'Things can get so much better': Paralyzed athletes offer hope to St. John Vianney player

Within hours of Aaron Van Trease’s spinal-cord injury, the messages began piling up for Eric LeGrand.

Van Trease, a senior at St. John Vianney High School, suffered a fractured vertebrae during a football game Sept. 23 and was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.

“People were reaching out to me immediately,” LeGrand said.

With good reason. Since LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down while making a tackle during a Rutgers football game in 2010, he has become the face of the spinal-cord injury community in New Jersey and beyond. Eric and his mother, Karen LeGrand, have spoken with Aaron’s father Richard.

“I’m going to visit Aaron, probably within the next week, to help keep his spirits high,” Eric said.

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Aaron’s prognosis won’t be fully known until the swelling subsides, a process that could take a few weeks (by multiple accounts, he does have movement in his shoulders and arms). But here’s a guarantee: He will have some of the most impressive people on earth in his corner. The spinal-cord injury community already is mobilizing to help.

“This isn’t a family you want to join, but once you’re in it, we’re there for you with whatever you need — to help raise money, start a foundation, or just be able to talk to someone who’s in a similar situation,” LeGrand said. “What we can do is give people hope. This might be the worst time of your life, but things can get so much better.”

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'Just believe in your son'

Jessica Jarmer knows what Aaron’s parents are going through. In 2019 her teenage son Sam broke his neck while working as a lifeguard in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune. Connected by a mutual acquaintance, she’s been on the phone quite a bit with Richard Van Trease over the past week.

“I know this feeling; I know every step of it,” Jessica said. “You don’t wish this on anybody, but those of us who have been through it understand we can be there for each other.”

Her main message? Don’t let anyone put limitations on Aaron.

“Just believe in your son,” she said. “The mind has an incredible ability to heal.”

In the dark days after his accident, Sam only could wiggle a toe. Now he’s able to walk with the aid of a wheeled walker and a bit of assistance.

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“Celebrate every accomplishment like it’s the biggest thing in world, because it is,” Jessica Jarmer advised. “When you celebrate these things, it gives them something to work toward.”

She said Richard Van Trease was looking through Sam’s Instagram account and found a recent video of him peddling a stationary bike. It's proof of the possible.

Eventually, when the time is right, the Jarmers will visit Aaron. For now, they’re sending encouragement and prayers.

“Stay determined,” Sam said. “You might not always see the biggest steps, but the small steps you take over time really make a big difference in getting toward your goal.”

'We don't leave people behind'

Mikey Nichols has been there. In 2014, he was paralyzed from the neck down while playing ice hockey for Monroe High School. He’s since regained control of his upper body and recently earned his driver’s license.

“I remember being in his exact spot,” Nichols said of Aaron. “I remember being scared, almost lost. You have a family out there that you are unaware of. It’s the whole spinal-cord injury community — and we don’t leave people behind.”

Nichols, who lives in Millstone, is a paraprofessional at Monroe High and working toward his college degree.

“This may seem like the worst part of your life, and it very well may be, but just know that the worst part of your life turns you into the strongest SOB you ever could be. So keep fighting.”

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Financial and moral support

September has been tragic month for the New Jersey High School football community. On Sept. 9, Linden’s Xavier McClain suffered a head injury during a kickoff return. He died Sept. 21. Two days later, Van Trease went down.

“You can do everything you can to teach technique, but football is an aggressive game,” LeGrand said. “People are running full speed at each other. Injuries happen, and you want to be sure you’re there for people when they happen.”

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The Van Trease family’s Manasquan neighbors launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised $90,000 over the first two days.

“All funds raised will support Aaron’s recovery,” neighbor Lindsay Scollo wrote on the campaign’s web page. “This may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, modifications to home/vehicles, accommodation/travel and any other support required.”

The initial goal of the campaign was $100,000. That’s going to be surpassed in a flash.

“On behalf of our close-knit community, the outpouring of generosity is beyond what we could imagine,” Scollo said in a text message. “We wanted to give back to the Van Trease family who has always been so supportive and giving to our community. Thank you for all the support and prayers! Keep them coming!”

That broad-based support is vital, but only a select few can look Aaron and his parents in the eye and say, “We’ve been there, and here’s what you should know.”

They're doing that now, and those words are priceless.

“Your story of survival becomes somebody else’s road map,” Jessica Jarmer said. “That’s what this is.”

To contribute to the fundraiser for Aaron Van Trease and his family, visit www.GoFundMe.com and search for “Prayers for AVT #18.”

Jerry Carino is community columnist for the Asbury Park Press, focusing on the Jersey Shore’s interesting people, inspiring stories and pressing issues. Contact him at jcarino@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Injured St. John Vianney player offered hope by Eric LeGrand