OT: A 7 year-old with a Cannon for Your Viewing Pleasure

Submitted by sammylittle on

My 7 year-old son is preparing for a bone marrow transplant to treat his Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa at the University of Minnesota next month. I am on the faculty at Mississippi State University.

The community here has done some amazing things for him. This week Gabe has been invited to join the university Army ROTC as an honorary member. He will allowed to fire the cannon to bring the players out to face Alabama tomorrow. Gabe will also be in charge of subsequent firing when the local guys score points.

I recognize that the game in Starkville will be televised at the same time as the game in Bloomington, but I hope some of you are able to flip over to see my 7 year-old wheelchair bound child firing a cannon to mark the demise of the Crimson Tide.

I have been planning a diary entry for some time, but have been unable to get one together. If this is inappropriate for in season, mods, please delete.

We will post videos of the cannon firing at Gabe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/supergabevalentine/?fref=ts

Go Blue and Hail State!

MGoBoard
Football
Mississippi State Alabama

Rick Grimes

November 13th, 2015 at 2:10 PM ^

When I saw the title of the thread, I honestly thought it would be about a 7 year old quarterback with a cannon of an arm. This of course is a much better story. Very cool to hear and I hope all goes well with the transplant.

Joined: 03/29/2014

MGoPoints: 1066

RGard

November 13th, 2015 at 2:11 PM ^

the rest of your family are in our prayers.  

I will watch your game until I see Gabe fire the cannon.  I was in the Field Artillery...Gabe is going to have fun pulling the lanyard.  

Joined: 10/20/2014

MGoPoints: 57052

Starko

November 13th, 2015 at 2:17 PM ^

When I saw the headline, I thought this was going to be a very, very early recruiting highlight video. 

Best wishes to your son and your family. 

Joined: 10/08/2008

MGoPoints: 782

maizenbluenc

November 15th, 2015 at 8:59 AM ^

My son goes to Bama, and I was watching both games, so when it came up in PiP, I switched over. He did a nice job, a natural flinch, but smiles after, and looked sharp in cammo. I hope his marrow transplant goes well and is effective. Go Blue!

Joined: 07/21/2009

MGoPoints: 10630