Efforts seek to raise funds for 2 injured hockey players

12/10/2008

Efforts are under way to raise money for two young hockey players who suffered paralyzing injuries while playing in separate games just under two weeks ago.

The Northwest Hockey Conference used the kick off of its league games last weekend to ask members and supporters of the hockey community to contribute money to a bank account the organization has set up to help Clay High School student Kyle Cannon and Start High School player Dustin Wells.

Kyle, 14, was hospitalized with a serious neck injury Nov. 30 after he was sent headfirst into the boards by an opposing player from Kentucky's Lexington Catholic High School. He was paralyzed from the neck down, although he has since regained some sensation in his arms and abdomen. He is now being cared for at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center.

Dustin suffered a serious back injury during a hockey game in Sylvania against Northview High School on Nov. 28. After being hospitalized he is now at home undergoing physical therapy. He has lost some feeling in his right leg.

Kyle's father, Jim Cannon, said his son's accident has strained the family financially because he and his wife, Laurie, do not get paid when they take time off work. They must also pay

20 percent of Kyle's health care costs, including physical therapy, extended hospital stay, and complicated surgery.

Dustin's mother, Dawn Haynes, a single mother of four children, said she is also struggling to pay for her son's care and does not get paid for the time she has to take off work.

Donations for Dustin and/or Kyle can be mailed to: NHC Benefit for Injured Players, Waterford Bank, 3900 North McCord Rd. Toledo, OH 43617. Checks can be made payable to either of the following: The Benefit Account for Kyle Cannon; The Benefit Account for Dustin Wells; or The Benefit Account for Injured Hockey Players.

Donations for Kyle can also be made to the Kyle Cannon Donation Fund at any Charter One Bank.