KNIGHTDALE — When 3-year-old Conner Stell was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on March 27, his family members went on offense.

Doctors told parents Aaron and Karrie Stell their son had acquired a high risk variation of the disease.

“Conner’s got to have a bone marrow transplant and, although it’s real good insurance, his insurance company won’t pay much for the donor’s medical expenses, so Conner’s parents are going to have to take care of that cost, which I understand will be right much,” Connor Stell’s great aunt Ranee Mills said.

Mills and her husband, Andy, are staying optimistic. The two decided a good way to achieve such a financial feat would be to hold a basketball tournament to benefit their great nephew.

“Hoops for Conner,” a youth basketball tournament fundraiser is planned for June 19-21 at the Knightdale Recreation Center.

The cost to enter is a minimum donation fee of $100 and the registration deadline is tomorrow, June 11, but, of course, those interested don’t have to enter a team into the tournament to help the Knightdale-rooted Stell family. All donations are welcome and all proceeds from this year’s tourney will directly benefit Conner Stell, who is currently at UNC Children’s Hospital.

To register a team, or for more information on the “Hoops for Conner” basketball tournament, contact Evans at 697-1139.