There has been generous support for an injured Maple Ridge lacrosse player.
Hayden Yerbury is fighting through a serious head injury at BC Children’s Hospital after being struck by a ball. He is recovering after a 10-hour surgery.
The Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Association has so far raised some $45,000 for his family. They have received $15,000 in cash donations. The association has also started the Hayden Yerbury Support Fund, selling T-shirts that say “We Are One,” with Yerbury’s number 21. The shirts cost $20, with $15 from every shirt sold going to the family.
The association sold 1,991 and will present the family with almost $30,000 from those sales, in addition to the $15,000 in cash donations. It was more than the organizers expected.
The Vancouver Warriors professional lacrosse team wore the shirts in warmup to support the cause during their Friday NLL game.
Hayden’s mother Jaime said she showed his son photos from the warmup “and the smile said it all.”
Association president Tyson Craiggs said the Yerbury family is known across lacrosse. Jaime has been on the executive for over a decade, at the same time her husband Ash has coached and volunteered, and their sons Cohen and Hayden have been players.
Cohen was playing at the top levels for his age group. Craiggs, who coached him for years, said he was ready to be drafted next season, likely in the top 10, into the BC Junior A Lacrosse League.
“He’s a fantastic kid. He’s dedicated and always trying to improve,” he said.
He said the T-shirt sales went better than they could have hoped, and showed what a tight-knit community there is among lacrosse people.
“We did ‘We Are One,’ because we wanted to do something special for Hayden, and we wanted to bring everyone together.”
He said the funds will ensure the family can be entirely focused their son’s rehabilitation, without financial hardship.
“We want the old Hayden back,” said Craiggs.
“Thanks to the community, and all the people who have helped and reached out.”
The Yerbury family offered a message that has been shared in social media:
“There are no words that can even begin to convey the gratitude and love our family feels.
“Two weeks ago our family was faced with the most devastating challenge, and we have seen our beautiful son go through pain no one should experience. We hold our breath for each small step forward while living in fear of what could be next.
“But Hayden is a Warrior. He is a fighter.
“What my Burrards family has started, and all of you have taken up, has been the one thing to fill the fear with love – and we will be forever grateful.
“To the Burrards and Pro Calibre Lacrosse who have done so much to lead this, I hope one day I can find a way to say thank you.
“To each and every one of you who donated, called, messaged and offered support, we are just without words to express what it means to us.
“The next 10 days are waiting, watching, trusting and hoping.
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“Please keep sending all the love Haydo’s way.”
Donations will remain open, and every bit of support means the world to the Yerbury family, said the association.
They are asking for etransfer@rmburrards.com with the “Hayden Yerbury Support” as the memo.