Fundraising Underway For Football Player From Holmdel's Vianney

HOLMDEL, NJ — A GoFundMe site has been established for Saint John Vianney's Aaron Van Trease as he continues his recovery from a neck injury be sustained in a football game last week.

"On Sept. 23, at Friday night’s football game, the unthinkable happened to the most loving, well-mannered, respectful young man," the site said.

Van Trease, an 18-year-old senior at the school suffered a severe spinal cord injury (SCI) and was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital where he underwent surgery to remove the fractured vertebrae, the site noted.

Lindsay Scollo of Manasquan is the organizer of the site.

"As Aaron begins his recovery in the hospital, we all remain hopeful that he will regain the strength and mobility he once had," she wrote.

Reach the fundraising site here. Information on the site indicates more than $50,000 has already been raised.

"Anyone who knows Aaron can attest to his determination and incredible ambition. There is no doubt that Aaron will bring that same tenacity and commitment to his rehab and recovery," the site posted.

"In an effort to organize the beautiful outpouring of love and support, we feel it is best to start this fundraiser for Aaron and his parents, Richard and Deborah. They are the kind of people who will give you the shirt off their back, and have always been there to provide support when family, friends or neighbors are in need.

"Now, this is our opportunity to reciprocate in helping the Van Trease family on their road to recovery," the site says.

"All funds raised will support Aaron’s recovery. This may include medical expenses, rehabilitation, modifications to home/vehicles, accommodation/travel and any other support required for Aaron’s ongoing recovery," the site says.

On its Facebook site late Wednesday, the school again thanked the community for its thoughts and prayers for Aaron and his family. Margaret Kane principal of the private Catholic school, has called for the prayers from the community ever since the accident happened.

"The outpouring of support has been tremendous for Aaron and his family," the school site said.

St. John Vianney High School will also be selling T-shirts to support Aaron and all monies will be donated to him for his recovery. The T-shirt will cost $20 and students can purchase shirts during lunch next week, the school said.

Anyone interested in purchasing merchandise to support this fundraiser can do so at this link.

The senior quarterback was seriously injured during a game last Friday night during the first quarter of the game against Manasquan.

After his injury, he told head coach Jeff Papcun: "Don't worry about me. Go win this game." SJV won the game 32-0 and the words are now on the school Facebook site.

Founded in 1969, Saint John Vianney High School is a Catholic college preparatory school located in Holmdel and operated by the Diocese of Trenton, according to the school website.

"Please continue to keep Aaron and his family in your prayers as he moves forward with his recovery," the school has asked.