MADISON, Wis. — Kaitlyn Thomma arrived at the Kohl Center on Thursday, March 2, for the Wisconsin versus Iowa game as the Badgers honorary BIG Day guest. Her parents — Mike and Beth — and twin sister Mackenzie stood by her side for a behind-the-scenes look of Wisconsin men's basketball.

Six-year-old Kaitlyn is a patient at the American Family Children's Hospital and was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. Wisconsin men's basketball invited the Thomma family to the Big Ten matchup as a token of support for Kaitlyn through her ongoing battle.

"The game was beneficial for our family as we spent time together cheering on the Badgers," Mike said. "Kaitlyn was having so much fun and enjoying the moment that it was a nice distraction from the Leukemia and her treatment."

Although the game didn't go as planned and the Hawkeyes scored a 3-point basket at the buzzer for the win, Badgers' head coach Greg Gard welcomed the Thomma family into the locker room and took a moment to recognize Kaitlyn's bravery.

"We were invited into the locker room after the game and Kaitlyn and Mackenzie were able to break the huddle, which made them feel a part of the team," added Mike.

Kaitlyn and Mackenzie are more than just twins, they're best friends. The pair demonstrate the purest kind of love and used their innocent charm to bring smiles to a disappointed men's basketball team.

After the locker room, Kaitlyn made her way to center court of the Kohl Center, where she posed for a picture on the Wisconsin Motion W holding an autographed men's basketball poster. At this time she also visited with freshman guard D'Mitrik Trice and freshman forward Aleem Ford. BIG Day experiences are made possible through the Wish Upon a Badger program and American Family Children's Hospital.

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