For a Great Cause

The hockey world rallies in support of Jack Jablonski’s organization

Keyword: nhl, support, jack jablonski

Thousands of people gathered all dressed in white at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, to honor and raise money for Minnesota high school hockey player Jack Jablonski. At 16, Jablonski was paralyzed in a junior-varsity game Dec. 30, 2011.  The BEL13VE in Miracles is a fundraiser organized by Jablonski’s BEL13VERS Fund.

It raised money through ticket sales and a silent auction featuring a number of items, including an authentic jersey from the 1980 U.S. Olympic team autographed by its players. Initially expected to draw about 500 people, the event drew more than 800 guests, including 40 former and current NHL players.  Almost immediately following the injury, the Jablonskis received a phone call from Minnesota native and NHL star Zach Parise. Then Steven Stamkos called, promising to score a goal to honor Jablonski and eventually Wayne Gretzky called.

Jablonski recently hosted a hockey clinic on the same ice surface where his accident occurred. Back on the ice for the first time since his injury.  Jablonski was able to move  around in his specialized wheelchair while being able to partially move his arms and hands. Jack’s mother Leslie, revealed that her son also had moved his legs. In a video played during the gala, Jablonski was shown rehabbing at the Courage Center, a Minnesota-based rehabilitation center that is part of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation.

In the videotaped session, the young man who once was told he never would walk again is shown taking steps on a treadmill, with the help of a specialized harness and a few staff members.

What a fighter and true warrior Jack has become.  It is such a great a small community, the hockey community is and to be able to pull together for the this great cause, words can not describe.  Good Luck and Best Wishes on the road to recovery Jack.