Make-A-Wish Kid Bailey Joins Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever for Memorable Shootaround in Las Vegas
Bailey Lux, a 14-year-old cancer survivor, recently experienced a heartwarming and unforgettable moment with the Indiana Fever at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bailey traveled from Iowa to Las Vegas to watch the Fever take on the Las Vegas Aces and had the incredible opportunity to join the team for their shootaround.
Bailey, who is bravely battling cancer for the second time, was given an honorary spot on the Indiana Fever roster. She was welcomed with open arms by the team and even received a personalized jersey and a bag of gifts, marking her as an official part of the squad for the day. Her excitement and joy were palpable as she introduced herself to the team, saying, “My name is B Lux. I’m a 14-year-old cancer survivor, and I’m currently going through my second battle.”
The connection between Bailey and the team was further deepened by her special bond with Caitlin Clark, the star basketball player. Bailey has followed Caitlin’s journey since 2022, attending her games and meeting her during treatments at the University of Iowa Hospital. “I went to some of her games back in 2022 and attended all the home games while I was being treated at the UI Hospital. From there on, I kept getting to meet her and see her at games, and it was a really good experience for me,” Bailey shared.
In a touching gesture, Bailey presented Caitlin with a photo album she made before leaving for Las Vegas, filled with cherished memories of their time together. Caitlin, moved by the thoughtful gift, expressed her gratitude, saying, “That’s so sweet, thank you. I love it. You didn’t need to bring me a gift.”
The day was filled with camaraderie and shared joy as Bailey participated in the shootaround, receiving a warm welcome from the Fever players. The team embraced her as one of their own, and the experience left a lasting impact on everyone involved. “Honestly, it was a really fun experience, and I really miss Caitlin. It just felt good to see her again and be back in her presence,” Bailey said.
As the shootaround concluded, the team rallied around Bailey, promising to give their all in the game for her. “We’re so glad you’re part of our team,” they told her. “We’re going to do everything we can to get you a win tonight because you’re going to be pulling for the Fever, right?” With a resounding “Win on three!” the team broke their huddle, determined to make the day even more special for their newest teammate.
The event was not just a memorable experience for Bailey but also a testament to the strength of community and the power of sports to bring people together. The Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark showed that beyond the game, their hearts and spirits are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of their fans, especially those like Bailey who face extraordinary challenges with courage and grace.
