Teen with rare bone cancer gets surprise birthday celebration at Oregon speedway

LEBANON, Ore. (KMTR) – It was an amazing outpouring of community support in Oregon Saturday as hundreds showed up to the Willamette Speedway to celebrate a very special birthday.

1,100 cars and motorcycles lined the entrance, all for 14-year-old Thomas Radley, who has alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare, stage 4 bone cancer.

For weeks, his family and local car and bike groups have been planning the surprise event in Lebanon, meant to help raise awareness for childhood cancers.

Arriving in a McLaren sports car driven by Oregon TikTok star, Jacob Colvin, Thomas was greeted with cheers and waves.

Yellow shirts featuring the phrase, "His fight is our fight," were worn by many.

The new owners of thespeedway, Cory and Sandy Penfold, say they were more than happy to lend the space to community members from all across western Oregon and beyond.

Thomas' mother, Jolene Burch, was overwhelmed by the kind-hearted display.

“Today, seeing all of this is absolutely amazing,” said Burch. “There are not enough words to even express the gratitude and thankfulness that we have. My family and our community have really come together for us. It’s beautiful, actually.”

Throughout the afternoon, donations were collected for both the Radley family and Childhood Cancer Awareness. A raffle was held as well.

Burch added that her son loves football and volunteering, and that she is impressed every day with his strength and his infectious smile.