by Dennis Dalman
First the good news: Young Sartell lacrosse player Blake Sundby is now off the “critical condition” list. But now the sad news: He faces a long recovery, according to his parents, Shantel and Nick.
His father recently posted this comment:
“He is going to have a very long road ahead of him in his recovery, but we will be with him every step of the way. It means the world to have such a large group of support rallying behind him too.”
Nick Sundby was referring to a widespread upswell of emotional and financial support for his son after he suffered a severe injury during a lacrosse practice game. While participating in that game in Sartell on April 23, the 15-year-old boy was hit in the back of his head by a lacrosse ball. Even though he was wearing the requisite protective helmet, the force of the ball caused him to lose consciousness and fall to the ground. He was rushed to the CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital where he suffered a seizure and was then airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center where he remains.
People far and wide, especially fans of hockey and lacrosse, have rallied for Sundby and his family. The Sartell Youth Hockey Association hosted a May 7 fundraiser, dubbed “Bags for Blake,” at the Second Street Coffee House in Sartell. There was also a fundraiser held at Chick-Fil-A in St. Cloud and generous donations from soccer players and their families throughout Minnesota. As of May 8, a GoFundMe account set up for the Sundby family had raised more than $62,000 to help with medical costs and other pressing needs.
And now for more good news, as posted by Sundby’s mother on the “Caring Bridge” page. Blake, she wrote, was finally able to move all four of his extremities on May 5, and he managed to give thumbs-up signals to verbal questions from others. Also on May 5, he opened his eyes and kept them open the whole day.
More updates are available daily on the GoFundMe and Caring Bridge websites for Blake Sundby. A GoFundMe page for Sundby can be visited at https://gofundme23631349
The following is a posting on that webpage just days after the traumatic injury:
“Blake is a 15-year-old sweet and kind boy who was hit in the back of the head with a lacrosse ball at practice. He had a brain bleed and had a seizure. He’s now in the hospital, and his family is going through a really hard time. He’s kind, caring and loved by everyone who knows him. The money raised will help with medical bills, travel and other costs while his family focuses on helping him get better. Any amount helps, and we’re so grateful for your support.”
Another posting on the webpage, this one from the Sartell Youth Hockey Team:
“Sartell Sabre Hockey joins the Storm’N Sabres Lacrosse community and all of Sartell High School in sending heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the Sundby family. We’re all hoping and praying for Blake’s recovery and keeping him close in our hearts.”
