St. John Bosco’s worthy cause

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

St. John Bosco is doing what it can to take care of one of its own.

A few days after junior running back Blake Browning suffered a severe spinal injury on Aug. 18 in a preseason tackling exercise, a prayer service was held outdoors in the school’s quad area.

During their season opening 24-13 victory over Damien on Friday, the Braves unveiled wristbands with Browning’s name on them that will be sold for a minimum of $5 apiece at each of St. John Bosco’s home games. The next one is Friday against Long Beach Cabrillo.

Here’s hoping the wristbands will be bought for more than the minimum donation by everyone for whom it is at all possible.

All funds from the bands, as well as those collected in 50-50 drawings at mandatory parents’ meetings that are held bfour times a year, will be donated to the Browning family To help offset medical costs of Blake’s care at Miller Children’s Hospital in the Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.

‘They feel a tremendous support from the school,’ Principal Patrick Lee said of Browning’s family. ‘They’re always very strong and hopeful, but it’s going to be up and down. This is a tough road they’re on.’

Lee said he could not address the extent of sensation and movement Browning currently experiences, but acknowledged that he has been stable, conscious, and lately, growing stronger.

In the past few days, Browning has begun physical therapy and breathing exercises, going on and off a ventilator and has been resting more comfortably.

Lee said St. John Bosco players are planning to place a decal of Browning’s jersey No. 32 on the backs of their helmets -- once they decide what color it should be, that is.

One thing is for certain: Black is out.

‘It would make it seem like he’s dead, and Blake’s not dead,’ Lee said. ‘It would send the wrong kind of message and we’re not going to do that.’

- Lauren Peterson