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A Massachusetts teenager who suffered a spinal cord injury last weekend while playing in the Hopedale hockey tournament has received support.
Jake Thibeault was left paralyzed from the waist down when a player of the opposing team hit him on the ice rink boards in an Eastern Alliance Kickoff hockey match. The 18-year-old suffered spinal fractures and mild cerebral hemorrhage while playing the Boston Bulldogs.
“I would say this is the least alone our family has experienced, just with everyone’s support,” Jake’s older brother Drew Thibeault said.
On Sunday, friends, family and coaches gathered in Boston Harbor to help raise money for a Milton Academy parent’s recovery.
“Building faith is knowing that people from all backgrounds and all socioeconomic strata come together for the right reason to raise money for a great purpose,” organized Katie McCabe of Seaport Strong.
Jake Thibeault, 18, was seriously injured in an accident during a hockey game at the Eastern Alliance Kickoff in Hopedale, Massachusetts.
As for recovery, Jake was initially taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center, but was recently transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown.
According to the Thibeault family, doctors have told them that Jake’s injuries are significant, but Jake is not discouraged.
Jake’s father Mike Thibeault has said that his son’s Walking Opportunities are very small due to the nature of the injury, but Jake has promised to fight.
Jake’s story has also drawn attention to the Boston Bruins and Charlestown native Matt Grzelcyk, who participated in Sunday’s fundraiser.
The two hockey players met on Thursday, and Grzelcyk says he was impressed with the teen’s mental toughness.
“The mental strength he has shown so far is really impressive,” Grzelcyk said. “I know I’m a local guy and I play in the Bruins, so we try to support him as best we can.”
The Bruins, for their part, issued a statement after Jake’s accident, saying they keep teenagers in their hearts.
“We offer our full support and congratulations to Jake, his family and the rest of the Milton Academy hockey community,” the team said last Tuesday.
Jake’s attitude and promise to try to walk again one day is inspiring, but his loved ones recognize that the road ahead is difficult.
They say that no matter how hard it is, Jake never feels alone.
“The gut confidence he has at age 18 looks me in the face and says,‘ It’s time to go to war. I’m ready for this. I’m going to prove everyone wrong, ”Drew Thibeault said. “I think he’s forcing his legs to move again.”
According to the Thibeault family, a doctor recently told them that Jake is months ahead of some patients with similar injuries; it’s a bit of hope when Jake fights back.
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