ST. LOUIS — Nelly hosted his annual Black & White Ball on Sunday to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Harris Stowe University. And just like many years before, the St. Louis native rapper granted a very special wish in front of the entire community.
Ten months ago, the DelRosario family learned heartbreaking news about their youngest son Max.
“He was diagnosed in February with cancer, with Hodgkin's disease,” Genevieve Del Rosario said.
She said the support has been the silver lining of this tough journey.
“Your world stops and, and then you're like, but you've got to do it. You're going to do it. You're going to take care of your kids cause that's what we do as parents,” DelRosario said
Max said there's really only one way he's been able to keep his spirits up.
“By being a total drama queen, I think,” he said.
This is fitting for the wish he made through the Make-A-Wish Foundation: a new home theater!
“The ability to be like, 'Ooh, what color do you want the movie theater to be? And what seats do we want? And what's the first movie we're gonna watch?' I can't even tell you how much easier that has made our journey,” DelRosario said.
Max said he already has his favorite movies queued up.
“There's so many good ones, either 'Home Alone' or 'Home Alone 2,'” Max said.
What he didn't know at the time of this interview was his wish would be granted at the ball.
“It really does bring that hope, strength, and joy that they've been wanting and wishing for,” Make-A-Wish COO Stephanie Hampton-Boeglin said.
Fundraising at Nelly's Black& White Ball will help support more than 750 wishes in Missouri and Kansas.
“They mean a lot, you know what I'm saying. I was one of the kids wishing maybe not as severe as some of our children but that's what makes it that much more amazing,” Nelly said.
Ashanti joined him after they made a big announcement last year: They, themselves, were having a child.
“It's such a beautiful thing to witness, you know. He's been doing it for so long and touching so many lives, and we're just happy to be a part of it and witness all the greatness,” Ashanti said.
He brought out a star-studded cast to rally even more support, from sports stars to local personalities to R&B singer Ne-Yo.
“I feel like a lot of people get money and get celebrity and forget that you're given blessings to be a blessing,” Ne-Yo said.
As a St. Louis native, Guns 'N Roses guitarist Richard Fortus also joined the supporters list this year.
“ I never get to do things in St Louis like this, so it's huge for me. I mean, being able to celebrate and help give back to the community, the community I grew up in, you know, it's great,” Fortus said.
If you’d like to donate, there is a critical need to grant wishes. Click here for more information.