The Tuscarawas County community has come forward in a show of unwavering support for 15-year-old high school football player Mayson White. The Tusky Valley freshman was left paralyzed after sustaining a severe neck injury last Friday during a game, as reported by the Times-Reporter. According to his mother, Amanda White, Mayson fractured his C4 vertebrae but recently exhibited the uplifting progress of being able to move his arm and wave.
In response to the tragedy, communities and schools across Northeast Ohio have been showing their solidarity. As mentioned by Cleveland19 News, fans are wearing white to honor Mayson, and numerous schools are participating by hosting "whiteout" events. Schools extending their support include West Holmes, Carrollton, Ridgewood, Waynedale, Salem, South Range, and West Branch. Furthermore, the Tusky Valley Booster Club confirmed that 100 percent of the donations collected at one of these games would be directed to Mayson's family.
Fundraising efforts have been in full swing with local businesses and sports fans rallying together to alleviate the financial strain on Mayson's family. A wide array of initiatives—from T-shirt sales organized by Dumont Sporting Goods to dining fundraisers at local eateries like Canal Street Diner and Texas Roadhouse—have been set in motion, as the Times-Reporter highlighted.
The community's collective spirit has even reached Kory Wiita, a man who shared a similar fate on the football field back in 2009. Recounting his own experience, Wiita reached out to the White family, offering his support and sharing a powerful message of hope. "No matter what the medical outcome is, joy is ahead. Joy can be found, joy is ahead," Wiita told FOX8 News. Since his injury, Wiita has achieved significant personal milestones, including marrying and becoming a father, while also establishing a professional career. His story stands as a beacon of resilience, inspiring not just the Whites but also the broader community.
Those willing to contribute to the White family's cause can do so through various channels, such as local fundraisers or a GoFundMe page. Additionally, a raffle for a 2026 GMC Terrain with a part of the proceedings benefiting the family is on the horizon. This comprehensive outpour of support exemplifies the strength and solidarity of the Tuscarawas County community at a time when one of their own faces a challenging road ahead.
