Hamish Fenton, 14, who died from NUT Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer, on June 2, left his family and friends with one final wish: to make a difference.
“Hamish fought so hard – he wanted his fight, his life – to matter, to make an impact, to make a difference,” said his mother, Cassie.
On Friday, Sept. 18 at Nugent Stadium, on a field where Hamish always dreamed of playing alongside his older brothers, Archer and Jagger, Cassie and her husband, Gus, made their son’s final wish come true with the launch of The Hamish’s Difference Foundation and Award.
“Hamish always wanted to help people,” Cassie said. “At MSK (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), he always looked out for the younger patients. Even as he faced his own extraordinary challenges, Hamish continued to think about other kids and families going through similar journeys.”
The Hamish’s Difference Foundation and Award is intended to ensure that Hamish’s light and life will continue to shine not only here in Rye – but for families around the world.
The foundation’s mission is to advance the search for a cure, to support families facing pediatric cancer, and to promote awareness. Based on three pillars – cure, community, and advocacy – this initiative will fund research, offer connection and support to those traveling an unbearable journey, and work to raise awareness about little-known diseases.
When Hamish was diagnosed in September 2023, Cassie and Gus Fenton dedicated their lives to finding a cure. Cassie, who has no medical background, took the helm – reading, researching, talking with doctors, scientists, and medical professionals around the world.
“It can be so overwhelming, so disheartening – it can feel impossible at times,” Cassie said. “We want to help families who may not have the resources or ability to research and advocate for their children.”
While Cassie and Gus threw themselves into finding a cure, they worked equally hard to ensure that Hamish lived as “normal” a life possible. A gifted athlete, he played Rye town sports and aspired to play for the Garnets like his brothers, Jagger, now a senior at Rye High School, and Archer, who graduated in 2024. Hamish, who would have been a high school freshman this year, loved his friends, his teammates, his classmates, his school, playing on sports fields, and riding waves at the beach.
Hamish always looked out for those around him. He had a smile and encouraging word for the superstars, those on the sidelines, and everyone in between. As he faced a foe far greater than any opposing team, he met each challenge with grace and courage – always thinking beyond himself.
The Hamish’s Difference Award aims to honor that spirit of camaraderie, care, and courage. The award honors a senior student-athlete whose impact on those around him reaches beyond the game itself – a teammate who makes everyone around him better and reminds us what really matters, both on and off the field.
The recipient of the first Hamish’s Difference Award this year was Benji Kaplan, one of the team captains, who always lifts up teammates in a quiet way.
“Hamish always loved to watch Benji play, and would have been thrilled to see Benji receive this award,” Cassie said.
When Hamish was first diagnosed, he made another wish – to be a Giant. An avid New York Giants fan, Hamish was granted that wish through the Make-a-Wish Foundation and was drafted by his beloved team. He signed a contract, was given a uniform, and attended a practice and game.
But his tenure with the team did not end that fall – throughout the course of Hamish’s cancer battle, the Giants and the Mara family took him in as one of their own. He continued to attend practices and games. He joined in the huddles, cheered from the sidelines, and high-fived his idols in the locker room after games.
On Sunday, Sept. 27, the Fentons announced the launch of The Hamish’s Difference Foundation at MetLife Stadium, where the Giants honored their steadfast fan and teammate, Hamish Fenton: the boy who became a Giant and made a difference.
Click here to learn more about The Hamish’s Difference Foundation and Award.
