Football

Paralyzed Football Star Benefiting from Community Fundraiser

Two months removed from a tragic accident that cost him his ability to move, a Danville teenager is feeling the love from his community.

Jake Javier was one day away from crossing the graduation stage at San Ramon Valley High School when a pool accident left him with a broken neck and rendered him paralyzed from the chest down. Dedicated to supporting the standout football player during the recovery process, the Danville community is hosting the JaviStrong Gala Saturday night to raise awareness and money for the Javier family.

Gala chairman Jeff Sperbeck is proud of how the community has united to help out one of its own.

"The community has been amazing in their support of Jake," he said. "Everyone has stepped up and helped in every which way, from volunteering their time to giving whatever donation items they have available."

Proceeds from the live auction event at the Blackhawk Museum, as well as money collected during an online auction taking place all of next week, will support "All Stars Helping Kids" with the JaviStrong Gala named as the beneficiary, according to the auction website.

More than 200 featured auction items include exclusive travel opportunities, tasty dining treats, sports memorabilia, a training opportunity with the Navy SEALs and more, according to the auction website.

Javier planned to play football and study engineering at Cal Poly this fall. Although a future on the field is now off the table, Sperbeck is amazed by Javier's positivity.

"He's fighting the good fight," Sperbeck said. "He's a unique, strong man who's just an amazing blessing."

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