HOUSTON — At just eight years old, Nolan Smith has already endured more challenges than many face in a lifetime. Diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, at the age of three, Nolan underwent surgeries, chemotherapy, and countless hospital visits.
“My left eye had to be removed because they didn’t want it to spread to any other part of my body,” Nolan shared, reflecting on the battle he faced as a toddler.
Today, Nolan wears a prosthetic eye and has adjusted remarkably well.
“I can see with only my right eye, but otherwise, I’m fine,” he said.
Nolan’s journey hasn’t been easy for his family either.
“It was a rough adventure to start, sort of all of a sudden, with a young child—two young children at the time,” said his mom, Courtney Smith.
Through it all, the Smith family found support from the Children’s Miracle Network, which helped fund Nolan’s treatments.
“We’ve been very blessed as a family to have a solid support system,” said Nolan’s dad, Joshua Smith. “And I think that made a really big difference for us.”
Now cancer-free, Nolan proudly shares his story.
“I get to share my story, and not many kids get to do that,” he said.
This year, Nolan was named a 2024 National Champion for the Children’s Miracle Network—a title that brought him to the Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium in Houston.
“I feel excited because I’ve never been to a stadium that big before,” Nolan said, moments before stepping onto the field.
The highlight of the night? Nolan performed the traditional coin toss in front of thousands, surrounded by football giants.
“You ready? Let’s do it, partner,” a referee said to Nolan.
With the crowd cheering and cameras flashing, Nolan made the toss, marking a symbolic victory over his own battle with cancer.
As he left the field, clutching the coin as a keepsake, Nolan summed up the experience simply: “It’s been really cool.”
For Nolan and his family, it’s a memory they’ll treasure forever—a reminder of resilience, community, and the power of hope.