An Idaho family has turned a challenging health crisis into an opportunity by opening a new sports card shop in downtown, inspired by their son’s recovery journey.
Comeback Sports Cards is expected to open next month.
In 2022, Ben King of Twin Falls was preparing to attend junior college in Washington when he suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
However, his love for sports cards became a key part of his rehabilitation process.
“The traditional PT and OT is great, but it gets old,” Sarah King, Ben’s mom recently told a local TV station. “We thought if we could find something for him to do that would be exciting, that could utilize his right hand and also his memory. Baseball cards just fit that bill for him.”
Throughout his treatment, Ben and his father often stopped by Big Nate’s Trading Cards.
“Every weekend, I would go to meet Nate and buy cards, ask prices, put them in sleeves, organizing and memorizing them,” Ben said.
The family relied on humor and faith to navigate the difficulties, but nine months into Ben’s recovery, they faced another setback when Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Undeterred by this additional hardship, the Kings continued their card-collecting passion. Now, they’re channeling it into the new card business the Kings hope Nate will eventually be able to run himself.
“He’s a different kid. He never has a bad day. I have never seen him so positive. He literally has never complained once. He has never cried. He gives it 110% in everything that he does every day. He’s truly an inspiration,” Sarah said.
To build excitement ahead of the launch, the family held a trade night last week at the Canyon Crest Events Center, where enthusiasts gathered to swap cards and share stories.
Watch the full story from KMTV here.
