A university rugby participant was paralyzed in his staff’s nationwide title win, however the response will encourage you

It was imagined to be every part a participant at one of many nation’s high faculty rugby applications desires of — a shot on the nationwide championship. 

However the dream led to tragedy for College of California sophomore Robert Paylor. He was paralyzed after successful within the first minutes of a recreation that Cal went on to win. 

Now a web-based crowdfunding marketing campaign seeks to lift cash for Paylor’s medical remedy, whereas his teammates and coaches say they will not go away his aspect. 

Particulars about Paylor’s damage and the hit that brought on it haven’t but been revealed. However his household launched a press release providing some info on Tuesday, three days after Saturday’s nationwide title recreation. 

“Robert is at the moment engaged on stabilizing his situation so he can begin rehabilitation,” that assertion learn. “The damage paralyzed his decrease physique with restricted movement in his arms. This can be a protracted and troublesome journey for Robert and his final result is unsure.”

To assist with the prices of that “lengthy and troublesome journey,” a teammate’s mom and household pal began a crowdfunding marketing campaign on the location GoFundMe to lift cash for the Paylor household and Robert’s restoration. In two days, it is raised greater than $245,000 towards a purpose of $1 million. About 1,500 individuals have donated up to now, in keeping with a GoFundMe rep. 

“We’re overwhelmed with the love and assist we have obtained from individuals everywhere in the nation,” mentioned the Paylor household assertion launched Tuesday.

In line with feedback left on the GoFundMe web page, donations have come from a variety of individuals — childhood pals, dad and mom of different Cal athletes, strangers who’ve experiences spinal wire accidents, and extra. 

Saturday’s victory over Arkansas State, throughout which Paylor suffered the hit that brought on his damage, was Cal’s 32nd nationwide championship in rugby. However legendary Golden Bears coach Jack Clark mentioned in a assertion launched by the college that the staff is “devastated” by Paylor’s standing.

“His challenges can be extreme, lengthy in length and troublesome past measure,” Clark mentioned. “Our staff intends to be there with him each little bit of the way in which.”  

To donate or be taught extra concerning the GoFundMe marketing campaign to assist Paylor, click on right here.