My outside enrichment for this year has been my involvement with the FOJ (Friends of Jaclyn) Foundation specifically with our football teams member Elijah. My teammates and I took many visits to see Elijah in the hospital following some of his procedures. We also helped Elijah’s parents move to a home where Elijah could get around more easily on his wheelchair. Our goal was to build a relationship with Elijah in order to support him and be there for him. We are in the process of raising money for FOJ and continue our Adopt A Child Program.
Being with Elijah was like its own flourishing course within itself. He taught me more then he would ever think. All the things we did for Elijah do not even compared to what he did for us. First he taught me grit. I thought my ankle surgery was difficult, but this hero of mine went through multiple brain surgeries. He had all the right to feel sorry for himself, but instead he was positive. And his positivity was not fake. He would not lie to make people feel better, but instead he would just be himself. Elijah never changed. Even after his health really started to decline, he continued to be this quick witted little prankster who put a smile on everyones face. Elijah’s happiness throughout all of his horrible medical issues taught me optimism because Elijah lived every day fighting for his life and believing. Never once did Elijah give up.
Elijah was and continues to be a huge inspiration for me. Elijah’s health caused him to live a very tough life because of the pain and multiple procedures done on him, but if you were to talk to Elijah you would never know it. He was always a positive dude who liked to joke around just like you average boy. I will never forget Elijah making fun of guys just like we did to each other all the time. Elijah was one of our teammates and I could not be prouder. E would cheer us on every game, and even made it out to midfield and stood up to do the coin toss for our last game. I am very grateful to have known Elijah and I know he is in a better place. Elijah passed away this month (April 2018) after a long fight against brain cancer. While it has been super sad, I will never forget what Elijah did for me. His legacy will always live on and continue to inspire my teammates and I.
