Florida man moves to Green Bay, attends all Packers' home games
GREEN BAY -- The Green Bay Packers toppled the Tennessee Titans for the final regular season home game of 2012, and one Packers' fan completed a unique goal while at Lambeau Field on Sunday, December 23rd.
Doug LaFond moved to Green Bay from Florida this year after a car accident nearly ended his life. Having a new outlook on life, he made it a goal of living out his dream. He decided to go to every Packers' home game this year--despite not having season tickets.
"You only have a certain amount of time to live your life. If you want to go do something, just do it!" LaFond said.
LaFond says he cherishes his nearly weekly walk into Lambeau Field for the Packers' game. The man who never thought he'd walk again has taken quite the journey to go to every home game this year.
"I was hit by a car in February and my pelvis was shattered. I couldn't walk for three months. I said 'you know, there's nothing I can do. We gotta go just live the dream,'" LaFond said.
With a fresh outlook on life, the 29-year-old Packers' fan from Daytona Beach set his sights northward.
"I pretty much moved here to go to every Packers' game for the whole season. My thing is training camp to the Super Bowl," LaFond said.
LaFond moved to Green Bay from Florida with the license plate 'you know me.' Now, many around Lambeau have gotten to know this interesting Packers' fan.
Justin Koehler became friends with LaFond when he came into Champions Bar and Grill.
"He told me a little bit about his story and we just clicked immediately. I don't think it's coincidence that he showed up here," Koehler said.
Without season tickets, LaFond has to find a deal each week. On December 23rd, he happened upon Tony Schramm of Appleton, who had an extra seat. Schramm sold the ticket at face value.
"For someone to go all the games and stuff, it's kind of nice," Schramm said.
LaFond says he pays forward as much kindness as he receives in Lambeauland.
"When you high-five people, they smile. Happiness always brings positivity, and nothing is bad with positivity," LaFond said.
LaFond says his mission was to simply find happiness through supporting his favorite team. LaFond now realizes he may have unintentionally inspired others along the way.
LaFond says he doesn't know what's on tap for next season. He says he appreciates all the kind strangers who have helped him reach his goal.