He’s a high school senior who has played football and lacrosse for the past 7 years. He’s a team player, a kid who puts out the extra effort that coaches and teammates love to see. Last year he was the starting Long Snapper for Houston when they won State. On his lacrosse team he was the ultimate utility player, and his coaches knew he could make a difference in any spot they put him. His fighting spirit is such that G’town Lacrosse just made their mascot a Gator in honor of him (its his nickname). In addition to being the namesake of the team mascot, he was recognized as an All Region Long Stick Middie. He’s been described to me as “the kind of guy that shows up, works hard, would do anything to help others in need, never meets a stranger, is always respectful, kind, encouraging, and doesn’t put up with BS.” I can’t think of a bigger string of compliments than that. So life is great right? You’re crushing it on the athletic side, its your senior year, and all that’s left is football, and video games with the boys until you graduate. Nothing in life could be easier. This summer he was diagnosed with Stage 4 BPDCN (type of Leukemia). At a time in life when most are cruising into the easiest year of school they’ve ever had, and making plans for graduations and parties, this young man and his family were told that he has a highly aggressive type of cancer, and one so rare in young people that he is just the 70th pediatric case in history. No hammer blow could hit harder than this. Any parent I know would gladly take that hit for their child if they could, but you can’t. It’s just not possible to switch places. His tribe wanted to help, so Houston raised money for both St. Jude and Make-a-Wish, but also made Friday nights theme “Go Gold for Gator” to honor and support him. I watched as he got in the wheelchair at the curb to be rolled into the game. I watched the student section rise to their feet and cheer his very presence when he arrived. The Mob roared when they saw him, they cheered, they did the gator chomp hand signs, and many cheered with tears in their eyes. The story is continued on the blog, link is in bio line.