Prayers for Six
North Schuylkill senior, Jaden Leiby, is throwing the ball to another teammate. During the game on October 25, he was seriously injured making a tackle. Countless thoughts and prayers outpoured from the community in hopes of a speedy recovery. Hashtags like the one pictured above have been circulating throughout social media in support of Jaden.
A parent’s worst nightmare took place during the football game last Friday night. Jaden Leiby was making a tackle on Pottsville’s Bobby Walchak. As he was running to make the tackle, Leiby crashed into Walchak and was seriously injured.
Leiby, who rushed 13 times for 134 yards and 3 touchdowns that night, ended his season by being life flighted to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Cedar Crest. A spokesman told 6ABC Philadelphia that Leiby remained in “critical but stable condition.”
Leiby sustained a fractured C6 and C7 in his neck, and will hopefully regain lower body sensation as soon as swelling of his spinal cord decreases.
The outpouring support from the community has been mind boggling. The hashtag, “Prayersfor6” has hundreds of Tweets, as well as many mentions on Facebook and Instagram. Former Penn State Quarterback, Trace McSorley even reached out and responded to a Tweet penned by Leiby’s mom saying, “Sending prayers for @jadenleiby_ stay strong man!”
Not only has there been tremendous support on social media, people are taking action in the real world too. “Prayers for 6” t-shirts will be going on sale Friday, available on the North Schuylkill School District Facebook page, as well as #JADENSTRONG wristbands. Checks can be made out to Spartan Half-Time Club and mailed to: North Schuylkill School District, Attn: #JadenStrong, 15 Academy Lane, Ashland, PA 17921.
