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The UCAN Inspire Award is given to a Connecticut high school football player who symbolizes the core value on which Generation UCAN was founded: The unwavering desire to find success in the face of a great challenge.
Pettiford was also recognized earlier in the season as a 2015 recipient of the Heart of a Giant Award. According to Head Football Coach Frank Marcucio, Pettiford was nominated because of the personal challenges he has overcome in battling a rare kidney disorder 2012.
His condition, known as focal glomerulosclerosis is a chronic kidney disease, which was gained recognition when former NBA star Alonzo Mourning battled it several years ago. The disease, which damages the blood vessels of kidneys used in filtering waste, has progressed to the point where Aaron has been placed on the waiting list for a kidney transplant at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
“Aaron has been an inspiration to his teammates and classmates at Westhill, and his story has certainly has caught the attention of people across Connecticut, like those at Generation UCAN,” said Coach Marcucio. “He is a great kid who has dealt with and overcome numerous personal obstacles and adversities in order to compete at a high level.”
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