Approximately 20 active-duty soldiers from the Twin Cities area were in Rochester, Minnesota, for a special mission.
They made a visit to Mayo Clinic Children’s Center to meet with 5-year-old Gabe Downey. Gabe is battling rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer often found in soft tissue.
Diagnosed in April, Gabe has been receiving weekly chemotherapy treatments. His family has a strong military background, so his mother, Riley, reached out on social media to share Gabe’s medical journey. This led to an incredible outpouring of support from soldiers worldwide, who sent Gabe letters, Facebook messages via his mom’s account, and flags and patches from soldiers’ uniforms, lifting Gabe’s spirits.
The soldiers presented Gabe with more patches and other Army gear.
The group organized a “field promotion” ceremony for Gabe, who was also presented with gifts from both the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings.
Judging by the smiles of his family, mission accomplished!
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