Dametrius “Meechie” Walker an 18-year-old Muskegon football player who inspired the nation while in hospice care for rare bone cancer (osteosarcoma). Supported by the Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Program for Children at Hospice of Michigan and Arbor Hospice, he fulfilled his dream of scoring a touchdown at Michigan Stadium in August 2022 before passing away in December 2022.

A Division 1 football recruit before a tragic diagnosis of osteosarcoma put an abrupt end to his future in football, Dametrius “Meechie” Walker was dedicated to living his life to its fullest.

Learning that his goal had been to play college football at the University of Michigan, his Jo Elyn Nyman Anchors Programs for Children care team reached out to colleagues in Ann Arbor about connecting with Sarah Harbaugh, an Arbor Hospice volunteer and wife of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

With one phone call, Meechie Walker quickly became an inspiring force for the Michigan football program’s 2022 season.

The entire football program – coaches, players and staff, moved by his enthusiasm for life in the face of his tragic diagnosis, embraced Meechie as a teammate and a brother.

What began as an invitation to attend a pre-season practice led Meechie’s inclusion at team dinners, attending games, and participating in post-game locker room celebrations.

Thanks to the deep media resources of the Michigan football program, Meechie’s inspirational story caught the attention of high-profile sports media across the nation, shining a bright light on pediatric end-of-life care.

Join the Conversation

We hope within each issue you find meaning, reflection, and inspiration. On the first Sunday of every month, we will share a story that helps normalize conversations and planning around end-of-life care so meaningful, timely discussions can happen when they matter most.

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