A teen gymnast was paralyzed and is undergoing surgeries after an accident during a dismount Friday at her Sumner gym.
Jacoby Miles, 15, was practicing a “double back” dismount off the high bar when she landed on her neck on an 8-inch-thick mat, according to a blog updating the public about her condition.
She was paralyzed from the midchest down.
Her father, Jason Miles, says her spinal cord wasn’t severed but she lost all feeling below her chest. She has some feeling in her arms. Doctors think the teen could regain movement in her wrists but it’s unlikely she’ll walk again, according to the blog.
“Today was difficult for her emotionally as the reality of the situation began to set in,” the blog said Monday.
Roach Gymnastics in Sumner, Jacoby’s gym, is collecting donations to help the family.
Donations can be made at roachgymnastics.com or by calling 253-826-5999. They also can be sent or dropped off to Team Jacoby Fund c/o Roach Gymnastics and Cheer, 1627 45th St. E., Bldg. D-103, Sumner, WA 98390.
The gym is also collecting grocery gift cards to deliver daily meals to the family at home and the hospital.
For more ways to help and for updates on Jacoby’s condition, visit http://getwelljacoby.blogspot.com. Other fundraisers include gymnastics clinics today and Wednesday and a national get-well card campaign from other gymnasts.
alexis.krell@thenewstribune.com
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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