4 / THE INSIDER / December 2018
UP FRONT
12.18
VOLUME 21 NO. 5
compiled by Bill Cornwell THE INSIDER Editor
The Holiday season is considered a “time of miracles” and that was in full view at the W.Va. Class AAA Football Championship game in Wheeling on December 1st. Spring Valley lost that game to Martinsburg 31-7, but Timberwolves fans know that a great victory occurred that day as a youngster wearing number 91 on his white Spring Valley jersey walked to midfield with others for the pregame coin toss. That young man wearing “91” was Wade Smith. If you aren’t acquainted with Smith, you’ll be amazed by his story. Wade Smith was a 5-6, 130-pound freshman who looked to get experience on the Timberwolves’ 9th grade team this fall until a virus forced him off of the field. In fact, the virus was so intense that it weakened his cardiovascular system.
Smith was out of bed and walking only two days after the transplant and he spent November Friday evenings listening to streamed broadcasts of Spring Valley’s playoff games. Smith was eventually moved to the Columbus Ronald McDonald House as he continued rehab and treatment after the transplant. Fast forward to championship day in Wheeling, as doctors determined that Smith was well enough, with precautions to attend the game. With multiple masks covering his mouth, a rain poncho and plenty of clothing, Smith joined the captains for the coin toss, then moved to a sideline wheelchair to cheer on his teammates. Spring Valley lost to Martinsburg in the championship game for a third straight year, but that’s not important, because we ALL won when we saw a walking miracle on that December Saturday in Wheeling!
Smith was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio for treatment. Doctors there determined Smith’s illness was so severe that he would need a new heart. The search for a new heart began for Smith, lasting several days and finally ending with a successful transplant on November 7th.
PHOTO BY WANDA WILLOUGHBY
