Eleven-year-old Stefan Mileusnic lost his battle against leukemia, but won the hearts of all who had known him during his short life.

"Steve brought love and kindness to those fortunate enough to have known him during his short time here," said Alexis Dedelow, a family friend. "He was a very charismatic child, who was famous for his beautiful blue eyes and bright smile. He was most adored by his mother, Vera, and his siblings, Nik and Anastasia."

Mileusnic was a familiar face at WJOB radio in Hammond, where his mother, Vera, is employed. Mileusnic's mother would bring him to work when he was not well enough to attend school.

Dedelow said the young boy was the friendly voice greeting callers with, "WJOB and The Calumet Press, how may I help you?"

Mileusnic was an avid Cubs fan spending many hours in his hospital room watching the games on TV.

When word got out about how much he enjoyed the Chicago Cubs, friends arranged for him to attend several games this past summer.

"He was so excited when he got to meet some of his favorite players, but his biggest thrill was throwing a baseball from the pitcher's mound at Wrigley Field," Dedelow said.

Dedelow said Mileusnic's love for theater led him on a recent trip to the Big Apple, where he saw "Hairspray."

"He also flew out to Los Angeles with his family to meet some of his favorite characters at Disneyland," Dedelow said.

Mileusnic's family said throughout his ordeal, he never complained.

"He was wise and courageous beyond his years. He touched many lives and changed us all for the better. He is our hero. Although he was only 11, many of us referred to him as our ‘little man,'" Dedelow said.

He was a sixth-grader at Wilbur Wright Middle School in Munster.