Templeton’s Isaac Lindsey continues recovery, community reaches out
Templeton’s Isaac Lindsey continues recovery as community bands together in support. Photo by Penny Fuentes
Updates & fundraisers for injured high school football player Isaac Lindsey
– After Isaac Lindsey, a junior at Templeton High School, suffered what is thought to be a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) on Sept. 18 in the Templeton Eagles’ football game against the SLO Tigers, the community rallied together like never before. As the days turn into weeks with Isaac recovering at Sierra Vista Hospital, the fundraisers and emotional support for his family continue to pour in.
A recent post from Isaac’s mom, Jenny, on the Team Isaac Facebook page gives some insight into the events of Sept. 18: “Isaac is a big, strong, healthy and passionate kid who has a great love for this game. We believe that Isaac simply played through what he thought was a mere headache or minor injury. There were no signs or indicators to anyone that this was as serious as it turned out to be.”
Referring to THS Head Athletic Trainer Shelby LaMendola’s quick actions on the sidelines, Jenny states, “Our family is very grateful for the knowledge and experience that Shelby LaMendola brought to the equation. She literally saved Isaac’s life that night with her expedience to his treatment.”
Teammates and friends of Isaac Lindsey add personal notes to banners designed and donated by Tim and Emily at All Signs. Photo by Penny Fuentes
Giving an update on Isaac’s ongoing recovery over this past weekend, Jenny states, “Friday they removed Isaac’s respirator tubing and he is breathing on his own and no longer in a medically induced coma. He had slow and steady progress through the day and night which included recognition of family, movement in limbs and speaking a few words (one of which was “mom.”) Saturday Isaac was assessed for physical therapy. He had an active and very productive day, the highlight of which for me was hearing that sweet voice again along with a kiss on the hand. Isaac remains in the ICU unit but we are optimistic and anticipate a change ahead.”
Jenny further explains that the Lindsey family continues to learn about brain injuries, including how they heal, and acknowledges that her son’s “road to recovery will include extensive therapy, at an acute treatment facility, out of the area, and is anticipated to be a slow and lengthy recovery.”
Fundraisers and more
The Paso Robles varsity football coaches sport Team Isaac buttons. To purchase a button, contact Jennifer Irysh at 369-3226. Photo by Jennifer Railsback
Support for the Lindsey family continues to pour in from across the county. A few recent happenings: on Friday night, Jennifer Irysh, with the help of her mom, Kathy Gray, made and sold Team Isaac buttons at the Atascadero JV football and the Paso Robles varsity football games, raising $1,200 for Team Isaac. This past Sunday, with the help of Templeton FFA, employees at Farm Supply sold baked goods and raised nearly $1,500 for Team Isaac. On Monday, Chili’s in Paso Robles donated 15 percent of the evening’s ticket sales back to Team Isaac.
Upcoming fundraisers and showings of support include:
• Wednesday, Sept. 30 Cold Stone Creamery in Paso Robles, 4-8 p.m.; 25 percent of all sales will benefit Team Isaac.
• Team Isaac buttons: Jennifer Irysh will sell Team Isaac buttons at the Atascadero JV game and the Paso Robles-Morro Bay varsity games on Friday for $5 apiece. Buttons are also available at Templeton Market; call Irysh at 369-3226 to purchase directly.
• Main Street Tattoo – selling $20 raffle tickets, winner gets $300 tattoo; call Jason Torres at 423-2192.
• Drive thru BBQ Fundraiser Oct. 4 at Templeton High School, 1-6 p.m. Family style dinners for four; whole tri-tip, beans, green salad, garlic bread and salsa, $50. Tickets available at Upscale Resale, the Templeton Chamber of Commerce office, and Templeton and Paso Robles high schools.
• Donations accepted for Team Isaac at any Heritage Oaks Bank.
• Make a donation at the Go Fund Me Isaac Lindsay #32 site, www.gofundme.com/4h4j3ej5.
Do you know of other fundraisers happening for Team Isaac? If so, please email meagan@accesspublishing so we can include the information on our site.
