The headlines are full of the stories, but when one of them hits close to home, everything changes.  Two years ago, it was Harrison County football player Dylan Jeffries name in the headlines and communities throughout the region sprung into action with prayer vigils, wearing #22, and offering support. 

 

Jeffries was injured on Sept. 27 of 2013 during a game against Lincoln High School. After recovering for two weeks from a concussion, he was tackled in the last quarter of the game, rendering him unconscious.   

 

After nine days, Dylan passed away as a result of massive swelling of the brain, the result of what his doctors believe was second impact syndrome.  The condition, while rare, can occur when the brain is not fully healed from one concussion and another concussion occurs.

 

In the August issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine, Dylan Jeffries story was the sole focus of a feature about the dangers of concussions.  Giving his family a national platform on which to raise awareness, the Jeffries were eager to share their experience in an effort to help others.  “When Sharon Cotliar from the magazine first called us, she said they were doing a story about several athletes who been injured or died due to concussions.  After hearing about Dylan, she decided to do the entire story on him,” said Tammy Jeffries.

 

2013 was one of the deadliest season in over a decade for football-related deaths.  Research has shown that repeated concussions contribute to dementia, memory problems and other brain-related issues later in life, including emotional, social and cognitive issues.  The Good Housekeeping article sited a finding that states it takes only 10-15 hard hits to produce physical alterations in a player’s brain. 

 

The Jeffries and coaches followed all set procedures advised by the state.   As per West Virginia rules, he had to pass a multistep protocol to return to play.  After passing all the tests, his doctors cleared him  to play.  “He couldn't wait to get  in the game that night,” said his mom.

 

The tragedy of that night has led Harrison County to now make baseline testing for concussions available for all sports.  Coaches around the county now test at the start of the season, monitor closely throughout the season and check eyes often for dilation.  The family and community are dedicated to raising awareness of the symptoms and treatments of concussions, both of which are listed in the article.

 

Last year, the Jeffries established a scholarship in honor of their son.  An annual golf tournament helps raise funds for the scholarship, in addition to donations.  Next year’s golf tournament will be held in June and anyone wishing to donate to the fund can go to Harrison County Bank and deposit donations in the Dylan Jeffries Scholarship Fund.  The Jeffries credit God’s grace and the support of those in Harrison County for the comfort and compassion they have received.  “We are so grateful to live in a place that celebrates Dylan’s life,” Tammy Jeffries said.

 

 

CLICK HERE to read Good Housekeepings article on Dylan.