Young cancer patient continues to inspire Rice athletes

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Back in April we introduced the newest member of the Rice football team -- Ziggy Young Redd, 7. On Wednesday, Ziggy took a big step in his battle with leukemia.

Ziggy has an infectious smile, even as he walked into his final round of radiation surrounded by his Rice teammates.

"That is something he was born with," said Ziggy's mother, Philandis Stovall. "Ever since he was a baby, he has always been a happy kid; free spirit, full of energy."

"You don't know what's going to happen tomorrow. You don't know if you're going to get that next day so you have to really be thankful for everything you have," said Rice defensive end Stuart Mouchantaf. "Ziggy's shown us that."

Back in early April, Ziggy signed with Rice with the help of 'Team Impact.'

And now they are more than teammates.

"He loves his brothers," said Stovall. "He talks about his brothers all the time. They are with him when he is in ICU in inpatient, they've been here, and they are here now.."

"A lot of times, he has more energy than me," said defensive tackle Ross Winship. "It is really important for us to look up to him."

Ziggy had a relapse in 2013, so Wednesday was a huge milestone -- the banging of the gong, signifying the end of his proton therapy.

Ziggy's bravery throughout this process has helped inspire the Rice football team, and they stand together as teammates