HOUSTON – It’s a dream come true for 12-year-old Jace Abarca, who may be small in size, but his love for the Houston Cougars is larger than life.
Jace has been fighting a chronic autoimmune disease, but thanks to the support of the University of Houston team and coaches, he’s gained confidence and a brighter outlook on life.
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He’s also served as a ballboy for the team and has built a special relationship with the players. Earlier this week he got the surprise of a lifetime: tickets to Saturday night’s game.
“It’s very special,” Jace said. “I’m happy that the cougars have come this far. I’m a happy that team impact has brought us here. It’s a great place to be.”
In a crowd of red and white, Jace may just look like every other fan, but this young man has a special connection with the university and the team.
That first took shape on Cullen Blvd thanks to a non-profit called Team Impact, an organization that pairs children with serious illnesses and disabilities with college teams across the nation.
“They helped me get paired with the Houston Cougars and that’s because I have two kidney diseases, one of them lupus, the other nephrotic syndrome and it’s really tough but the Houston Cougars have brought on my spirit and they made me feel good and it is great to be with them, they are great people to be around,” Jace explained. “I have this good friend, Emmanuel Sharp, he’s in the team, great sharpshooter, and Kelvin Sampson, they’re all good friends, and yeah.”
That relationship continues to grow. And for Jace’s dad, James Abarca, it’s a joy to watch.
“It’s all come full circle for us. So two years ago he was the official ball boy; this year he was just an [alumnus,] he got welcomed back at halftime this year,” he explained. “We got presented with a ball by Kelvin Sampson. And this year it was more Kelvin Samps being his grandpa. Every time we’d come around, he’d just give him a big hug. So this year we’re just supporting him. We’re supporting Kelvin. They have a real special connection.”
Jace will be in attendance Saturday night with his parents and two younger brothers.
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And the best part about all of this is that his dad tells me he is currently in remission.