B.J. Correll was diagnosed with leukemia for the first time in 2012 when he was only 11 years old. Three and a half years into his treatment, B.J. remains dedicated to one day fulfilling his dream–to join the Navy SEALs.

While the 14 year-old still has a lot of growing up and healing to do before he can formally join the elite group, retired SEALs visited his hospital room in order to induct him as an honorary member.

“He shows the character of what a SEAL would be like. He’s very strong,” said Stephen Brown, a retired SEAL and SEAL Swim Charities member. “He has gone through so much. So much pain, just not physically but mentally. And he stayed so strong through it.”

Correll appeared to have recovered from his first bout of leukemia in early 2015, but in May his family was dismayed to discover that his cancer had returned in full force. Despite the setback, Correll decided that he wanted to become a SEAL after studying the elite force in school. He owns three military coins, two for the Naval and Air Force academies and one for the SEALs, that he holds during chemotherapy for strength and luck.

When Brown and his fellow veterans visited Correll in his hospital room, they gave him a SEAL trident to keep until the boy earned his own in battle.

“It took my breath away. He’s having a hard time right now,” his mother said. “We are on our last option and it was just amazing for him to already have what he’s wanted to do for his life.”

You can learn more about Correll’s story in the video below, or donate to his medical fund here.