Joshua High School junior Jaci Mitchell ate, breathed and slept softball and her workout regiments, Mitchell’s father Brad Mitchell said on Thursday. Mitchell’s talent and determination earned her a spot on the JHS varsity softball team.
“She’s very organized,” Mitchell said. “When it was time for her workouts, nothing got in her way.”
All that changed June 6 following a traffic accident on Farm-to-Market Road 1902.
A pickup Mitchell was riding in lost control and rolled six times, her father said. The rollover ejected Mitchell, breaking her C6 and C7 vertebrae in the process, he said.
“She’s currently paralyzed from the chest down,” Brad Mitchell said. “She can move her arms and turn her wrists, but has no use of her fingers yet, no grip. We’re hoping that will come back as the swelling around her spine from the surgery goes down.”
Mitchell said on Thursday that Jaci had been released from the hospital and transferred to Our Children’s House at Baylor in Dallas to begin rehabilitation, which should take about six weeks.
“The doctors have been pleased with her progress so far,” Mitchell said. “They’ve said she’s progressed ahead of schedule, which probably was helped by the fact that she worked out and was in good physical shape before the accident.”
Although Jaci’s prospects of walking again are slim, she remains undaunted, Brad Mitchell said.
“She’s a tough girl, and she’s bound and determined to get better,” Mitchell said.
For now, Mitchell said he and his family simply intend to be there for Jaci while they take things one step at a time.
“It’s a huge change, we’re just going to have to learn as we go along,” Mitchell said. “The same as Jaci’s going to have to learn.”
JHS softball coach Traci Brooks said she’s pulling for Jaci.
“This was her first year to play and she did a great job,” Brooks said. “She was our leadoff batter for the majority of the season, played a positive role on the team, always upbeat, light and having fun. She was the one who kept us all loose.”
JHS students quickly jumped in to lend support and help out.
“Several of them have been up to the hospital to visit Jaci, and she’s aware and thankful of everything everyone is doing,” Mitchell said.
In addition to posting signs reading “Pray for Jaci” throughout Joshua, students have organized fundraisers and websites to benefit their classmate.
A softball tournament, coupled with other family activities, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the JHS softball field.
The entry fee to participate in the tournament costs $10 per player.
Other events include bounce houses, train rides, food, games, face painting and live music. Jerseys and wrist bracelets will also be offered for sale.
Proceeds from all the events will be donated to the Mitchell family.
Those unable to attend Saturday’s event can make donations at any Wells Fargo Bank location into an account set up for Jaci.
Residents may also purchase jerseys or make donations at the Jerseys for Jaci website by visiting jerseysforjaci.bbnow.org.
Sports Editor Zack Cunningham contributed to this story.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Jaci Mitchell
Discussion
Paralyzed JHS girl begins rehab
Fundraiser scheduled for Mitchell on Saturday
- Local News
-
-
Officials, residents remember those who gave it all
A robust breeze alleviated the heat somewhat Monday morning at Cleburne Memorial Cemetery, but also played pandemonium with the setting up of a memorial table for POW and MIA veterans. Wind tipped a vase holding a single rose shattering it on the pavement. A hastily retrieved replacement held out but at one point toppled causing water to spill inches shy of the public announcement speaker.
-
A mother’s love, one day at a time
To everyone else, it was a regular Thursday. It was almost the weekend, almost summer break, time for vacation or time with family.
-
Candidates vie for Pct. 2, 3 seats
County voters will weigh in on three Johnson County Commissioners Court seats up for election on Tuesday. In addition to the five-candidate Precinct 1 race, voters living in precincts 2 and 3 will also vote for the commissioner of their choice.
-
Primary could decide constables
Ten candidates, all Republican, compete in their four respective precincts in the May 29 primary. With no Democratic opponents to face in November’s general election, the primary should decide the winner of all but one possible race.
-
Voters urged to check for possible precinct changes
Because of redistricting as required by the 2010 Census, Johnson County experienced some changes effective Jan. 1, said Patty Bourgeois, Johnson County Elections administrator.
-
Early voting numbers well short of ’08
Early voting turnout in Johnson County’s Democratic and Republican primaries totaled 3,914 as of Friday morning. That total includes 309 votes in the Democratic Primary and 3,605 in the Republican Primary.
-
Yellow Jackets headed to finals
GRAHAM — The Wichita Falls Rider pitching staff swam with sharks for most of five innings Friday, avoiding all but a few love taps and playful nips from Cleburne batters.
-
Changes at Splash Station
Splash Station officially opens for the summer season this weekend, and those who frequented the park in years past may notice some modifications.
-
Dang Gym steps up for injured Cleburne officer
Though he remains wheelchair bound for now with braces on his neck and left leg, Cleburne police officer Aaron Beseda gave a thumbs up Wednesday at the Dang Gym in Cleburne.
-
Cowan discusses being police chief, Burleson’s crime rate
Police Chief Tom Cowan, 63, said he believes the key to developing safe neighborhoods begins with the community. It’s an idea he’s developed in his more than 40 years serving in law enforcement.
- More Local News Headlines
-
