November 08, 2019 at 11:51PM
HEATH - When students found out a local family was going to miss Trick or Treat, Bulldogs took Halloween to them.
On Oct. 30, the Whisner family was unable to attend the annual Touchdowns, Tackles and Treats hosted by the Heath football program and cheerleaders. The players and cheerleaders visited the Whisners home.
More: Heath two-year-old with heart condition continues to defy odds
"I figured we would get a couple guys and take some candy to their house," coach Tim Ward said. "That turned into like 40 football players and the entire cheerleading squad packing into their house."
Maci Whisner, now 3 years old, was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at 20 weeks in utero. She was given just days to live.
Buy Photo Maci Whisner and her big brother Jake play on the floor of their Heath home in 2018. (Photo: Jessica Phelps/The Advocate)
Maci has had multiple open heart surgeries since, but she continues to fight. Her parents Josh and Karissa have two other children, Jake, 6, and Everly, 1, and due to some recent complications for Maci, they were unable to leave the house for the holiday.
"Bottom line is there are things in life bigger than football," Ward said. "I absolutely love football. I love what it stands for and how football really helps you with some of the characteristics of being a man. I want our kids being good people. I want our kids committed to serving the community."
While visiting with Jake, the players suggested Jake spend their regular season finale on Nov. 1 with the team on the sideline.The Bulldogs rallied for a 17-13 victory against Johnstown after trailing 13-3 at halftime. Josh Whisner recounted their night on Facebook and shared it to a page titled "Maci's Mended Heart" where community members can follow Maci's progress.
"With everything going on with Maci lately, Jake has really needed some extra love and attention," Whisner wrote. "Some incredible people came up with an awesome way for Jake to escape the reality of what is going on with his baby sister."
More: Heath two-year-old with heart condition continues to defy odds
Jake told the Bulldogs at halftime to keep fighting much how his sister has. The Bulldogs delivered with a quick touchdown in the third quarter, and senior quarterback Austin Morrow then told Jake he would do one better.
"Morrow goes over to the sideline and tells Jake, 'That one was for Maci,' and of course, Jake got a big smile on his face," Ward said. "Austin looked him right in the eye and said, 'I will tell you one more. We are going to win tonight for Maci. I promise you for that.' That is just the kind of kid that Morrow is."
Community members wore red to support Maci on Thursday, and the Heath football players and cheerleaders found their own special way to support the family.
"After the game, our neighbor Kaden, who is part of the team, lifted Jake up and had him ring the victory bell," Whisner wrote. "After Jake rang it, Kaden turned him around to show Jake the crowd of players and fans celebrating. The look on Jake's face absolutely made my day."
ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com
740-328-8556
Twitter: @newarkurt
HEATH - When students found out a local family was going to miss Trick or Treat, Bulldogs took Halloween to them.
On Oct. 30, the Whisner family was unable to attend the annual Touchdowns, Tackles and Treats hosted by the Heath football program and cheerleaders. The players and cheerleaders visited the Whisners home.
More: Heath two-year-old with heart condition continues to defy odds
"I figured we would get a couple guys and take some candy to their house," coach Tim Ward said. "That turned into like 40 football players and the entire cheerleading squad packing into their house."
Maci Whisner, now 3 years old, was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at 20 weeks in utero. She was given just days to live.
Buy Photo Maci Whisner and her big brother Jake play on the floor of their Heath home in 2018. (Photo: Jessica Phelps/The Advocate)
Maci has had multiple open heart surgeries since, but she continues to fight. Her parents Josh and Karissa have two other children, Jake, 6, and Everly, 1, and due to some recent complications for Maci, they were unable to leave the house for the holiday.
"Bottom line is there are things in life bigger than football," Ward said. "I absolutely love football. I love what it stands for and how football really helps you with some of the characteristics of being a man. I want our kids being good people. I want our kids committed to serving the community."
While visiting with Jake, the players suggested Jake spend their regular season finale on Nov. 1 with the team on the sideline.The Bulldogs rallied for a 17-13 victory against Johnstown after trailing 13-3 at halftime. Josh Whisner recounted their night on Facebook and shared it to a page titled "Maci's Mended Heart" where community members can follow Maci's progress.
"With everything going on with Maci lately, Jake has really needed some extra love and attention," Whisner wrote. "Some incredible people came up with an awesome way for Jake to escape the reality of what is going on with his baby sister."
More: Heath two-year-old with heart condition continues to defy odds
Jake told the Bulldogs at halftime to keep fighting much how his sister has. The Bulldogs delivered with a quick touchdown in the third quarter, and senior quarterback Austin Morrow then told Jake he would do one better.
"Morrow goes over to the sideline and tells Jake, 'That one was for Maci,' and of course, Jake got a big smile on his face," Ward said. "Austin looked him right in the eye and said, 'I will tell you one more. We are going to win tonight for Maci. I promise you for that.' That is just the kind of kid that Morrow is."
Community members wore red to support Maci on Thursday, and the Heath football players and cheerleaders found their own special way to support the family.
"After the game, our neighbor Kaden, who is part of the team, lifted Jake up and had him ring the victory bell," Whisner wrote. "After Jake rang it, Kaden turned him around to show Jake the crowd of players and fans celebrating. The look on Jake's face absolutely made my day."
ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com
740-328-8556
Twitter: @newarkurt