Plainfield Community Rallies Around Family After Son Injured During Soccer Game

PLAINFIELD, IL — When Caroline and Kevin Fraley’s son was accidentally kneed in the nose while diving to stop a goal during a Plainfield South soccer scrimmage, they didn’t stop to think about the medical bills. She and her husband were only worried about the immediate medical needs of their son.

The needs, unfortunately, are considerable. The accident pushed his nose into his head and he had to have surgery. He also had a spinal tap performed and at one point doctors were concerned he could have spinal meningitis. Billy spent most of this past week in the hospital after an adverse reaction from the medication.

Thankfully, there are people in the community who are willing to step in when help is needed.

Plainfield resident Lysa Heaton has organized a fundraiser at Plainfield South the night of Sept. 23 at the football game. Glow sticks will be sold in an attempt to light up the stadium. According to Heaton, the school donated the money for the sticks.

In addition, a Go Fund Me page has been created that, as of this writing, has raised close to $7,000 of its $8,000 goal.

Caroline Fraley said she’s not one to ask for help and has been overwhelmed by the support the community has given her during this difficult time.

“It’s overwhelming how many people have reached out. My head is spinning. I can’t believe it. It’s just amazing,” Fraley said.

Fraley’s daughter Kayla, who is a senior at Plainfield South, was supposed to go shopping with her mom for a homecoming dress, but Caroline has been unable to take her due to Billy’s injury.

“My youngest daughter plays soccer with a little girl whose mother owns White Satin Bridal. When I talked to the mom, she told me to send my daughter in and they donated a dress,” Fraley said. “They had my daughter come in and pick out a dress and they donated it to her.”

Fraley and her family have lived in Plainfield for 15 years and can’t get over the generosity of its residents.

“This place is amazing,” she said. “The school has called to check in on him. His coaches have emailed me. It’s been great. We are truly blessed. It’s very hard for me to ask anybody for help. When everybody stepped up and started doing all this stuff, it was wonderful.”

Although the family does have insurance, Fraley said the deductibles alone are high. Billy is also looking at at least one more surgery, and that's only if nothing goes wrong. Another surgery further down the road might also be considered cosmetic by their insurance company.

Visit the Go Fund Me page if you would like to donate, or attend tonight’s game to buy a glow stick.