The Russellville community began following Russellville senior Jagger Mills’ journey Aug. 10, 2018, when he was diagnosed with aplastic anemia. After a 434-day battle, Mills died at Children’s Hospital of Alabama Sunday.

After news on Facebook spread early last week that Mills had been placed on a ventilator, more than 100 students and community members gathered Thursday at Golden Tiger Stadium for a student-led prayer service for Mills.

“There are no adequate words to express my deepest gratitude for your prayers and your support during Jagger’s Journey,” said Misty George, Mills’ mother, in a letter for those in attendance at the prayer service. “I can’t put into words how much each of you have uplifted us spiritually, mentally and emotionally.”

The service consisted of prayer, songs from local churches about healing and faith, a short sermon about praying for others and donations taken up to help with Mills medical bills.

Tino Soto began the lesson with a reading from Jeremiah 29:11 about God’s plans – in particular, God’s plans for Mills.

“I believe in doctors and medicine, but the only one who is going to be able to help Jagger is God,” Soto said. “We need to lift him up before God for continued healing.”

Soto said everyone needs to learn to humble themselves and pray for one another. “It’s not hard to take five seconds out of your day to pray for someone, whether you are a Christian or not,” Soto said.

Aug. 10, 2018, Mills first began treatment at Children’s Hospital of Alabama for severe aplastic anemia. No arrangements for Mills have been announced yet.

For updates, follow the Jagger’s Journey page on Facebook.