Jefferson wrestler Dominic Haines continues his recovery at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after suffering a broken neck in last week’s Traditional State Wrestling championships in Macon.
Haines, a senior, still has a long road to recovery, but his parents, Zach and Shantel Haines gave a lengthy update on their Facebook page on Monday.
According to his parents, Haines still does not have feeling from his chest down, but there were encouraging signs during recent physical therapy sessions. However, they also said he would require a second surgery “to fuse the vertebrae from the back to give his neck more stability.”
There was no further information on when the second surgery would take place.
Haines was competing in the 144-pound weight class against Gilmer's Domingo Velasquez when the injury occurred.
Zach Haines thanked everyone on his Facebook page who had reached out since last Friday.
“Thank you for the continued support. Even the surgeon said, ‘Y’all definitely have enough support behind you! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this much for a patient!’” Haines said. “That made my heart happy!”
On a GoFundMe page that started last week, they have raised over $61,000 to help offset hospital expenses.
