Hueytown community prays for Christmas miracle as 11-year-old boy fights for his life

HUEYTOWN, Ala. (WBRC) - An 11-year-old boy from Hueytown is fighting for his life at Children’s Hospital, turning what his family described as a normal weekend into a nightmare that has drawn an entire community together in prayer just days before Christmas.

Jace Watkins was, by all accounts, a happy and healthy child on Friday. His family says he was running around, telling everyone he felt fine. By Saturday, he was in the intensive care unit, relying on a ventilator as doctors worked to stabilize him after what relatives believe is a severe case of the flu.

For Jace’s family, prayer has become their constant as they wait for answers and hope for signs of improvement.

“They didn’t know if he was going to make it,” said his aunt, Sabrina Parsons.

Parsons said Jace had no major underlying health issues. She explained that while he was born prematurely, any breathing issues were years in the past. According to the family, Jace reportedly stopped breathing for about 15 minutes Saturday before he was rushed to the hospital.

“He was a premature baby, but other than that he’s had inhalers and stuff, but that’s been years ago. He was telling everybody he was fine, he felt fine, and then I guess he started throwing up that night and then he had a seizure,” Parsons said.

Doctors have told the family that the coming days are critical and that any change in Jace’s condition must come quickly. Parsons said physicians have been direct about the seriousness of the situation.

“The doctors did say if he didn’t have any brain activity in the next couple of days that he would be brain dead,” she said.

So far, Parsons said doctors have identified only one positive test result — the flu. Medical professionals warn that flu cases have been surging across the metro area, underscoring the importance of prevention during the winter months.

Family friend Amanda Aloia said the situation is a sobering reminder of how quickly illness can escalate.

“Being proactive is key and using precaution, washing your hands, taking special precautions in making sure things like this don’t happen,” Aloia said.

Tuesday night, under the glow of Christmas lights at Hueytown City Park Circle, dozens of people gathered shoulder to shoulder for a prayer vigil in Jace’s honor. Strangers, neighbors and friends stood together, united by a single hope — a miracle before Christmas.

The vigil was organized by Aloia, who said faith can speak when words fall short.

“One thing you can do is pray and I know that in the Bible it tells us where two or more are gathered, He will be in the midst of it and I think that it’s important that as a community we come together and lift him up,” she said.

While the uncertainty remains, Parsons said the most recent update from doctors has brought a small sense of relief. For now, Jace’s condition has not worsened.

As his family keeps watch from the hospital and the community continues to pray, many are holding on to hope that this Christmas season will bring the miracle they are all asking for.

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