It was a special moment for 13-year-old Crows fan JD when he led the team through the banner in front of a packed-out Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
Through the Adelaide Crows Foundation, JD had the experience of a lifetime as the Crows’ game day mascot for Gather Round, and it was made even more special when he ran out alongside his good friend, Adelaide midfielder Ben Keays.
Keays and JD share a unique connection – the pair live next door to each other and even share the same birthday.
For the past two years, Keays and JD have shared a joint birthday party and many of the Crows players are regulars around JD’s family dinner table.
Sadly, JD has a terminal heart condition that is unable to be repaired and it is not possible for him to have a heart or lung transplant.
As a result of his condition, JD lives with very low oxygen saturation levels which impacts how far he can walk, and he often requires the aid of a wheelchair.
JD’s Dad Darryl said the opportunity to be the mascot for the match was a dream come true for JD.
“Regularly, Ben and many players come to our house to have dinner and enjoy a meal,” Darryl said.
“Our family loves having the players spend time with JD and many of them have now become like our family members.
“We are so thankful to the Club for giving JD the opportunity to run out with the players and we know it will be one of the biggest highlights of his life.”
The Adelaide Crows Foundation would like to thank the AFL and Adelaide Oval for helping make JD’s experience possible.
The Adelaide Crows Foundation’s Crows Care program helps provide quality experiences to children and families in need.
Find out more here.
