LDL. Family Prays for Christmas Miracle as 11-Year-Old Hueytown Boy Fights for His Life

HUEYTOWN, Alabama — An Alabama family is holding tightly to faith this Christmas as their 11-year-old son remains in critical condition following a sudden medical emergency that has left doctors with few options.

Jace Watkins, a fifth grader at Hueytown Intermediate School, was looking forward to Christmas just days ago when he came down with what appeared to be a routine case of the flu. His family says he had been feeling tired and running a low-grade fever, but nothing indicated what was about to happen.

“Doctors checked Jace’s lungs last Friday and he was doing okay,” his aunt, Sabrina Parsons, said. “We thought he was on the road to getting better.”

But just one day later, everything changed.

On Saturday, Jace suddenly began having seizures and stopped breathing at his home. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and worked for up to 15 minutes to revive him before transporting him to Children’s of Alabama in Birmingham.

“He had not been breathing for a long time before they were able to bring him back,” Sabrina said. “It was terrifying.”

Today, Jace remains in a medically induced coma, relying on a ventilator to breathe. His grandmother, Joann Parsons, has stayed by his side since he was admitted to the hospital.

“There is no response to light in his eyes, and his brain is still swollen,” Joann shared. “The doctors have told us there is nothing more they can do right now. All we can do is wait and pray.”

The family says the lack of brain activity has left them facing unimaginable uncertainty. While no family is ever prepared for something like this, the timing — on Christmas Eve — has made it even harder.

Jace should have been opening presents, laughing with family, and enjoying the excitement of the holidays. Instead, his loved ones are gathered around his hospital bed, hoping and praying for a miracle.

“This is not how we imagined Christmas,” Joann said. “But God can still change things.”

Last night, dozens of people gathered in Hueytown for a prayer vigil, led by family friend Amanda Aloia. Neighbors, friends, and strangers alike came together to lift Jace up in prayer.

“At this point, prayer is all we have,” Aloia said. “And we believe it is powerful.”

The Watkins family says they are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from their community. Messages, prayers, and words of encouragement continue to pour in as people across Alabama and beyond join in asking for healing for Jace.

Doctors continue to monitor his condition closely, but for now, his family says they are clinging to hope — and to each other.

“We are asking everyone to pray,” Joann said. “Pray for Jace’s healing. Pray for peace. And pray for a Christmas miracle.”