PhillyGirl
Member
University of Alabama making a dream come true during tragic time for Satsuma family - al.com
Stephen Wigal dreamed of taking his wife and five children to see an Alabama football game this season at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He wonāt get to make that trip.
Wigal, 45, died in an automobile accident on June 15 while coming home from work. His unexpected death has left wife, Alyson, and their Satsuma family trying to pick up the pieces. Wigal was the sole provider and was driving the familyās only car at the time of the accident.
āItās been tough, obviously,ā Alyson said.
However, she said she wakes up each morning and tries to think of all the blessings the family has been given and that helps to ease the grief.
One of those blessings will happen Saturday night. After receiving word of the Wigal family and their love for Crimson Tide football from an AL.com story on Sept. 22, the University of Alabama invited Josiahand Seth Wigal ā players on the Satsuma High football team ā to come to a game as recruits.
As a result, the entire family will watch the Crimson Tide host SEC foe Arkansas this weekend.
āThey are beyond excited,ā Alyson said of her children. āItās surreal. That is the only word I can think of to describe it. They know how much it meant to their dad and just the idea we are going to be there because of him and for him is amazing.ā
Josiah and Seth contemplated giving up football following their fatherās death to try and help the family financially. However, Alyson, Satsuma coach Justin Thomas and others encouraged them to return to the team, and they eventually did.
Football ā Alabama and otherwise ā was their biggest link to their father. Josiah said he remembered watching the Crimson Tide with his father when he was only 3. But only oldest brother Matt has been to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
That will change Saturday in what is sure to be an emotional day for the Wigals.
āI think we are constantly looking for memories or moments that allow us to feel Steveās presence,ā Alyson wrote in a text message. āI know sitting in that stadium, we will all feel he is right there with us. I donāt know who was instrumental in making this happen for my family, but may God bless them for this amazing gift.ā
Matt, 25, is the oldest child. He is followed by Emily, Josiah, Seth and Ian.
The Wigals also have benefited financially in recent weeks thanks to the generosity of many in and out of the Satsuma community. Alysonās biggest need right now is a car so she can find employment and get to and from her job. She said Thursday she has been able to save $1,200 to this point.
After the AL.com story, Washington County High and others donated money to the cause. Cottage Hill -- Friday's opponent -- also is expected to present Alyson with a gift during their game against Satsuma.
A raffle at last weekās game against Clarke County raised approximately $500 and, during the teamās final home game against Chickasaw on Oct. 29, the school will auction off footballs signed by Alabama coach Nick Saban, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and former Alabama star Bobby Humphrey and a basketball signed by Bruce Pearl. Those proceeds will go to the Wigal family as well.
Those items were donated by Mike Gottfriedās Team Focus charity, which also sent the family a care package. Tilmoās, a restaurant in Mobile, donated a gift card to the family.
āItās been good to see the kindness of human nature,ā Thomas said. āSometimes you can get caught up in the wins and losses, but above all this is a ministry and a platform to help kids overcome situations just like this, adversity. To be a small part of it and to see them smile during a tragic time, itās been amazing.ā
A Go Fund Me account also has been set up to help the family.
Benefits for the Milams
Several benefits have been organized to help Spanish Fort trainer Rob Milam and his wife Jamie as she battles recurrent cervical cancer.
Jamie, 30, began chemotherapy last week.
RELATED: THE MILAMS BATTLE AGAIN
On Oct. 24, Trattoria Pizza and Italian restaurant will host Jamieās Big Benefit Bash. The event will feature an auction, door prizes and drink specials. There will be live music and all proceeds will benefit Rob and Jamie in their fight.
Also on Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Beef OāBradyās will host Milam Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. That event will feature an athletic/quarterback challenge, a corn hole tournament, a bake sale, a bouncy house, autographs from football players, a raffle, face painting and other activities. Former Baldwin County and Alabama football star Wallace Gilberry is scheduled to attend.
A Go Fund Me account ā Jamieās Gift for Healing -- also has been set up to help.
Stephen Wigal dreamed of taking his wife and five children to see an Alabama football game this season at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
He wonāt get to make that trip.
Wigal, 45, died in an automobile accident on June 15 while coming home from work. His unexpected death has left wife, Alyson, and their Satsuma family trying to pick up the pieces. Wigal was the sole provider and was driving the familyās only car at the time of the accident.
āItās been tough, obviously,ā Alyson said.
However, she said she wakes up each morning and tries to think of all the blessings the family has been given and that helps to ease the grief.
One of those blessings will happen Saturday night. After receiving word of the Wigal family and their love for Crimson Tide football from an AL.com story on Sept. 22, the University of Alabama invited Josiahand Seth Wigal ā players on the Satsuma High football team ā to come to a game as recruits.
As a result, the entire family will watch the Crimson Tide host SEC foe Arkansas this weekend.
āThey are beyond excited,ā Alyson said of her children. āItās surreal. That is the only word I can think of to describe it. They know how much it meant to their dad and just the idea we are going to be there because of him and for him is amazing.ā
Josiah and Seth contemplated giving up football following their fatherās death to try and help the family financially. However, Alyson, Satsuma coach Justin Thomas and others encouraged them to return to the team, and they eventually did.
Football ā Alabama and otherwise ā was their biggest link to their father. Josiah said he remembered watching the Crimson Tide with his father when he was only 3. But only oldest brother Matt has been to Bryant-Denny Stadium.
That will change Saturday in what is sure to be an emotional day for the Wigals.
āI think we are constantly looking for memories or moments that allow us to feel Steveās presence,ā Alyson wrote in a text message. āI know sitting in that stadium, we will all feel he is right there with us. I donāt know who was instrumental in making this happen for my family, but may God bless them for this amazing gift.ā
Matt, 25, is the oldest child. He is followed by Emily, Josiah, Seth and Ian.
The Wigals also have benefited financially in recent weeks thanks to the generosity of many in and out of the Satsuma community. Alysonās biggest need right now is a car so she can find employment and get to and from her job. She said Thursday she has been able to save $1,200 to this point.
After the AL.com story, Washington County High and others donated money to the cause. Cottage Hill -- Friday's opponent -- also is expected to present Alyson with a gift during their game against Satsuma.
A raffle at last weekās game against Clarke County raised approximately $500 and, during the teamās final home game against Chickasaw on Oct. 29, the school will auction off footballs signed by Alabama coach Nick Saban, Auburn coach Gus Malzahn and former Alabama star Bobby Humphrey and a basketball signed by Bruce Pearl. Those proceeds will go to the Wigal family as well.
Those items were donated by Mike Gottfriedās Team Focus charity, which also sent the family a care package. Tilmoās, a restaurant in Mobile, donated a gift card to the family.
āItās been good to see the kindness of human nature,ā Thomas said. āSometimes you can get caught up in the wins and losses, but above all this is a ministry and a platform to help kids overcome situations just like this, adversity. To be a small part of it and to see them smile during a tragic time, itās been amazing.ā
A Go Fund Me account also has been set up to help the family.
Benefits for the Milams
Several benefits have been organized to help Spanish Fort trainer Rob Milam and his wife Jamie as she battles recurrent cervical cancer.
Jamie, 30, began chemotherapy last week.
RELATED: THE MILAMS BATTLE AGAIN
On Oct. 24, Trattoria Pizza and Italian restaurant will host Jamieās Big Benefit Bash. The event will feature an auction, door prizes and drink specials. There will be live music and all proceeds will benefit Rob and Jamie in their fight.
Also on Nov. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Beef OāBradyās will host Milam Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. That event will feature an athletic/quarterback challenge, a corn hole tournament, a bake sale, a bouncy house, autographs from football players, a raffle, face painting and other activities. Former Baldwin County and Alabama football star Wallace Gilberry is scheduled to attend.
A Go Fund Me account ā Jamieās Gift for Healing -- also has been set up to help.
