Morris Boy Battling Cancer Is Honored At Rutgers Basketball Game

FLORHAM PARK, NJ — A Florham Park teen took center court at a recent Rutgers University men's basketball game, where fans and the Scarlet Knights honored him for his perseverance through cancer treatments.

Thirteen-year-old Ben Jimenez was named the "Shining Knight of the Game" as Rutgers team beat Michigan handily on Thursday, Feb. 29. The Ridgedale Middle School eighth-grader is a big Rutgers Athletics fan, and also loves the New York Mets and watching football.

This initiative, through Rutgers Athletics and official healthcare provider RWJBarnabas Health, shines a spotlight on pediatric patients facing adversity and also recognizes their support team. Rutgers shared Jimenez's story and celebrated the care team that helped get him on the road to recovery.

Jimenez's family took him to the emergency room at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in November 2022, as he was experiencing morning sickness and "just wasn't feeling himself."

He was sent for more testing, and diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor called medulloblastoma, which needed immediate surgery.

A team of surgeons went in to remove the tumor and relieved pressure in his brain. Then Jimenez's care team, led by Dr. Harini Rao at Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, recommended a course of treatment that included proton therapy.

This radiation treatment was led by Dr. Rahul Parkih at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, which is the state’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.

To honor Jimenez for his bravery, he and his family were invited to Jersey Mike's Arena for a special game-day experience and on-the-court recognition. The Scarlet Knight mascot joined the crowd to cheer the Jimenez family, as well.

A commemorative display for Jimenez and all the Shining Knights of the Game will be established at the RWJBarnabas Health Athletic Performance Center, the university said. This tribute will highlight each honoree's unique game-day experience.

The Shining Knight of the Game debuted in October of 2019.