OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ocala 8-year-old who became famous for his stellar mullet finished just shy of the top spot in the USA Mullet Championships.
However, that small piece of information doesn’t really help explain the incredible story of this amazing child.
Jack Keuntjes, the kid with “The Marion County Masterpiece” mullet, swept North Central Florida off its feet with his tenacity and drive following a young life full of hardship.
During the very entrance of his life, young Jack had to have surgery after being diagnosed with Ventriculomegaly and Hydrocephalus, a condition that causes the ventricles in his brain to develop larger than they should be.
“Oh, and I had surgery on my arm!” adds Jack.
So, if you think a 5th place finish personifies the strength and persistence of this young superstar, you’re dead wrong.
Jack raised over $10,000 by the end of the competition, which is more than any of the other competitors in the kids’ bracket of the competition. The money donated will go towards Jared Allen’s Home for Wounded Warriors project.
Although he may not have grabbed the top spot, Jack Keuntjes grabbed the hearts of many and stands as a strong source of ongoing inspiration.