Falcons reach out to young fan battling cancer
Falcons star receiver Julio Jones is from Alabama and he plays in Atlanta, but his biggest and toughest fan might just be in, surprisingly enough, Hawaii.
James Frances Luhia V, 14, is battling Leukemia at Kapiolani Medical Center in Hawaii.
Last week, Luhia opened a package from the Falcons and discovered a jersey signed by Jones, his favorite player. The package also had a note inside from the Falcons organization, saying: "James, You're in our thoughts as you continue your fight. Julio wanted to send this jersey to you and tell you to get well soon! Rise up!"
James is from Waianae, Hawaii. He's a big Falcons fan but his mom, Janice Kamai, is a New England Patriots fan.
"He's fighting, hanging on, doing better," she said Tuesday. "He still has to work on his walking."
James is currently undergoing physical therapy. He's got to get ready for a trip.
"My son's dream is to go see his team playing on his field," his mother said.
Make-A-Wish Hawaii has made arrangements for that to happen. James and his family will fly to Atlanta to attend the Falcons-Carolina Panthers game on Dec. 27 in the Georgia Dome.
He'll get to see his hero in action in person. And they'll both be wearing No. 11 jerseys.
About the Author
Mike Luck is an Audience Specialist on the sports team at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He has worked at the AJC since 1980.
