Univera Healthcare provides 22 scholarships for students to attend Jim Kelly Camp

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

For 10-year-old Henry Weigel, what started as ordinary knee pain after a game of basketball quickly turned into a major life challenge. A routine checkup revealed a rare knee condition, forcing Henry to stop all physical activity immediately. As his mother, Kiki Weigel, explained, “We were shocked. The blood stopped flowing to his knee, and doctors thought some bone may have died. It was scary. He had just finished a great basketball season and was looking forward to football. Suddenly, he couldn’t do anything.”

The Road to Recovery

Henry’s recovery took nearly three months, during which he watched his teammates from the sidelines, unable to join the sports he loved. Through perseverance, faith, and strong family support, Henry managed to heal and return to athletics. His first event back was the Jim Kelly Football Camp—a significant milestone after his diagnosis.

A Special Honor

Henry’s comeback was made even more meaningful when he was chosen as one of only 22 students in Western New York to receive a scholarship from Univera Healthcare. This recognition celebrated his resilience and dedication. “I was surprised that I actually got picked,” Henry said. “It was exciting and kind of scary at first, but once we started, the nerves went away. I’ve never been to a football camp before—I usually do basketball camps.” He embraced the camp experience, practicing both offense and defense as a wide receiver and safety. “It was fun and a lot of work.”

Growth Through Adversity

The camp experience represented growth not just for Henry, but for his entire family. “Watching him get back out there was amazing,” Kiki shared. “Seeing your child struggle but stay focused, and learning that not everything goes your way—these are lessons both on and off the field.”

Support and Opportunity

Paul Valley, President of Univera Healthcare, emphasized the significance of these scholarships: “We believe every child deserves the chance to grow, explore, and thrive—regardless of the challenges they face. These scholarships are more than financial support; they’re a message to kids like Henry that their strength, determination, and dreams matter. We’re proud to stand behind them.”

Kiki expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting the positive impact on Henry and their family. “Every kid deserves this kind of opportunity. It’s high-level. The staff, the experience, the attention to detail—it’s been nothing short of amazing. We’re proud to represent East Aurora and grateful to Univera Healthcare for the scholarship, Jim Kelly, and everyone who made this possible.” As for what’s next, Henry is savoring the experience. “We got to go through the same tunnel as the players, see the locker rooms, and best of all, meet Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. It’s just been a really cool experience.”