Students participate in 5k to support Jablonski and Bel13ve in Miracles Foundation

Despite dreary weather, 148 individuals turned up for the Jabby 5K event.

Meghan Ortizcazarin

Despite dreary weather, 148 individuals turned up for the Jabby 5K event.

Since Jack Jablonski’s spinal cord injury left him partially paralyzed during his hockey game on December 30, 2011, the BSM community, along with countless other schools and organizations, have supported and fundraised for Jack during his recovery process, as well as his Bel13ve in Miracles Foundation, which helps support other patients suffering with spinal cord injuries as well as funding spinal cord recovery research.

The latest of these fundraisers was the Jabby 5K: Walk, Run and Roll last Sunday, September 15. For senior Mack Nevells, who organized the event along with his father Tracy Nevells, the idea for the event was not a new one. “I had the idea back in 2011, but due to timing issues, I have been unable to organize it until this year. I’m doing this because people should still be aware the fund is still out there and needs support,” Nevells said.

One hundred and forty eight people came ready to run on the chilly Sunday morning. A large number of participants were members of the boys and girls BSM cross country teams. “I ran because I thought it would be a fun way to support Jack,” Alex Setchell, junior at BSM and member of the BSM girls cross country team, said.

The event not only had a great turnout but was also successful in terms of fundraising. “In the end, the Jabby 5K raised nearly $10,000. That is enough to fund a full scholarship for someone in the ABLE program at the Courage Center,” Tracy Nevells said.

Although Jabby was not able to attend the event himself, Max Jablonski was sent as a representative of the Jablonski family to show their appreciation for the community’s support.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without BSM; it has really made everything easier knowing that they are behind me.

— Jack Jablonski

Since the accident, Jablonski has come a long way –– something he attributes in part to the support from BSM. “After my injury, I really didn’t know what to expect down the road. One thing I can say is I am way farther ahead in the progress standpoint than I ever thought I’d be. I wouldn’t be where I am today without BSM; it has really made everything easier knowing that they are behind me,” Jablonski said.

Even with Jack entering his senior year at BSM, his plans upon graduation are still uncertain. “I’ve looked at taking a gap year, but I need to talk to my family and see what we all think would be best and most beneficial,” Jablonski said.