Buffalo Bills fan being treated for cancer gets wish granted at training camp

“Don’t give up, don’t give up, don’t give up.”

In 2018, Nick Calandra of Whitesboro, New York, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Early in his battle, he lost the ability to speak, read, and even remember his parents.

The athlete was unable to play football for his high school, but said he was determined to overcome and beat cancer.

“He was a normal kid, and one day he had a seizure at a friend’s house,” says Nick’s mother, Melissa Tibbits. “The next morning, he had to have surgery that lasted nine hours.”

Despite his battle and treatment, cancer couldn’t ruin his love for the Buffalo Bills. Nick joined forces with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Western New York over three years ago and wanted to meet the Bills. COVID delayed plans, but on Friday, Nick’s wish was granted at Bills training camp.

“I’m shaking right now,” Nick said as players left the field to greet him and sign a Bills helmet.

Nick met Von Miller, Spencer Brown, Dawson Knox, Keon Coleman, Mitch Trubisky, Damar Hamlin, Keon Coleman, Justin Shorter, Tyrell Shavers, Dion Dawkins, Mack Hollins, Dalton Kincaid, Terrel Bernard, Gable Steveson and of course his favorite player Josh Allen.

“I want to cry,” said Nick’s father, Jay Calandra, “I want to cry knowing what could have been, what should have been… and look at it. “The best day of his life.”

Nick and his family aren’t the only Bills fans having a memorable time at training camp this year.

I met several fans on the second day of camp on Thursday who shared their enthusiasm.