2021: HOPE, BY HAZEL
Hazel is a precious daughter to Ryan and Kristin and big sister to Hattie. Hazel is outgoing, caring, and full of life. She is seven years old and loving 2nd grade.
Her favorite things to do are draw, cuddle her stuffed animals, read, and be with friends. She has a passion for dinosaurs and unicorns, too. In April 2018, Hazel was diagnosed with PH+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
She is a St. Jude patient and goes weekly for treatment at the Tulsa affiliate clinic. With determination and pistols always firing, she is beating cancer. Nothing will stop her strong, happy spirit or take away her beautiful smile.
She truly enjoys life to the fullest and always says she’s OSU’s biggest fan! Go Pokes!
2019: OSU, by BAYLEA
BayLea Akin is the daughter of Brock and JoEtta Akins, and little sister to Hunter. BayLea was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia in November 2016. Within minutes of hearing this diagnosis, she said, “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad – I’m going to beat this.”
BayLea was always active and grew up running through the woods with her bluetick hound, Blue, as well as participating in a wide variety of outdoor activities. When her diagnosis occurred in 2016, she realized she would have to temporarily give up the things she loved.
BayLea faced her treatment with incredible courage and resilience. In September 2017, almost a year after beginning treatment, she fell into a coma. Doctors weren’t optimistic and prepared the family for the inevitable. But, through God’s grace and her stubborn nature, BayLea beat the odds and survived.
Shortly after waking from her coma, BayLea learned she had lost the ability to walk. Although she is now confined to a wheelchair, she has never lost her spirit. She is determined to get back in the woods one way or another – but it may just look a little different now.
She loves Oklahoma State sports and says Go Pokes!
2018: Pistols Firing, by Hadly
This 2018 Cowboy Classic will feature special artwork by Hadly. Hadly is the son of Travis and Ricky, big brother to Harper and little brother to Hunter. Hadly is a super fun kid who loves going to the woods with his BB gun and the family dog, playing basketball, building Legos and calf roping.
On Aug. 30, 2016, Hadley's PE teacher voiced his concern after noticing Hadly was having trouble breathing and had leg pain during class. To his parents, he suddenly appeared very pale and tired. After seeing the family doctor, Hadly was immediately sent to The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Sept. 1, 2016.
Hadly is under the care of a wonderful group of doctors, nurses and volunteers at the OU Children's Hospital and The Jimmy Everest Center in Oklahoma City, where he proudly wears his Oklahoma State orange.
Throughout his treatment, Hadly and his family are reminded daily that we serve an awesome God, have wonderful friends, and live in a great community.
Hadly bleeds orange and says GO POKES!
2017: The Boot, by Luke Jackson
Luke Jackson created "The Boot" artwork, which was found on balls, shirts and signage during the 2017 Cowboy Classic. Luke was diagnosed with an optic glioma pathway tumor in 2014 at the age of 8. He is a huge OSU fan and as you can see below, a pretty great artist as well. Thank you to the Jackson family and to our buddy Luke for helping make this year's tournament that much more special.