At an age when most kids are content to play with their friends, five-year-old Daniel Badmus is being honoured for being a hero.

Since birth, his younger brother John has suffered from sickle cell anemia, a genetic condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Back in October, in the first procedure of its kind in Ontario, Daniel donated his bone marrow to save his four-year-old brother's life. The transplant was a success, and both boys recovered well.

"I am particularly happy the doctors found he's a perfect match for John," noted the boys' mother, Ibakun.

Their father, David, beamed, "I am really very proud of Daniel."

On Wednesday, Daniel was to be presented with a special award by the Canadian Armed Forces, and a torch ceremony was to be held in his honour.

John continues to receive treatment at Sick Kids Hospital.

To find out how you can donate bone marrow and help save a life, click here.