A provincial politician talked in the BC Legislature about Maple Ridge’s Hayden Yerbury, and how his injury showed tight knit family that is the lacrosse community.
Stephanie Higginson, MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside, told how the 15-year-old was struck in the head by a ball during a pre-game warmup, suffered a “devastating injury,” and is now recovering in BC Children’s Hospital.
Higginson said she comes from a lacrosse family, and the sport that demands toughness and dedication, but also builds connections and family.
“When one member of that family needs support, the entire community steps forward, and that community is showing up for one of its own – for Hayden Yerbury,” she told the B.C. legislature.
The Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Association has taken donations and sold T-shirts saying “We Are One,” with Yerbury’s number 21 on them, as a fundraiser. They have so far raised approximately $45,000 for his family, as the lacrosse community is “showing up.”
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“Hayden Yerbury is not just a player or a name on a roster. Hayden and his entire family – his mom Jaime, his dad Ash, and his brother Cohen – represent the spirit of lacrosse. Of showing up, of giving all your effort, and being part of something bigger than yourself,” said Higginson.
“It has been incredible to witness how the lacrosse community has rallied around Hayden. Teammates, coaches, families, fans, professional players, people who may not even know him personally, have come together with one clear message: Hayden, we are with you.”
She told Hayden “you remind this community who we are, and what we stand for.”
To the lacrosse community she said “This is what leadership looks like. This is what family looks like.”
“Hayden, all of us at the legislature are rooting for you. You are strong. You are a fighter,” encouraged Higginson.
She also sent love to his family.
“Stephanie, I have no words for what this means. Thank you,” responded his mother Jaime Yerbury.