Flag Football Game For Jacob...

Since some people that read the sports and football forum don't read R&R, I'm posting this here as well.

I'm throwing together a flag football game to help raise money for Jacob Courtney, a 3 1/2 year old boy who lives in Kannapolis and has cancer. We're also helping a 4 month old baby who has cancer in both eyes. The game is scheduled for Friday evening, August 16 @ 7:00pm. It's taking place at Southeast Middle School in Rowan County - I-85 and the Peeler Road exit (71).

The American Association of Lutherns will match every dollar we earn to help pay Jacob's parent's monthly bills. Not sure how many players I'll get with such short notice, but every dollar will help. I'm going to charge $20 per player which will include a game shirt, refs, and awards, field use, and sound system. I'm looking for players, corporate sponsors, volunteers to serve food, etc. More details to follow. Anyone interested??? THANKS!!

Here's a letter from Jacob's parents:

Jacob Aaron Courtney was diagnosed November 2, 2000 with Stage III Neuroblastoma at the tender young age of 20 months. Since his diagnosis, he’s had to endure multiple surgeries, intense chemotherapy, radiation and a bone marrow transplant.

We had 9 wonderful cancer free months and then our worst nightmare started all over again, he relapsed in February of 2002. Since Jacob’s relapse he has major surgery and three rounds of even more intense chemotherapy.

Jacob’s doctors are preparing him for more surgery in August of this year in New York at MSKCC and chemo shortly after back home in Charlotte. Antibody treatments at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City will start once Jacob has been declared "no evidence of disease", hopefully this fall.

Through it all, since the very beginning Jacob has been so resilient, fun loving and very outgoing. He’s got a personality that will charm you, and a smile that will melt your heart. Jacob is 3 ½ years old, and full of life! He’s every bit what his Daddy and I prayed for when we were ready to have a child, and we are ever so grateful to GOD for choosing us as his parents. Right now we take each day "one day at a time" and savor every moment with Jake.

We are asking everyone to pray for the doctors to make the best decisions where Jake is concerned, for the surgery ahead to go better than expected and for peace in our hearts. Brian and I have been struggling with grief, fear and tremendous anxiety since the beginning. We continue to be grateful, for the lord continues to provide us with strength to get through another day and surround us with tremendous support from family and friends.

 

I'll be there

 

I won't.

 

Post an address and I'll send something. Love and kisses for the little fella.

 

Thanks, catch. Jacob is undergoing surgery today...keep your fingers crossed.

Steve Nation
945 NC 152 West
China Grove, NC 28023

 

let us know the outcome...I'll have him in my thoughts.

 

Jacob Courtney is the little boy we're playing football for this Friday. His surgery went well up in New York Friday afternoon and below is an update from his aunt. Hope to see y'all out there Friday night and for a good game! If anyone needs more information, just ask...

Jake's vital signs are good. The puffiness from the surgery is gone, the fluids are draining. Chanda (his mom) says he has beautiful color and looks good. He is still on the ventilator and is sedated. Even though he is sedated, he can hear what’s happening around him. He will squeeze your finger if you tell him to, he tries to open his eyes even though he is not supposed to. They are hearing bowl sounds which is a very good sign. Jake is breathing above the ventilator, which is also good. They are supposed to take him off the ventilator today so please PRAY that Jake breathes like he is supposed to and his lungs are strong.

It will be a long haul in NY so please keep Jake, Mom and Dad in your prayers. PRAY! PRAY! PRAY!

I will update again this afternoon.

Aunt Pat


Here's some background information on Jacob's fight:

Hope for Jacob

At age 22 months, Jacob was diagnosed with Stage III Neuroblastoma November 3, 2000. The tumor was the size of two softballs in length, located in his chest cavity. Jake endured 5 rounds of chemotherapy in Charlotte. Due to an "unfavorable histology" his oncologist advised us he would need an autologous stem cell transplant. After 7 Pheresis sessions, 6 "tumor bed" radiation treatments, and 6 TBI treatments Jacob was admitted to Duke for an "autologous" (his very own cells) Stem Cell Transplant.

On 5/14/01 Jake received a second chance at a healthy happy life! Jake spent 28 days on the Pediatric Bone Marrow Unit at Duke.

On Day 39 (June 22, 2001) Jake was released to go HOME to Kannapolis, NC. Jake has been released back to his CMC oncologist to be monitored on an out-patient basis as of 7/11/01

On February 15th, 2002 we learned Jacob relapsed. Please keep him in your prayers....

 

Got yours in the mail today, Catch. Thanks!!!! The game went very well and we cleared more than $600 for Jacob. AAL will match that, so the Courtney's will receive over $1200 and we had a lot of fun. Not a bad evening at all

 

that's good stuff man. I know they're thankful as hell for all your work.

 

if you haven't had that money matched yet i will send you a check. if so, i'll just mail it to the address above. good to see you all doing so much for this little guy.