JUSTIN, Texas – Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback Dak Prescott held his third annual youth football camp on Saturday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 23rd. Albertsons and Tom Thumb sponsored the Citi Dak ProCamp held at Northwest High School in Justin, Texas. In addition to Dak, local prep and college football coaches led over 750 kids ranging from grades 1-8 in multiple stations focusing on the fundamental skills of football.
This marked the first time No.4’s camp was located in Texas. The previous two years, Dak’s camp took place in his hometown Haughton, Louisiana, where his football debut began. Local fans got to experience a Texas version, but families from around the U.S. came to support the quarterback of America’s Team.
“Seeing how far some of these families have traveled and that I was apart of their summer plans and vacations, it is humbling to say the least, “ Dak remarked.
One special family that made the trek to Texas, the Holestine’s. The Holestine’s spent two days driving from Nebraska, but the family’s story of perseverance through adversity far outweighs the remarkable long drive.
The Holestine’s precious daughter, Shyann, has a combination of Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) and Hypotonia. LCA is a rare genetic disorder in which retinal dysfunction causes vision loss and Hypotonia means decreased muscle tone.
I spoke with her mom, Trina, and she opened up, “It has been a challenge. We have learned so much through the process of it. Whenever I found out my daughter was visually impaired, I was thinking how will I ever be able to learn brail. Thank the good Lord above, I actually know what her brail is, and I am her teacher for speech. Everyday, I’m learning. Shyann is growing and her immune system is rebuilt. A few years back, she couldn’t go to school but for a couple of days without catching pneumonia. Her left lower lobe actually collapsed. She had to have oxygen and we are so far from that. Now she can enjoy being outside and being around people. “
This family has been through more than most could imagine, but her parents’ faith paired with Shyann’s bright spirit and fight, have beat the odds. Her story is what the game of football is truly about; creating an avenue for people to watch the thrill of the sport and forget about their everyday struggles. The Holestines drove 48 hours so Shyann could see and meet her favorite player, Dak Prescott.
As I shook hands with her and played with her favorite unicorn toy, she still smiled and said Dak’s name over and over after meeting him face-to-face. People often idolize pro athletes, but it is people like the Holestine’s who battle each and everyday, who should be recognized. Shyann is the real hero.
Dak stated at the event that the message he hopes to instill in the young athletes is, “that they control their dreams and to never let anyone tell them what they can and cannot do. “
Shyann and her family are living proof of that statement. She was not projected to have the quality of life she does, but with faith and determination, anything is possible!
