Ky’ree Collier is shown ringing the victory bell at Roswell Park after beating cancer earlier this month.

A Dunkirk tradition after a big victory is to ring the bell outside of the high school. Athletes and coaches of all sports have created memories ringing the bell after coming out on top of their opponents.

Ringing the bell is special, but earlier this month, one Dunkirk boy rang a different bell, and his victory was more meaningful than any athlete in Dunkirk has ever earned.

Surrounded by family and friends from his Dunkirk community, Ky’ree Collier rang the victory bell at Roswell Park in Buffalo to celebrate his victory over a rare form of cancer.

Ky’ree was diagnosed with a rare Wilms Tumor at just 3 years old. The rare form of cancer only affects roughly 500 children in the U.S. each year. Ky’ree underwent a major surgery to remove his right kidney to take out the tumor, followed by 19 rounds of chemotherapy.

Even with such a challenging road ahead, Ky’ree faced each step of his journey with the courage of a warrior. His bravery was celebrated by the custom hoodies that his family and friends wore, referring to Ky’ree as a “Wilms Tumor Warrior.”

On Thursday, Nov. 20, Ky’ree conquered his fight with cancer and rang the victory bell. Friends and family surrounded him and cheered as he proudly rang the bell, with a smile on his face matched by the smiles that filled the room as his Dunkirk community cheered him on. Finally, after all the fear, tears, and long nights, the destination of Ky’ree’s journey signified hope, celebration, and a future that’s finally his again.