Cancer survivor becomes Houston Astros player for a day

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - A wish granted, in a Major League way, for one young boy who has overcome cancer.

Cameron Gooch, 9, has been a Houston Astros fan since the age of four. The hometown fan was treated to more than just a ballgame on Thursday.

"I'm going to be an Astro for a day," says a very enthusiastic Gooch.

With a ball bag on his back and an excitement only he could describe, Gooch transformed into #17 for the Houston Astros.

"They're my favorite team and they're doing real good this year and I live around here," explains Gooch. His mother, father and sister were all on hand watching #17 hang out with some of his favorite ballplayers.

"We all grew up like Cameron, you know, little boys watching major leaguers play," says Astros pitcher Will Harris. "So getting to spend time with him is definitely rejuvenating." 

Gooch was diagnosed with cancer almost a year ago. Make-A-Wish Foundation granted the special day for him, but the event was more than just a fun day at Minute Maid Park since Gooch has just completed treatment.

"Chemo is done, radiation is done, tumor is gone...was surgically removed and has shown on CT that it hasn't returned," says Emmie, Gooch's mother.

Aside from getting suited up with his favorite team, Gooch was given full access to the dugout, the field and more than enough bubble gum to chew.

"It felt like I was a real major league player," says Gooch.

"You couldn't imagine a better day for a young kid that loves baseball," says Aaron, Gooch's father. Aaron also says his boy doesn't miss a single game, even on school nights. That's when the DVR comes in handy.

"It's kind of all of our Make-A-Wish to be healthy and happy, just to be together at an Astros game...and oh yeah, my boy is an actual Astro on top of it," says Emmie.

When asked how Gooch felt today, he thought...paused...and said, "I feel real special."