News

Actions

Huskers makes boy battling rare illness dream come true

Posted at 6:42 PM, Nov 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-16 00:27:21-05

For the Johnson family,  every day they spend with their sons is a miracle, the next few days are going to be even more special for the family.

Defying the odds, to be center stage among his biggest fans.

Yesterday, Jack Johnson was known for suffering from an extremely rare life-threatening  illness, Menkes Disease, which doesn't have a cure and is usually fatal by 3-years-old.

On Tuesday, he signed a letter of intent and officially became a huskers football player.

“Jack will never be able to have a day like this. His brother, maybe, but jack? Never. He's just so limited in what he's capable of doing physically. To give him this experience is once in a lifetime for him,” said Michelle Johnson,  Jack’s mother.
 

Playing for the Huskers is Jack's wish through Nebraska's Make a Wish Foundation.
 

Tuesday, his entire school in Norfolk was cheering for their new star player.
 

The biggest surprise of his lifetime, left the boy speechless.

Eric Johnson, Jack’s father was happy the school did this to his son.

“To have an amazing school, an amazing community, and the amazing friends that we have, and just such an amazing organization like make-a-wish, it makes these dreams come true for kids who wouldn't otherwise have these opportunities,” he said.

Johnson says Jack and his 6-year-old brother Myles have an extremely rare strain of menkes and said every day is a gift.

"It's just living every day one day at a time. Which is why experiences like we're going through now are just huge in his own development, trying to live the normal life of an 8-year-old,” he said.