Philadelphia Union's John McCarthy supports young fan in battle with cancer

John McCarthy - Philadelphia Union - smiling with young friend Cameron McCarthy

For Philadelphia Union goalkeeper John McCarthy and young fan Cameron McCarthy, a bad buzz cut was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.


The Philadelphia ‘keeper visited seven-year-old Cameron (no relation) in a Delaware hospital last summer, getting a buzz cut from the big Union fan to show support for her in her fight with cancer.


Nearly a year later, young Cameron is still battling her disease – she’s undergone 17 rounds of chemotherapy and 31 rounds of proton therapy in the last 12 months – and still getting some support from McCarthy. The two have remained friends, with McCarthy hosting Cameron and her family at Union games, visiting her in the hospital and being a loyal member of Team Cameron.


McCarthy recently had Cameron and her family out to a Union training session. PHL17’s David Grzybowski was on hand for their meeting, with the story of Cameron, John and their friendship airing on Monday – the same day Cameron returned home from the hospital. Check out the piece above.