Little brother Anthony received a football signed by University of Texas Head Coach Mack Brown Tuesday, but that's not the only gift he got.
His Big Brother Ben De Leon was named the 2009 National Big Brother of the Year.
The two met four years ago, through a mentoring program at De Leon's church. Since then, they say they wouldn't be where they are without each other.
"If I wasn't his little brother, and he wasn't my big brother, I would have just been a regular kid sitting at home doing nothing," Anthony said.
At the ceremony, on UT's campus, both De Leon and Anthony learned they're heading to the nation's capital to meet President Barack Obama in the fall.
Big Brothers Big Sisters is a non-profit organization dedicated to mentorship through providing one-on-one relationships between adult professionals and young people.
Thursday during Your Neighbors, News 8 will share Anthony and Ben's journey and what keeps them close to each other's hearts.
