The Woodlands Highlanders, community embrace Grant Milton, prepare for big game

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- From shout-outs from Texans football superstar JJ Watt to local businesses and community residents opening their hearts and wallets, support for The Woodlands High School Highlander Grant Milton continues to pour in.

The Highlanders football team will take to the field Saturday Dec. 10 at UT-Austin, where they will meet the Allen Eagles in a quest for a win that leads to the state final Dec. 17. You can read more here.

Grant, #21, won't be on the field as he continues to battle a traumatic brain injury in a Waco hospital.

How you can help

• Dec. 12, all day, Saddle River Range, 4280 FM 1488: 15% of sales will be donated to the Milton family (excluding firearms)
• Dec. 12, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., Brother's Pizza, 6700 Woodlands Parkway, Suite 100 @ Sterling Ridge: 100% of sales will be donated to the Milton family
• Dec. 12, 4 p.m. - close, Black Walnut Cafe, 9000 New Trails Drive:15% of all sales will be donated to the Milton family
• Dec. 12, all day, Buffalo Wild Wings, 19075 I-45, Suite 100: 20% of food sales will be donated to the Milton family
• Dec. 15, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., Hope for the Holidays benefit concert at The Woodlands High School auditorium, 6101 Research Forest: $5 suggested donation
• Dec. 16, all day, Orange Leaf, 6777 Woodlands Parkway @ Indian Springs: $1 for every cup of frozen yogurt sold will be donated to the Milton family

Cheer on the Highlanders

• Join Woodlands Online for a live broadcast of this battle of the unbeatens: The Woodlands Highlanders vs. Allen Eagles, beginning at 12:45 p.m. Saturday Dec. 10.
• The Woodlands Township is broadcasting our game live from Waterway Square, 31 Waterway Square.
• Twin Peaks is streaming the game live at the Shenandoah location, 18310 I-45. This family-friendly event will also be selling Milton t-shirts and wristands, and will donate 20% of all food sales to the Milton family from noon until the end of the game.

Follow Grant's progress

Milton's father, Miles Milton, provides regular updates on Grant's condition on his CaringBridge page. Here is the latest from Miles:

Dec. 9, 8:45 a.m.

Today marks 14 days since Grant arrived at Hillcrest Hospital for emergency brain surgery following his collapse on the sidelines during a playoff game. Grant is "resting" peacefully this morning. The air is cold (31) and we can see the sun for the first time in nearly a week. Grant was not very active in the last 24 hours. He seems to be recovering from the activity in prior days. It's difficult to describe "active" for him while he's in a coma. Most of the activity revolves around coughing, hiccups, cleaning his lungs multiple times a day or simple reactions to poking or prodding. His eyes may open or blink, although the eyes remain fixed. Occasionally, an arm or leg will move slightly. He cannot move his limbs, fingers or toes on command. He does blink some days when asked to do so. I'm sure you can imagine the test in patience. To describe this experience as an emotional roller coaster is putting it mildly. God has given us all strength and we know it is in his time not ours. I miss Grant and can't wait to hear his voice again. For those that know him, you know he has a zest for life, an infectious smile and laugh.

(PHOTO: Miles and Grant Milton, courtesy of Miles Milton)