Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College’s Athletic Department has once again demonstrated its commitment to community service and support by partnering with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting children battling pediatric brain tumors with college and high school sports teams.
In a heartwarming event held yesterday, the Gadsden State Athletics Department hosted an “adoption ceremony” for Levi Worthington, an 8-year-old boy from Oenatoa, who is bravely battling an ependymoma brain tumor. The special signing event took place at 4 p.m. in the Beck Conference Center, where Levi was welcomed with open arms into the Gadsden State athletic community.
Through this adoption, Gadsden State Athletics aims to provide Levi and his family with a support system beyond the conventional boundaries of a sports team. The department will organize special events, activities, and experiences, allowing Levi and his family to become an integral part of the college’s athletic community. This commitment extends far beyond a single season, representing a lifelong bond between Levi and his new extended family at Gadsden State.
Denis Murphy, founder/director of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, shared his heartfelt story of creating the organization out of his own experience with his daughter Jaclyn’s illness, underscoring the foundation’s enduring mission to support families facing similar challenges. Levi’s mother also shared Levi’s courageous journey, detailing the hardships and triumphs they’ve encountered along the way.
Levi’s mother also shared Levi’s courageous journey, detailing the hardships and triumphs they’ve encountered along the way. “Levi’s journey really started out 18 months ago,” she recounted. “We didn’t know it started off little, because he didn’t want to eat, his shoes were on the wrong feet, and he was confused at school. You know, kindergarten. We’re like, okay. He became more and more lethargic, wouldn’t eat. He dropped 20 pounds in basically three weeks.”
The ceremony, led by Blake Lewis, Athletic Director of Gadsden State, culminated in a formal signing with Levi, followed by a heartwarming moment as members of the athletic department surrounded Levi and welcomed him into his new extended family. The event symbolized not only a commitment to Levi but also a testament to the power of community support and solidarity during challenging times.
As Levi embarks on his journey, he can rest assured that he has a team of dedicated individuals standing beside him every step of the way. The adoption ceremony serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that acts of kindness and compassion can have on those facing adversity, fostering hope, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity.
