The whistle blows and the holder starts the play. The ball is snapped and the laces are out. One…two…three…and thud. As the ball flies through the uprights, more than one point is added to the Wildkat’s score. Each kick means a little more for punter and kicker junior Justin Willis.

Willis raises money for the Count the Kicks campaign, which is affiliated with the non-profit organization Healthy Birth Day, Inc. The campaign increases the awareness of expectant parents about the importance of monitoring the baby’s movements.

Every Kick Counts  the stillbirth prevention campaign, hits very close to the heart for Willis and his family. Justin was very moved by the campaign so he decided to bring it to Willis, Texas.

“My aunt and uncle had a stillbirth baby,” Willis said. “It hit the family very hard.”

How does this campaign work? The donor can choose the amount of money they want to donate per kick, and every kick made makes more money. 

“I was looking for things I could help out and do,” Willis said. “People donate online, and every point I make at a game they donate money for the stillbirth charity.”

Willis is a gifted player who has a big platform that can reach out to the community. 

“I think it’s admirable that he’s using his platform to help with stillbirth babies,” offensive coordinator Brian Fitzgerald said. “Obviously  It shows how good of a kid he is, and he’s got a leg so he’s gonna score points on the line.”

Willis made a goal of $1 per 65 points for his Junior football season.Willis wanted to also raise awareness for the cause and raise money, as of early Thursday morning willis has raised $740 estimating every point at $11.38.

“My overall goal was to make people more aware about stillbirth and raise more money,” said Willis. “I’ve already achieved my goal.”

Support Justin Willis – Every Kick Counts 2023 | PledgeIt for Charities by clicking on the link https://charity.pledgeit.org/f/E6clpXtY1L