Josh Kattus, left, and Marques Cox with Chase Nicholas. (UK Athletics Photo)
No matter what the score turns out to be in any game, one thing that Kentucky football does at every home game that is always a winner with me is honoring a youngster battling enormous medical difficulties.
The “Lift Them Up Kid of the Game” showcases a young Kentuckian with a heartbreaking story.
Kentucky tight end Josh Kattus and offensive lineman Marques Cox regularly visit Kentucky Children’s Hospital at least once per week and have become close with 11-year-old Chase Nicholas of Eubank, this week’s “Lift Them Up Kid of the Game” for Saturday night’s Georgia game.
Kentucky shared information about Nicholas’ journey that started in August of 2023 at an emergency room with a Hemoglobin level of 3, leading to a diagnosis of T-cell leukemia.
The 11-year-old is now treated weekly at the DanceBlue clinic at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.
“Despite his challenges, Chase’s outgoing and adventurous spirit shines through. He loves Fortnite, playing football and swimming. Chase’s favorite things include steak, dogs, and rooting for UK football players Josh Kattus and Marques Cox,” the UK news release said.
Kudos to Kattus, Cox and any other UK football player that spends time with youngsters like Nicholas and to UK athletics for giving some youngsters a special day like this.
