Boy throws out first pitch after suffering severe brain injury

BROOKFIELD -- 13-year-old Kerwin Hackett of Brookfield returned to the game of baseball Thursday, May 17th. Playing baseball again was a motivating factor for Hackett, after doctors told him he may never walk or talk again after a skiing accident.

Thursday evening, Hackett threw out the first pitch before a friend's Little League baseball game in Brookfield - six months after Hackett suffered a severe brain injury in a skiing accident in Korea.

Hackett says support from his family and friends got him back on the baseball field.

"It just means a lot that people care for me and it means that my community cares for me. It's a pretty big deal," Hackett said.

"Just a few months ago, we never thought a day like this would be possible. To have him up there on the mound and have the strength to throw it all the way to home plate - he did pretty well," Kerwin's father, Nathan Hackett said.

The Brookfield community is holding a benefit fundraiser Saturday for Hackett's medical costs. It takes place at Pilgrim Park Middle School in Elm Grove Saturday, May 19th from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The schedule of events Saturday is as follows:

Anyone who would like to help with the event can contact Sara at sdavies@istreamfs.com.

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