Make-A-Wish Alabama has helped Hartselle’s Asher Daws enjoy two special experiences this year — a family trip to Walt Disney World and a visit with the Crimson Tide.
The 6-year-old Crestline Elementary School student headed to Tuscaloosa last week, where his Alabama football experience included catching a touchdown pass and joining the team for the pregame coin toss.
The Hartselle Enquirer reported that Make-A-Wish Alabama arranged the football visit. His mother, Mary Katherine Daws, told the outlet she received an email about two months earlier asking whether Asher would like to participate, which he did.
Asher was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is severely underdeveloped. He has undergone three open-heart surgeries, beginning when he was 9 days old.
His mother said he is doing well now, although he will likely need a heart transplant as he gets older.
For his family, the invitation meant an opportunity to watch Asher enjoy time with the team he loves.
“He was so happy to be there,” his mother told the Enquirer.
Asher joined the Crimson Tide at midfield before Saturday’s game against Texas A&M at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. A little nervous before taking the field, he greeted the television cameras with a smile and a wave.
By then, he already knew a few people on the sidelines.
Former Alabama defensive back and current director of player development Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had welcomed Asher and his mother Thursday, guiding them through the athletic facilities. Their stops included the weight room, locker room and treatment areas, followed by a chance to watch the end of practice.
Asher also met head coach Kalen DeBoer and several players and coaches. His mother said he quickly took to Clinton-Dix.
“He made it so very special for us,” she told the outlet.
Clinton-Dix offered support to Asher during a difficult moment Saturday. When the pregame flyover frightened Asher, his mother held him in her lap as he covered his ears. Clinton-Dix came over to comfort him and helped bring back his smile.
The family’s earlier Make-A-Wish trip had also brought support from home. Before leaving for Disney World, friends and supporters gathered at the Hartselle Wendy’s to celebrate with Asher.
For his Tuscaloosa visit, Alabama players supplied some souvenirs: gloves from two players and a football bearing players’ signatures.
And before he ever reached midfield Saturday, Asher had already made a play of his own. During Thursday’s visit, quarterback Keelon Russell threw him a pass — and Asher ran it in for a touchdown.
Sherri Blevins is a reporter for 256 Today.
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