Tuscarawas Valley 15-year-old freshman high school football player Mayson White was paralyzed during Friday night’s football game at Waynedale, according to the Waynedale High School Athletics Facebook page.
White fractured his C4 vertebrae during the game and was taken to the Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron.
Tuscarawas Valley Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky released a statement on White’s condition on Sunday afternoon on the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District Facebook Page:
“On Friday night, Mayson White, a freshman on our football team, was seriously injured during a tackle while playing football at Waynedale where he fractured his C4, putting pressure on his spine. On Saturday, he underwent surgery at Akron Children’s Hospital that went well. Unfortunately, his family has shared that he is paralyzed at this time. He has some movement in his right arm but not his hand and nothing in his legs. We are keeping Mayson and his family circled in prayer, and we are praying for a miracle. We ask our community to do so as well.
“Today, our football team, coaches, and administration will meet with counselors to provide support to the team and coaching staff. Anybody needing counseling should not hesitate to reach out, and the district will help cover costs if needed. If you need help with setting up services or with financial assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Kaley Hamilton, our family advocate, at kaley.hamilton@tvtrojans.org.”
Mayson’s mother, Amanda White, has also provided an update on her son after he underwent surgery.
“Mayson’s surgery went really well. He did amazing and his team was amazing as well. Unfortunately, Mayson is paralyzed. He has some movement in his right arm but not his hand and he can shrug his shoulders, but nothing in his legs. And although this was not the outcome we had been hoping for, we are just [so] thankful that he is still here with us.
“Our lives may look different, his life may look different, but he is still our Mayson! We love him so much and are prepared to do everything he needs us to do and be everything he needs us to be. Please hug your babies tight. If I could trade places with him, I would quicker than a heartbeat.”
A GoFundMe page for Mayson has already been set up if anyone wants to donate.
If anyone wants to send a digital card to White, they can here.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Tusky Valley Superintendent gives update on paralyzed football player Mayson White
Reporting by James Simpson II, Wooster Daily Record / The Daily Record
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
