06/17/2026
When we decided in April to take this idea and run with it, one thing was important to us: we wanted to begin building Jaxton's legacy while he is still here with us.
For those who may not know, Jaxton's life expectancy is in his late teens to early twenties, and he will be celebrating his 19th birthday on Tuesday. If you've ever wondered why we felt such urgency to launch Acts of Jax, that's why. Time is precious, and we wanted Jaxton to be part of creating the legacy that will continue long after today.
We also knew we wanted the very first Act of Jax to be completed by Jax himself.
Three years ago, Jaxton faced one of the toughest battles of his life. He developed a severe sepsis infection and had very little chance of survival. During that time, his older brother Parker was a senior at Waterloo West High School and a member of the baseball team.
As you can imagine, when one child is critically ill in Iowa City, it becomes incredibly difficult to be present for your other children. Parker handled that season with a strength and maturity beyond his years. He never complained. He never made it about himself. But that didn't mean it was easy.
Somehow, the Cedar Rapids Prairie baseball team learned about Parker, Jaxton, and what the Engstrom family was going through. They decided to do something remarkable. They collected and sent hundreds of dollars in gift cards to the Engstrom family to help during one of the most difficult times in their lives.
It was a simple act of kindness that made an enormous impact—not just on the Engstrom family, but on everyone around them.
It was a reminder that sometimes things are bigger than baseball.
You don't have to know someone personally to care about them. They can even be your rival on the field, and you can still choose kindness.
So, three years later, we wanted to return that kindness.
On Friday, Acts of Jax partnered with the Waterloo Police Department to provide a police es**rt into Waterloo for the Cedar Rapids Prairie baseball team. When they arrived, they were welcomed by fans they had never met, greeted with applause, and presented with a banner thanking the Prairie players who had supported the Engstrom family years ago.
In addition, every Cedar Rapids Prairie player and two family members received a complimentary meal and drink from the concession stand, provided by Acts of Jax as a small token of appreciation.
This was our way of saying thank you. While Jaxton was able to lead this first act of kindness, the future of Acts of Jax belongs to our entire community. Through the Acts of Jax Fund, Waterloo students and staff will have opportunities to receive support for acts of kindness they want to share with others whether that's across town or across the state.
One act of kindness from Cedar Rapids Prairie touched a family three years ago. And on June 5th, that kindness came full circle.
And this is only the beginning!
