Teen golfer who beat brain cancer will help kids at Children's Health fundraiser

Golf has long been a steady part of Avery Lilly's life, and now the 17-year-old is using his cancer experience to help other young patients. Lilly will serve as a patient ambassador for Children's Health's Swing Fore Miracles, presented by Neighborhood Credit Union. The fundraiser takes place Friday, Nov. 6, at Topgolf The Colony, and the proceeds go toward helping other children fighting the disease.

His health problems began in seventh grade, when he joined the football team and started getting severe headaches. He was vomiting often and dropped 30 pounds in about two months. His mother, LaSonya, took him to a hospital three years ago, where doctors found a tumor.

Lilly had his first brain surgery at Children's Health in Dallas. While he was in chemotherapy afterward, the family learned the tumor had doubled in size, and he needed a second operation. In May, he rang the bell to mark the end of his cancer treatment.

Lilly says the experience has pushed him toward bolder choices. "Since I beat cancer, I would say I've had a lot more courage," he said, pointing to a willingness to try new things. His mother's advice to other parents was simple: keep your child close and show them love as much as you can.

Lilly's story shows young patients that treatment and support from their care team can carry them through hard years and into new ones. Original reporting by CBS News Texas (Dawn White).