The township is helping one of its own.
By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
MONROE — The township is helping one of its own.
The high school staff and town police will play each other in a basketball game on Tuesday, April 22 in honor of Michael “Mikey” Nichols who suffered a severe spinal cord injury while playing a varsity hockey game in January.
The event will include a raffle, with winning prizes, including signed sports memorabilia, concert tickets and ski resort passes among many others. Also, games like a half time hoop contest will also be at the event.
A $5 donation will be asked, with all proceeds going to the Nichols family.
The 17-year-old was injured when he was checked from behind and smashed headfirst into the boards, according to his father Steven Nichols.
Mikey fractured his C5 vertebra, causing a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, just below his chest down.
Since his injury he has been to the Morristown Medical Center on three separate occasions, including when he was originally airlifted immediately after the accident.
”No other sport gave him the same feeling of excitement and joy like hockey did,” said his father Steven.
Mikey’s father also said he undergoes therapy, three hours a day at the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation in West Orange.
”He loved the speed, loved the contact, and loved being part of a team,” said Mr. Nichols of his son’s time playing hockey. “He is a very outgoing, caring, humorous person and that worked great in a hockey locker room and on weekend trips to tournaments with his teammates.”
Mr. Nichols said his son’s ultimate goal is to get back on the ice, but has simpler short terms goals like attending prom and graduating in June with his classmates.
”We have found out that too many people suffer with a Spinal Cord Injury, and that not enough funding is earmarked for research,” said Mr. Nichols who has recently has been in touch with the Dana and Christopher Reeves Foundation.
He said he hopes the money raised from the event will help offset the high medical costs and life costs, like remodeling their home to accommodate their son’s needs. The family also hopes to raise awareness in finding a cure for people living with spinal cord injuries.
Social media has played a big part in the recovery process.
The night Mikey got injured a group of his friends started a twitter hashtag, #Prayformikey23, 23 being Mikes jersey number.
The family also set up a Facebook page by the same name to update all of Mikey’s supporters on his condition and progress towards recovery.
Mr. Nichols said people from as far away as Australia have thrown him their support and prayers. He also said the family set up a website MikeyStrong23.org in which they will ultimately use to raise funds for spinal cord research.
To donate, or check for future events, go to MikeyStrong23.org.