COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) – The stands erupted in cheers every time the Covington Catholic Colonels scored at Tuesday’s game against Highlands High School. But the biggest cheers were reserved for a young man who is not even on the basketball team.

In October, 17-year-old Covington Catholic lacrosse player Thomas Burns learned he had Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

“I didn’t know how to feel because it was like this is happening to me,” said Burns. “You don’t expect it to happen to yourself.”

And Burns was not expecting what happened next.

His friend and classmate, Simon Fieler, asked that Tuesday’s game be dedicated to Burns. Hundreds wore yellow “TB Strong” shirts, which were on sale outside the game.

“Something just gets your mind of what’s happening to you at the time, just to get your mind off that is absolutely wonderful,” said Fieler.

The game was originally supposed to be held at Covington Catholic but was moved to the larger Holmes High School after it became clear how many people wanted to attend.

Money from the t-shirt sales are expected to help with any leftover medical expenses and Burns’ parents say they are also hoping to donate some to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

The Point Apparel shop, run by Fieler’s aunt, has been busy for weeks printing the shirts.

“Simon told me about 200. Well, that was his first sale,” said general manager Jan Gilliam.

Instead, they ended up making more than 800 shirts.

“All these people coming together and supporting me, I didn’t expect this much,” said Burns.

Burns starts radiation therapy Wednesday and hopes to finish treatments by late April.

“He’s got a long road ahead of him, so he’s not out of the weeds yet,” said his mother, Julie Burns.

Covington Catholic won Tuesday’s game 71 to 51.