Nancy McGuireMeet a very singular young man. Make that a very young man.
Yesterday, 6-year-old Ryan McGuire of Foxborough, Mass., raised $25,000 for Golf Fights Cancer, a nonprofit organization owned by his mother, Cheryl McGuire, that raises money for cancer-related charities through golf games.
Ryan was close friends with a boy named Danny Nickerson, who died in April of inoperable brain cancer.
Cheryl exclusively tells E! News, "Due to the line of my work, Ryan is familiar with the concept of cancer."
Ryan and I would talk about Danny's cancer and his treatments gradually over the school year," she continued. "In May, Ryan heard me talking about recruiting fundraisers for Golf Fights Cancer's 7th Annual Golf Marathon.
"Ryan came to me, asking if he could participate in memory of Danny. After some consideration, we agreed to it and moved Ryan to a par-3 course for his own special day. His kindergarten teacher found out and suggested we make a field trip for the entire class! The students came out to cheer Ryan on, held signs and then got a golf lesson of their own. Each child played a par-3 and we added these 14 completed holes to Ryan's tally."
"This was by far going to be remembered as one of the best days of Ryan's life," Cheryl said. "He was so excited to share one of his favorite pastimes with his peers.
"And he played the best golf of his life, too! Ryan never lost sight that this was for Danny, but remained humble and focused on his task. Various supporters walked with him over the course of the day. His grandfather caddie was always by his side."
To date, Ryan has raised over $32,000 from 530 donors.
"One-hundred percent of the proceeds will be directed to Dana Farber Cancer Institute, specifically to Danny's doctor, Dr. Mark Kieran, and his efforts with DIPG research," Cheryl said.
It is truly amazing to see these kids show their love and support for their late friend Danny—such big hearts inside such little bodies!