see them put a smile on his face."

Eric Cremeens also offered his gratitude on Twitter:

Kentucky coach Mark Stoops told Aschoff his players received more motivation from Ryan than vice versa.

"It's kids like Ryan who inspire us," Stoops said. "If we could give some inspiration to him, that's great, but he inspires many of us to do better and be the best we can."

[ESPN.com]