Duval County

Two young cancer survivors surprised with gift for THE PLAYERS Championship

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A local nonprofit is making dreams come true for a man and a boy who both had stage 4 cancer.

Dreams Come True of Jacksonville partnered with THE PLAYERS Championship to gift 5-year-old John Bertram Lancaster and 18-year-old Dylan Browning with what they call “special memories” for the big event.

On March 11, John Bertram and Browning will get the VIP treatment for the first day of THE PLAYERS, which includes meeting some of the players and behind-the-scenes access.

On Thursday, the pair were also surprised with their own golf clubs to continue their experience on the course.

“We’re blown away by the opportunity because these moments are so special and when you go through something like this, you realize how precious every part of your life is,” John Bertram’s mother, Charlotte Lancaster said.

At 2 years old, John Bertram was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer. At 16 years old, Browning was also diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in his nasal system. After weeks of difficult treatment, both are now both cancer-free.

Browning said moments like this help kids through treatment.

“It shows for any kids going through anything tough in their life, there’s always someone behind you, always something to look forward to at the end. If you ever need help, or anything, they’re always just a phone call away,” he said.