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Georgia High School Football Player Remains in ICU After Suffering Traumatic Brain Injury During Game
OJ Appiah's sister said he "barely had a pulse" when he collapsed after a game on Nov. 15
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Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GAOJ Appiah, a senior linebacker at Archer High School in Georgia, is in the intensive care unit after reportedly suffering a traumatic brain injury during a game.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta and a GoFundMe set up by the athlete's sister Joanna Paradiso, Appiah was rushed to the hospital when he collapsed shortly after his team's highly-touted victory over Harrison High School on Nov. 15.
Paradiso explained in the description for the GoFundMe that Appiah was "involved in a terrible injury while playing in the Archer football game" and has "suffered a traumatic brain injury."
Speaking to Fox 5, Paradiso said her younger brother was "so excited" for the game against Harrison High. "He knew there would be scouts, scouters there," she told the news station.
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Tragedy reportedly struck when Appiah told his coach he was "feeling dizzy" after the game.
"They had him sit down and he just passed out," said Paradiso, recalling to the outlet that her brother "barely had a pulse" when medics confirmed Appiah had suffered a serious brain bleed.
According to Fox 5, Appiah underwent emergency surgery at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Georgia, where doctors removed part of his skull in an attempt to reduce the severe swelling near his brain.
Appiah currently remains in the ICU, his sister said on the family's GoFundMe, and Paradiso is asking for support from the Gwinnett County community to help their family make ends meet.
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"As OJ continues his journey to heal and prepare for future surgeries, his mother, Lizzy, has been by his side day and night, offering unwavering care and support," Paradiso wrote. "As the sole provider for her family, Lizzy has been unable to work as a nurse during this time, making it increasingly difficult to meet her family’s financial needs."
"Even with insurance, the costs associated with OJ’s hospital stay, future surgeries, and physical therapy are significant," Paradiso said.
On Nov. 22, Harrison High's football program donated $250 to the family.
Accompanying the donation, the school wrote, "We are sending our prayers and support to you and your family during this difficult time. The Harrison High School Football community is keeping you in our thoughts, and we are praying for a full and speedy recovery. Please know that we are thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead."
