Neesha Nicks Allen ’93 watched her son go from swimmer to invalid in a matter of days.

Seven-year-old Hunt had been victorious at his swim meet and the family celebrated that evening. He later complained of a severe headache that continued for two days. When his symptoms worsened, a CAT scan was ordered by his doctor at the Children’s Clinic of Wilmington Health Associates. It revealed a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball.

Hunt was rushed to UNC Children’s Hospital, where the tumor was removed, leaving him unable to talk, walk and function as a normal child.

“It took almost a year to get him back to where he could function like he had before the surgery,” Neesha said.

One of the things that seemed to help with his recovery was the fact that even after seven hours of major brain surgery, Hunt was still able to pick out his favorite vehicles as he was driven around town. The Hummer was his favorite. And as a reward for the progress he made toward recovery, his parents would take him to Rippy Automotive where owner Allen Rippy, who serves on UNCW’s Board of Trustees, made sure the youngster had ample opportunities to ride in his all time favorite vehicle.

“They became very special to us,” Neesha said of the Rippy family.

Hunt was further motivated to overcome all odds after attending the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, N.C. The mission of the camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic or life-threatening illnesses by creating camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound.

Now recovered Hunt, 9, and his family are bringing these two supportive groups together with the Victory Hummer Dance.

Neesha, who first volunteered for the Victory Junction Gang Camp and now serves as regional camp recruiter, has organized this charity event which will be hosted by Rippy Automotive at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at its New Centre Drive location.

“It’s amazing what UNCW graduates can come together to do,” said Neesha, whose husband Reuben earned an M.B.A. from UNCW in 2001. The two also have a daughter Bryce, 11.

The black tie-optional family event will feature Hummer track rides, coloring and dance contests, magic shows, silent and live auctions, food and a chocolate fountain. A child-sized playhouse which Hunt helped to design will also be auctioned.

Tickets are $250 for a family of four, $125 for individuals and $25 a child.

Neesha hopes that her family’s story will inspire others to support the Victory Junction Gang Camp. For more information on the Victory Hummer Dance call 910.799.2421.