government
Cook Children’s celebrates patient flag bearers for World Cup
By Ash Petrie at Fort Worth Report
· June 5, 2026
· 5 min read
Many would consider themselves lucky to be a flag bearer during a major international ceremony. Wesley Duncan considers himself lucky to be alive.“Wesley has a lot of medical conditions,” said Leann Harris, Duncan’s mom. “He fights every day, but celebrating the little things like this, that turn in
Key takeaway ”Duncan is one of 12 Cook Children’s Health Care System patients across Texas selected as flag bearers for the Japan vs.
Why this matters in The Fort Worth
The selection of 12 Cook Children's patients as flag bearers for the Japan vs. Netherlands World Cup prematch ceremony is a testament to the strength and resilience of young people in the Fort Worth community. These teenagers, who have overcome significant medical challenges, will now have the opportunity to represent their city on a global stage. The partnership between Cook Children's and the Children's Miracle Network, facilitated by the Coca-Cola Foundation, highlights the importance of community support and recognition for local heroes. As the city of Fort Worth continues to grow and develop, initiatives like this demonstrate the value placed on the well-being and achievements of its young residents. The fact that these flag bearers are from the Fort Worth area also underscores the city's connection to the global community, as residents from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate international events like the World Cup.
About this story
Original reporting by Fort Worth Report . The Fort Worth surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 5, 2026 ·
Source: Fort Worth Report ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Many would consider themselves lucky to be a flag bearer during a major international ceremony. Wesley Duncan considers himself lucky to be alive.“Wesley has a lot of medical conditions,” said Leann Harris, Duncan’s mom. “He fights every day, but celebrating the little things like this, that turn in
When was this published? This article was first published on June 5, 2026 by Fort Worth Report and curated for The Fort Worth readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ash Petrie at Fort Worth Report. To learn more about how The Fort Worth selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Fort Worth, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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