Helmets Must Be Cool, They Save Lives

A First Person Report by Jeannie Gaffron

My son Jon Paul Gaffron, 16 had a traumatic skateboarding accident on the street Thursday morning, March 13 at 7:25 a.m.

He and a friend were skateboarding from Lake of the Woods to meet a friend near the park for a ride to school. He was not wearing a helmet.

I would especially like to thank Donna Reed who was the first one at the scene and the first one to call paramedics. At this time Jon Paul was in convulsions. Mrs. Reed made him as comfortable as she could and started praying with his friend Seth, who had placed a call to me. I was on my way.

By the time I got there, paramedics were on the scene as well as many concerned citizens. I knew many recognized Jon Paul.

He was not responsive, so paramedics rushed him to the hospital. Many tests were taken and the results were that Jon Paul suffered a severe concussion with slight bleeding to the back of the brain.

I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. I know God was listening, because the outcome could have been so much worse.

Jon Paul is now at home and resting. He’s experiencing difficulty with vision and comprehension. He could have long term effects, but although he is in pain, his recovery is progressing well at this time. Your continued prayers for a full recovery without lasting effects will be greatly appreciated.

Although Jon Paul cannot remember the accident, Seth thinks his skateboard hit a crack in the pavement.

I hope hearing this story will encourage others to wear their helmets. After all, professional skateboarders all wear helmets, so they must be cool.

Jeannie Gaffron
Lake of the Woods

This is part of the March 21, 2008 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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