Manhattan Rallies Behind Beloved 4-Year-Old Boy, Now Terminally Ill

MANHATTAN, IL — A brave Manhattan boy who has endured a years-long battle with neuroblastoma is in what doctors believe to be his final days, and the community who loves him is doing what they can to make them good ones.

Brendan Burns' family is determined to keep making memories until their very last. First diagnosed in 2021, the family learned late last month that Brendan's cancer was back, and this time, not treatable.

Burns, 4, made it to his first Chicago White Sox game Monday—he even got to be on the field during batting practice—and was greeted by Liam Hendriks and other players. In his Sox jersey with Burns across the back, Brendan even delivered the game ball.

"He's my world, I love the kid," Brendan's father Tim told NBC at the game. "He’s everything. I don’t know what I’m going to do without him.

"Brendan I love you with all my heart, and I'm sorry you have to go through this," Burns said, holding his son in his arms.

The Burns family has shared their son's journey with supporters they call Brendan's Brigade. They've shared updates, photos, and memories with the group via social media page Brave 4 Brendan, creating a cheering section for their pint-sized warrior.

"Life is not fair! We are devastated by the news we heard yesterday about our baby boy," Brendan's father Tim Burns shared on social media. Brendan next will enter palliative care, family said.

"Now we are just going to make as many memories as possible while our buddy is here with us," Burns wrote. "We want Brendan to live the rest of his life having a blast."

The support for Brendan has been a steady stream throughout his battle. The Burns family in December were the recipients of a holiday light display from the Finley Forever Foundation in coordination with the Lights and Ladders Brigade and Project Fire Buddies.

Supporters recently asked Manhattan residents to adorn their trees with yellow ribbons—a sign of hope, they say. Ribbons have popped up on trees all around town, as a town rallies behind one of its littlest members.

A Go Fund Me for the family has raised nearly $50,000 to date. Anyone interested can also still participate in a meal train for the family, or donate a gift card.

Plans for a parade past Brendan's home this coming weekend were halted, in part out of concern that just too many people would want to be involved. The family also worried it would be too much for Brendan at this stage of his illness.

Mayor Mike Adrieansen said the support the town has shown for the family has been touching, and he wishes they could do more.

"Families and children are very important to all of us," Adrieansen said. "Any time we can do something to bring happiness to our residents facing tough challenges, we will help."