As another Friday night approaches and high school football players across the country prepare for their next game, it’s important to remember the struggles of those who have suffered severe injuries.
Every year, it happens in multiple communities. Not enough to be regarded as an epidemic, but too often to be ignored.
Here in West Virginia, 17-year-old Dylan Jeffries of South Harrison High School remains in a medically-induced coma a week after having emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain. He collapsed on the sidelines during his team’s September 27 game.
It has been an eye-opening time for my son, who plays for Clarksburg Notre Dame High School. Alex understands the risks of playing football; he suffered a concussion last year, and it took him roughly a week to get back to normal. Still, we previously found comfort in the flawed notion that the really serious injuries typically happen in places where the players generally are bigger, faster, and stronger.
Dylan is showing some progress, as the pressure in his brain begins to diminish. A fund has been established for his medical expenses, if anyone is inclined to make a contribution.
Dylan and his family will remain in our thoughts and prayers, hopeful that he makes a full and quick recovery.