Jim Mora Jr. steps up for family in desperate need

UCLA Bruins football head coach Jim Mora Jr. has done a terrific job with his program in Southern California. However, his finest moment came off the football field.

On Tuesday, it was announced that Avery Huffman, the 6-year-old daughter of Scout national recruiting director Brandon Huffman, has been diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma. The condition is an inoperable, malignant brain tumor that will likely claim Avery’s life within one month to two years, depending on the level of treatment she receives.

After hearing of the news, Mora put forth multiple gameday experiences for college football fans, with all the money going toward helping to extend Avery’s life. The packages range from $10,000 to $2,500, with none of the proceeds going to UCLA, according to Zach Barnett of FootballScoop.com.

The most expensive is Coach For a Day (road game) at $10,000 where two people of ages 18+ (and out of high school) are flown on the team plane with first-class tickets to the venue. They will stay at the team hotel, be in pre-game meetings, eat with the team, and dress as coaches on the sideline during the game. Then there is a Coach For a Day (home game) package which runs $5,000, and includes everything but the travel portion of the first package.

Finally, the third package is sideline passes to a home game for two, with the donation being $2,500. If all three packages are sold, $20,000 will be given to the Huffman’s in hopes of a miracle for their little girl.

Mora took over in 2012 and has won 10 games twice, including a pair of bowl wins in the Sun and Alamo. Mora has also developed quality NFL talent such as Brett Hundley. Yet, it is this act of kindness which he will always be most remembered for in some circles.

Good on Mora and good luck to Avery.