Local boy surprised with life changing gift

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - An 8-year-old Kansas City boy received a life changing surprise Monday.

It will help him play the sport he loves.

Sam Rice is a big baseball fan; he also suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy and needs a specialized wheelchair.

Insurance has covered much of the cost, but Sam's parents were left owing thousands.

That's where Young Variety comes in.

Monday the group of young KC professionals surprised Sam and his family with a check for $3500, allowing Sam’s parents to pay for the wheelchair.

"We kind of hoped when we contacted them maybe they would give us a little bit to help with a portion of it and we were pretty surprised to have them cover the full amount. That was pretty amazing," said Sam’s mom, Amy.

The Royals and T-Bones’ mascots were there to celebrate Sam’s surprise.

Sam even played an inning of baseball with Young Variety members, his family, and school principal to cap off the special day.