JACKSONVILLE, Fla.--First Baptist Academy of Jacksonville first-grade teacher Debra Moenning had each of her students write their wish for 2012. Six-year old Luke Akerstrom didn’t hesitate, “I want to play football.”
The Westside Baptist Church Flag Football League and an entire community is coming together to make Luke’s dream come true on Saturday, February 11 at Trinity Baptist Church at 4 p.m. Numerous Jaguars players and cheerleaders will be on hand to sign autographs and provide support for Luke as he scores his “First Touchdown.” Mayor Alvin Brown will also be in attendance.
Luke suffered a seizure on Dec. 31, 2010 while riding in the backseat of the family car and he spent the next five months at Brooks Rehabilitation and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. He was diagnosed with a rare case of encephalitis. For the first three months, Luke couldn’t sit up, talk or walk as the left side of his body could no longer function. Doctors weren’t optimistic he would ever move his legs again. Luke began to start moving his legs on June 21 for the first time since the seizures and goes through an aggressive rehab schedule four days a week.
Prior to the game at 3:15 p.m., Jaguars players and ROAR Cheerleaders will be signing autographs and there will be police cars, SWAT Team, fire truck, police helicopter and more for children to see.
"Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will RUN and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary" Isaiah 40:31
WHAT: Flag football game featuring six-year old Luke Akerstrom
WHEN: Saturday, February 11 at 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Trinity Baptist Church, 800 Hammond Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 3221
The following Jaguar players are scheduled to attend: Brad Meester, Paul Posluszny, Zach Miller, Derek Cox and several more.
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