As a former preemie himself, Jalen Sykes understands how meaningful Ronald McDonald homes can be to families. While he received care after his early arrival, his own parents stayed in a Ronald McDonald home, to be as close as possible to him. Fast forward just a few years....today, Jalen will be playing in the Virginia high school football playoffs! But before the coin toss and the first pass is thrown, Jalen has invited everyone attending the game between J.I. Burton and Haysi to bring donations to benefit the Ronald McDonald house. Jalen shared, My story with the Ronald McDonald House began on March 16, 1997, the day I was born. After my birth in Norton, the doctors quickly realized that something was wrong and transferred me by ambulance to Johnson City Medical Center. A lengthy hospital stay would follow, and my parents were lucky enough to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Without the House, there was no way my parents would have been able to afford to stay in Johnson City. Thanks to the Ronald McDonald House, they were able to stay by my side throughout the entire hospital stay, without having to pay a dime. I really feel that I owe something to the House, because without them, I probably would not be at Sandlick throwing touchdowns on Friday nights. Now that it is playoff time, we feel that it is time to give back. We ask that that every Tiger Fan in attendance bring an item (or items) for the Ronald McDonald Houses Wish List of needed items. These items will help families in our area, and hopefully the children they benefit will end up playing on Friday nights just like me! Thanks to everyone in advance, and Go Tigers! --Jalen Sykes #18 Best of luck in tomorrows game Jalen! We think you are a winner already. #RonaldMcDonaldHouse #HaysiTigers #JalenSykes #HeartOfGold https://facebook/events/368684706625070/?fref=ts
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 14:00:00 +0000
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