A young Green Bay Packers fan fighting a tough disease got the surprise of a lifetime at a Packer game and a special assignment from one of the star players.
“It was for my birthday. We got the tickets for my birthday,” said Devin Argall.
Devin Argall was surprised with tickets to the Green Bay Packers home game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Dec. 3.
“The Packers won, in overtime. It was a thrilling victory. I mean it was awesome it was just overall an incredible day,” said Josh Argall.
An overtime leap into the end zone by rookie running back Aaron Jones is what most at Lambeau will remember.
But for Devin and his family. That wasn’t even the best part.
“I saw my cleat on him, and him playing in it and it was just really cool,” Devin said.
Participating in “My Cleats, My Cause” Packers linebacker Clay Matthews took down the Buccaneers offense in cleats partially designed by Devin, who tackles Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy every day.
"Devin actually got to come to the game and see his cleats on the jumbotron. Fortunately, we got the win, a couple sacks along the way. I think those shoes brought me a little bit of luck. It's too bad we can't do it every week," Matthews said.
Devin’s courage is an inspiration not just to the outside world, but his own parents.
Devin’s father Josh recalls his emotions from the week his son was diagnosed with the disease.
“I went home and went online. I looked up what Duchenne was and I was terrified,” Josh said.
That’s because Duchenne, one of nine types of muscular dystrophy, causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness.
“He wasn’t predicted to walk past 10 years old or to live beyond 20,” Josh said.
But that prognosis has and is changing, and Clay Matthews and others use their platform to raise awareness and funds for research.
“It’s pretty amazing that he cares so much that he wants to show it on his cleats and have cleats designed for him by kids,” Devin said.
Devin’s design is now up for auction. His hope that they go to someone who truly cares, and of course bring in enough funds to continue research.
“I hope the price is really high, because the more money it goes for the more money goes into research, to help find a cure,” Devin said.
Devin’s body may be medically considered weak. But his hands and heart are strong, strong enough to make a difference one cleat design at a time.
