A young boy's fight for survival on Christmas Eve underscores the harsh reality of a severe flu outbreak in Alabama. This heartbreaking story from Hueytown, Alabama, highlights the critical condition of 11-year-old Jace Watkins, who is battling for his life in the Intensive Care Unit at Children’s of Alabama. Let's delve into the details and the community's response.
Published: December 24, 2025, 10:41 a.m.
By Greg Garrison | ggarrison@al.com
Jace's ordeal began on Thursday when he started feeling unwell. After a doctor's visit on Friday, his condition took a turn for the worse on Saturday, when he suffered a seizure. His family is now facing the unimaginable, as Jace's life hangs in the balance, relying on a ventilator to breathe.
In a show of solidarity and hope, the community of Hueytown rallied together. A prayer vigil was held in Hueytown City Park on Tuesday night, with family, friends, and neighbors coming together to offer support and prayers for Jace's recovery. Amanda Aloia, a family friend who organized the vigil, expressed the community's heartfelt plea for a miracle, praying for Jace's healing and for his family to find peace during this incredibly difficult time.
But here's where it gets controversial... The boy's aunt, Sabrina Parsons, shared the grim reality that doctors were concerned about potential brain damage if Jace didn't show brain activity within a couple of days. This statement underscores the severity of his condition and the difficult decisions his family may face.
And this is the part most people miss... The situation is further complicated by a significant increase in flu cases across Alabama. State officials have reported that new flu cases have been doubling during the holiday season. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reported that approximately 2.7% of emergency room visits in the week ending December 3 were due to flu-like illnesses. This is more than double the rate from the previous week, indicating a rapidly spreading outbreak. Ryan Easterling, director of health media and communications at ADPH, confirmed the rise in flu activity, noting that it aligns with seasonal trends.
Greg Garrison, the author of this report, covers a wide range of topics for AL.com, including religion, local government, Southern culture, civil rights history, state politics, sports, and entertainment.
What do you think? Does this story highlight the importance of flu vaccinations and preventative measures? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's discuss the community's response and the broader implications of this outbreak.
