From One Parent to Another: A Mother’s Experience With Her Son’s Severe Sports Injury

In 2021, eighth grader Jayden from Chicago was building a name for himself in youth football. But, at an elite showcase in Tennessee in June of that year, he found himself in the path of two big linemen charging at him. Jayden was hit hard and fell. Later, at the hospital, tests revealed that Jayden had fractured his femur.

To treat his sports injury, he was transferred to a hospital within the state, where doctors told him he needed three screws in his leg and might never play football again.

Determined not to relinquish her son's dream of playing in the NFL, his mother, Jacky, started looking for a second opinion back home in Chicago. That led her to Shriners Children's Chicago. Doctors there were optimistic of Jayden's chances to play again, and he underwent physical therapy (PT), screw-removal surgery and more PT. By his sophomore season, he was ready to hit the field again. A rotator cuff injury briefly stalled him, but additional PT at Shriners Children's Chicago did the trick.

Today, Jayden, 19, plays football for Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin, where he earned a scholarship, and his family couldn't be happier - or more relieved. "What a blessing," Jacky said. "It's been rough for Jayden, his siblings, his dad and myself, but one thing I've learned is this: Give your child space, don't hover and always remind them you've got this together."

Those aren't the only important lessons that Jacky has learned throughout her son's sports injury experience at Shriners Children's Chicago and beyond. Here, she shares her words of wisdom for other parents who might find themselves in her shoes.

Try to stay positive in the face of fear.

"Jayden fell and didn't get up right away. My stomach was in knots. I was just praying my son was okay. I knew something wasn't right when they called me onto the field. I was shaking but still trying to stay positive."

All emotions and questions are normal and okay.

"The EMTs came, cut his football pants and his leg went the other way. At that moment, I went numb. I was so worried, scared and nervous, not knowing what would happen next. Would my son be okay? Would he be able to play football again? Was this the last game he would ever play?"