MADISON, Wis. — As if Wisconsin men's basketball didn't have enough to play for this season, they introduced a program that changed their pre- and post-game routines, but also, more importantly, put life into perspective.

The new BIG Day initiative — created in partnership with Badgers Give Back — helps make wishes come true for children being treated for serious illness, disease or cancer at the American Family Children's Hospital. To alleviate some of the stress associated with childhood cancer or disease, Coach Gard invited four different families to four different Big Ten matchups for a special Big Ten game day experience.

What you may not know is that BIG Day came about through the persistence of men's basketball forward Nigel Hayes. A man of many talents and motivations, Hayes said that he had the idea of inviting different children from the hospital to men's basketball games when he was younger, but was never able to make it happen. However, going into the 2016-2017 season as a senior, "no" wasn't an option.

"I had come across other things that players from around the country have done with their community service. It usually involves one child, but I wanted the opportunity (to attend a Badger game and meet the team) to be available to more than just one child. My mother always told me to give back when I can. So this was the best way I thought I could give back to many."

BIG Day experiences give families an escape from their everyday lives and instill qualities of leadership in student-athletes by exposing them to the reality of childhood cancer and illness.

"It's a nice feeling, but I don't do it for the attention or the accolades," Hayes said, when asked how he felt about the effort being sparked from his idea. "It's sort of like donations. When there is a name attached to it and one they recognize, people are more willing to contribute and further the cause. Mostly, I'm hoping that the BIG Day experiences will continue and be made even better for the future."

The Henry family watched the Wisconsin versus Michigan nailbiter on Jan. 17, the Gaudreau family cheered on the Badgers at the Penn State game on Jan. 24, the Rickert family celebrated an optimistic recovery at the Northwestern matchup on Feb. 12 and the Thomma family closed out the BIG Day experiences at the Iowa game on March 2. Each family arrived to the Kohl Center an hour before tip-off to watch the Badgers warm up from the team bench, then waited afterwards to meet the players.

"The experiences were perfect in their timing," Hayes added. "When we would have a guest come and we'd lose a game, it quickly put everything into perspective. We were sitting in the locker room upset about a loss, then in walks a child who is fighting for their life. Then, we quickly realize it's just a game and there are more important things in the world."

According to the American Childhood Cancer Organization, a child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes somewhere in the world. Although we can't change those odds, the Badgers are doing everything they can to provide hope and support for America's young warriors.
 

BIG Day Experience: Dawson Henry

Dawson Henry, a young Wisconsin men's basketball fan, attended the Wisconsin versus Michigan thriller as the first BIG Day guest. Dawson became ill in May of 2013 and ended up losing circulation of his lower body, which led to amputation above his ankles. Prior to tip-off, Dawson made his way down to the lower concourse, where he watched warm-ups from the team bench. After the game, Dawson and his family waited outside the team locker room to congratulate them on their win.

"We had an amazing time, it was well worth the late night," said mother Beth Henry.

"I [was so] impressed with the players. I imagine that they were exhausted after the game, but I can't tell you enough how touched and proud I was to watch each of them interact with Dawson and Wes … They were all very sweet and made a point to ask their names … That was one of the parts that Dawson will remember forever."

BIG Day Experience: Kendall Gaudreau

Eight-year-old Kendall Gaudreau arrived to the Kohl center on Jan. 24 as the second honorary BIG Day guest for the Wisconsin vs. Penn State game. By her side were parents — Mark and Amber — and brother Will. Kendall has been battling Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) since December 2014.

"The Big Day was an incredible experience for not only Kendall, but the rest of us as well. She was in awe from the moment we arrived and she still talks about it today," said Amber.

"The locker room was such a unique and special experience. The coach and team made her feel like they are on her 'team.' She is very proud of the trading cards she got from the seniors too."

BIG Day Experience: Blake Rickert

BIG Day guest Blake Rickert attended the Northwestern game with his parents. At age four, Blake was diagnosed with Burkitt leukemia, a rapid growing from of cancer that resulted in an intense six-month treatment at the American Family Children's Hospital. The Rickert family is celebrating two and a half years of Blake being cancer free.

"After Coach talked to the team, he said 'and then we have Blake here,' said Jill. "He told the team that he was celebrating [Blake] being in remission."

"The team all stood around him — I could see him from the outside of the huddle in-between someone's legs — and he just looked so little in that big circle. The Coach had him count to three and the team yelled Badgers … I was so overwhelmed with emotions."

BIG Day Experience: Kaitlyn Thomma

Six-year-old Kaitlyn Thomma enjoyed a special game day experience at the Big Ten Iowa matchup. Two years ago, Kaitlyn was diagnosed with Leukemia. 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.

"It's one game, but it makes a difference in our world when we can get out and actually do something like this because it all depends on how Kaitlyn's feeling," said Mike.

"After the game we were able to go into the locker room and meet some of the players and coach Gard. She had a great time, they (Kaitlyn and Mackenzie) had never been to a Badger basketball game, so they really enjoyed it."