NICEVILLE, Fla. – Costa Enterprises McDonald’s will host a fundraising lunch in Bluewater Bay and Freeport on Monday, February 21 to benefit 18-year-old Jacob Becktel, a Costa Enterprises employee who is currently battling leukemia.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both the Bluewater Bay McDonald’s location, where Becktel was formerly employed, and the Freeport McDonald’s location, which is near Freeport High School, where Becktel is currently a senior and a part of the varsity basketball team.
A portion of all sales made at both locations will be donated directly to Becktel and his family.
Becktel went to the hospital at the beginning of January 2022 after having strep throat in December 2021 and continuing to have consistent pain even after antibiotics.
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His mother took him to the ER where the doctors discovered his white blood cell count was extremely high. He was then taken by helicopter to Shands Hospital in Gainesville where he will remain to receive chemotherapy treatment for the next few months.
Becktel’s doctors believe he has an excellent chance at recovery, but there is still no doubt his family will have to endure a financial burden to cover medical bills, lodging, food, gas, and other expenses.
His parents, Jason and Crystal, have three other children–Bradon, Tyler and Jase–to take care of as well.
The family asks for continued prayers, positivity, and awareness.
“We have been so overwhelmed by the love and support that Jacob has received and are incredibly grateful for everything,” said Crystal Becktel.
“Jacob has brought so many people together, it’s amazing to see that there is still kindness and compassion in this mess of a world.”
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The Costa family is dedicated to taking care of all their employees, especially during the most difficult circumstances.
After hearing about Becktel, they knew they had to act and help out in some way.
As part of their Costa Cares initiative, they invite guests to stop by the Freeport restaurant, located at 16392 US HWY 331 South, or their Bluewater Bay location, at 4570 HWY 20 East, where a portion of all sales made between 11 a.m.-2 p.m. will go to the Becktel family.
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Both locations will also be accepting cash and personal check donations for the family. All checks should be made out to Jason or Crystal Becktel.
If you would like to help with Becktel’s medical expenses but are unable to attend the benefit lunch at either location, please visit https://bit.ly/JacobStrong.
