On the evening of August 23, 2025, the small town of Waynedale, Ohio, buzzed with excitement for a high school football game featuring the Tusky Valley High School Trojans.
Among the players was 15-year-old freshman Mayson White, a passionate athlete with a bright future, but in a heartbreaking moment during the game, Mayson suffered a life-changing injury that would test the strength of his family, particularly his parents, Amanda Laura Lee White and Justin White.
A Devastating Injury
During the game at Waynedale High School, Mayson White, a talented young football player, suffered a severe injury.
According to Waynedale High School Athletics, Mayson fractured his C4 vertebra, a critical part of the spine that supports movement and sensation.
The injury caused pressure on his spinal cord, leading to immediate paralysis.
In a moment that felt like a nightmare, Mayson was rushed by ambulance to Akron Children’s Hospital, where his parents, Amanda and Justin, faced the most frightening hours of their lives.
Amanda shared the devastating news on her Facebook page, writing,
Mayson underwent emergency surgery the next morning, with his parents by his side, clinging to hope and praying for their son’s recovery.
Mayson was born to Amanda and Justin White, a devoted couple who raised him alongside his older brother, Jess, and two sisters, Elsie and Zoey, in their close-knit Ohio family.
Mayson, the second son, was known for his kind heart and love for sports. His love for sports, especially football, was undeniable, but what stood out even more was his deep bond with his family.
His aunt, Lauren, described him as a boy who was never shy about showing affection, saying, “He’s never too embarrassed to hug on his Mom and give her a kiss in front of anyone!!”
Mayson White’s parents have been his rock through this unimaginable ordeal. Amanda and Justin have faced the heartbreaking reality of their son’s paralysis with courage and love.
After Mayson’s surgery, Amanda shared a raw and emotional update:
“Mayson’s surgery went really well. He did amazing and his team was amazing as well. Unfortunately, Mayson is paralyzed. He has some movement in his right arm but not his hand and he can shrug his shoulders, but nothing in his legs. We are just soo thankful that he is still here with us! Our lives may look different, his life may look different, but he is still our Mayson!”
Via GoFundME
Amanda’s heartfelt message captured the essence of a mother’s love. She wrote, “If I could trade places with him, I would quicker than a heartbeat!”
Justin, equally devoted, has stood by Mayson’s side, supporting his wife and children as they guide this new reality.
Together, Amanda and Justin are determined to be everything Mayson needs, from caregivers to cheerleaders, as he embarks on a long journey of recovery and rehabilitation.
The News of Mayson’s Injury Sent Shockwaves Through the Tusky Valley and Waynedale Communities
Friends, neighbors, and even strangers came together to support the White family. Mayson’s aunt, Lauren, set up a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of $35,000 to help ease the financial burden on Amanda and Justin.
The funds will go toward renovating the family’s home to accommodate Mayson’s needs, as well as covering medical bills and extensive therapy.
Lauren wrote,
“Mayson’s got his whole life ahead of him and he’s one of the strongest boys I know. He’s so sweet and has the kindest heart I know of.
Via GoFund Me
The GoFundMe page quickly became a place for people to share prayers, kind words, and donations. Lauren emphasized that any help, no matter how small, would make a difference.
Lauren noted, “His love for sports will never go un-noticed. And tho Mayson’s life after the hospital may look a little different… He’s still the same Mayson!!!”
Mayson’s Spirit Shines Through
Despite the challenges he faces, Mayson remains the same sweet, spirited boy his family and friends adore. Amanda shared a touching update about his personality shining through, even in the hospital.
“He knows when we talk to him. He nods his head in acknowledgment. And still scrunches his cute little eyebrows in annoyance,” she wrote.
These small gestures are a reminder of Mayson’s strength and the spark that makes him so special.
Mayson’s love for football and his vibrant personality have left a lasting impact on those around him.
His teammates, coaches, and classmates at Tusky Valley High School have rallied to support him, sharing messages of encouragement and love.
The community’s response reflects the deep connection Mayson has built through his kindness and passion.
As Mayson begins his recovery, Mayson White’s parents are preparing for a long road ahead. He will remain in the hospital for at least a month, followed by extensive physical therapy to help him regain as much independence as possible.
The family’s home will need significant renovations to accommodate Mayson’s mobility needs, including ramps, widened doorways, and accessible facilities.
These changes, along with medical expenses, represent a significant financial challenge, but Amanda and Justin are focused on their son’s well-being above all else.
The Whites are not alone in this journey. Their community, both local and online, continues to uplift them with prayers, donations, and messages of hope.
