LOGAN, UTAH (ABC 4 News) – There was an outpouring of support Saturday for a South Summit High School football player paralyzed during a game in October.
Sixteen year old Porter Hancock dislocated his neck in a hard hit. He was told he may never walk again, but a team of family, friends, and strangers are doing their best to help him get back on his feet
An auction held at Logan High School included memorabilia from every major sports teams in the state. Utah jerseys and helmets, however, sat side by side with those from professional teams. All were signed by players, and each was donated to raise money for a high school linebacker, a teen from Oakley, most have never met.
Cameron Brown is Porter Hancock’s cousin. He says it’s all about supporting the sixteen year olds’ recovery. “Our biggest thing is trying to help Porter get back to where he feels comfortable in a home and trying to get Porter to walk again.
Porter is paralyzed from the chest down. Getting around his split level house would be a challenge, so community volunteers and contractors are building the Hancock family a new wheelchair accessible home. The money raised at Saturday’s "Fight For the Feeling" auction will help with building expenses, but the money will also be used to provide the rehab and medical attention Porter will need.
His mother, Jill Hancock, says Porter is in remarkable spirits overall, and continues to be bolstered words of encouragement from teammates, former rivals, and new friends. "Stuff like this, and seeing family and friends and people you don't even know support you, really does help a lot."
Porter has started rehab but is still in the hospital and unable to attend the events held in his honor. His family says he is thankful, and like the rest of them, a little overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. "Overwhelmed its crazy how many people are out there to help support people from everywhere it's amazing how many people are willing to help out."
Those who wish to help Porter and his family can contribute at any Zion’s Bank branch in the name of the Porter Hancock Foundation.
