CHARLOTTE — A 14-year-old boy battling leukemia for the second time had some very special visitors in his hospital room on Thursday night at Levine Children’s Hospital.

BJ Correll, 14, has wanted to be a Navy SEAL since a middle school project. There’s even a stocking on his hospital door that says future Navy SEAL on it. And on Thursday night he became an honorary SEAL after a couple of retired Navy SEALs, hearing his story, paid him a visit.

BJ was an athlete in middle school. And although sidelined physically by this cancer fight, his family says he has all of the mental qualities of the SEAL including bravery, courage and determination.

BJ’s mom says it was incredible to watch his dream come true.

“It took my breath away. He’s having a hard time right now. We’re at our last option, and it was just amazing for him to have what he’s wanted to do for his life,” said BJ’s mom Michelle Love.

When the SEALs presented BJ with his plaque and a flag, he told them he was so honored. They replied that they were the ones who should be honored, and they would be proud to serve with him.

“With everything he has fought for and everything, he would make a great SEAL, it really would. And I would love to train him,” said Retired Navy SEAL Stephen Brown.

SEALs say meeting BJ put a lot into perspective for them. They focus on fighting battles overseas while there’s a boy in Charlotte who dreams of doing that, while fighting for his own life.