MADISON, Wis. — Seven-year-old Blake Rickert arrived to the Kohl Center on Sunday, Feb. 12, for the Wisconsin versus Northwestern Big Ten matchup as the honorary BIG Day guest.

Although the Badgers ended up falling to Northwestern after a hard-fought game, Blake's post-game presence gave the team perspective on their season.

While Wisconsin was battling to win a basketball game on Sunday afternoon, less than three years ago, Blake was fighting for his life.

At age four, Blake was diagnosed with Burkitt Leukemia, a rapid-growing form of cancer. Due to the fast-growing nature of the cancer, Blake spent six months at the American Family Children's Hospital undergoing intense treatment.

Now, two and a half years later, Blake is a healthy young boy who loves playing outside, listening to music and, of course, cheering on the Badgers. He and his family attended the Big Ten matchup to celebrate his journey and optimistic recovery.

"He has a great prognosis, as if Burkitt [leukemia] does not come back in the first 18-months after treatment, it will probably never come back," stated Jill Rickert, Blake's mother.

"This is because [Burkitt leukemia] is so fast growing that it would have shown up by then. With his strength and the amazing team of doctors he had around him, he beat [cancer] and has been in remission for over two and a half years."

Blake joined the team in the locker room after the game and stood in the center of their huddle. The team unified around him as he counted "one, two, three" and together, they yelled "Badgers."

Blake then exchanged personalized BIG Day trading cards with a few student-athletes, including Ethan Happ, Matt Ferris, Jordan Hill, Aaron Moesch and T.J. Schlundt. BIG Day experiences are made possible through the Wish Upon a Badger program and the American Family Children's Hospital.

Watch the Badgers Give Back video: BIG Day with the Badgers: Blake. And visit Badgers Give Back Wish Upon a Badger to learn more about this program and watch additional wish experience videos.