Twelve-year-old Ethan Haley of Rochester recently won a cleat design contest through the Green Bay Packers as a part of the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” campaign. Star running back Aaron Jones wore Ethan’s award-winning cleats during the Packers win against the Eagles on December 6. The game-worn cleats will be auctioned off with proceeds benefitting Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a nonprofit organization fighting childhood cancer.
Ethan received a brain cancer diagnosis in March of 2018. His and his family’s faith, love, and positivity have carried them through the last two-and-a-half years. Ethan said that he wanted to show through his design that his cancer journey has had many colorful moments. The colors show how he’s come from darkness to light.
Spencerport business owner Matt Brooks jumped at the opportunity to give back to the Haley family. He invited Ethan and his family to dine and view the game at his restaurant, McColley’s Irish Pub. When asked, Brooks said it was an honor to host Ethan and his family.
Ethan’s cool cleat design needed a cool cake to go with it. With just two days notice, Spencerport’s Cakes by Karen worked around the clock to make a replica cleat cake for Ethan and his family to enjoy.
In a Facebook post, the Willie Bee Foundation wrote, “It’s amazing to see what can happen when a community comes together and supports one another. Yesterday’s game was a much needed reprieve for the Haley’s. It gave them an opportunity to spend quality time together and celebrate their son’s winning design on national TV.”
Jones scored a 77-yard touchdown during the game. “I’m glad I was able to get in the end zone and Ethan was able to see me wear his design, running down the field and getting into the end zone,” Jones said.
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