also available at www.SethSpeaks.net -
Although I was born in Fargo, ND, my parents moved to Perham, MN, when I was less than six months old. I graduated from school in Perham after participating in football, basketball and baseball. Even though I haven’t technically lived full time in Perham for over 15 years, when asked where I’m from or where ‘home’ is, I quickly respond, “Perham.”
Generally people will say, “Oh.” That means they have no idea where it is.
So, I will say, “Do you know where Detroit Lakes is?”
Some answer yes, saying they’ve been to WE FEST.
If they don’t say yes, I”ll say, “Well, it’s about an hour east of Fargo.”
That generally at least gives them an idea of where the town of just under 2,500 is located. The Lakes Area is really busy during the summer months, to be sure.
Last Thursday, while I was trying to stay warm inside, writing a blog here about the weather conditions in Warroad, the Perham high school boys basketball team was playing in Dilworth. The Yellowjackets went into the game with a record of 11-0 and ranked fourth in the state in AA. It wasn’t long before none of that seemed too important.
Zach Gabbard, a 17-year-old starter who had led the team in scoring three of the past four games, was running down the court. Suddenly, he had a seizure, a heart attack and collapsed to the floor. A Perham doctor who had made the trip came onto the court and performed CPR until paramedics got there. Players were sent to the locker rooms and fans were cleared from the gym.
He was taken to Sanford Medical Center in Fargo where he had to go through heart surgery. He remained in critical condition, but on Sunday, he was able to be flown down to the University of Minnesota hospital where he is showing more signs of responsiveness.
I don’t know Zach Gabbard. He was born the same year that I graduated from high school. This is a story that you read in the newspaper. It’s something that happened to Hank Gathers from Loyola Marymount in the late ’80s. It isn’t supposed to happen so close to home.
The Perham community has come together. High school basketball teams across the state and further have expressed their concern and best wishes. His CaringBridge site has already been viewed nearly 69,000 times, and many have left messages. There have been community gatherings for thougths and prayers for Zach and his family. His family has been updating the journal, and they continue to thank all the supporters for the well wishes and prayers.
As you can imagine, the medical costs will be very high for the family. A fund has been set up at United Community Bank in Perham to help his family defray medical costs. Donations can be made at any UCB location (Perham, Frazee and Dean’s Country Foods in Perham) in the name of the Zach Gabbard Fund. Others can feel free to send money to United Community Bank at 155 Second Street SW, Perham, MN 56573.
Also, t-shirts have been designed to help show support for Zach and his family. One Clap for Zach (www.OneClapForZach.com) was set up by Perham’s 9th grade coach and assistant varsity coach Brent Hanson who has coached Zach for a long time in various youth programs. The proceeds from the t-shirt will also go to the Zach Gabbard Fund.
One Clap for Zach
If there is anyone that can understand what Zach and his family are going through, it is Brent Hanson and his parents. When he was in high school, he was playing basketball one day, and he blacked out. He has a pace maker in his chest to remind him of that day and how precious life is.
As if it matters, the Perham boys basketball returned to the court on Tuesday night and played their first game since the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton game had been postponed. The team made the long trek to Barrett, where they took on West Central Area. For what it is worth, they improved to 12-0 with a 63-13 win.
According to the post-game article by John George of LakesAreaSports.com, it was an emotional night for the players.
This is one of those stories that you hope never happens, but it does. Zach Gabbard is doing his part. He is fighting. His family is doing what they can. They are with their son. There are a lot of people wishing them all well and praying for them.
To read updates on Zach, click here. To leave comments for Zach, click here. Please also visit the One Clap for Zach site where you can donate directly, or purchase a t-shirt with proceeds all going to the Zach Gabbard Fund.
In addition, I will keep pre-ordered copies of my Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook – 2011 available for another day (through Wednesday). I have been asking for $14.95 per book for the pre-order. For every book that I get a pre-order sale for, I will donate $2, and any amount over $14.95 per book will also be donated. In other words, if you pre-order a book and send me $14.95, I will donate $2. If you pre-order a book and send me $16.95, I will donate $4. If you have any question on how to pre-order, please e-mail me.
Minnesota Twins Prospect Handbook - 2011
As someone who lives out of the country and in fact hasn’t lived in MN for almost 17 years (still consider it home though), I hadn’t heard this touching story. I also deal with seizures (and in fact have had my heart stop, with my wife having to perform CPR on me)and know the toll it can’t take not only on yourself, but greatly on loved ones. Sending Zach and his loved ones many well wishes and will be keeping them in my thoughts. Thanks for this non-baseball related article.
With God at Zach’s side, I know he will make a complete recovery.
Wishing nothing but the best for Zach to be sure.