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Jablonski Up For Courage In Sports Award On Sunday

Jack's mom tells CaringBridge followers that the family moved back home in early October, and Jack blew out the candles on the cake for his 17th birthday.

Jack Jablonski, the Benilde-St. Margaret's hockey player who sustained a serious spinal cord injury in a game on Dec. 30, is an America's Choice finalist for the Courage in Sports Award

The winner will be announced at 2 p.m. Sunday on WCCO.

Jack's mom, Leslie, reminded readers of her son's CaringBridge page to watch the show.

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In another post on CaringBridge, Leslie said the family moved back to their home in early October. The house was renovated to improve accessibility.

Think about it, the last time Jack slept here was on December 29th, the night before his injury. He was resistant to coming home during the construction and now it makes sense. I thought he might be curious to see all that was being done to make it possible to bring him home, but the changes made to the house represented the reality of his situation. 

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Jack celebrated his 17th birthday on Oct. 25. Leslie wrote:

He celebrated his birthday with a handful of friends, tacos and his fave, a Patti Cake from Yum! The most exciting moment of the night was when he blew out all 17 candles. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but it brought tears to my eyes. He could barely take a deep breath for months after his injury because he couldn't feel his diaphragm. But as he gets stronger he gains back more and more normal functions. To see him blow out the candles on his cake was a big deal. 

He's also looking and feeling stronger day by day. He continues to get mad at me when I get excited about odd movements, but I can't help myself. Sorry, but when his legs move or when I catch a glimpse of him pushing his brother with force, I squeal with delight. ...

She finished the post with a thank you to Bob McEnaney, "who rode 508 miles through the Mojave Desert and Death Valley National Park to the Joshua Tree National Park, to raise money for Jack's medical needs."

His endurance and motivation to compete in 'The Furnace Creek 508' is above and beyond anything we've ever seen. Thank you. 

Here are previous stories about Jack:

  • ParkTV Honored for Jack Jablonski Coverage
  • (UPDATED) Last Day to Vote Jabs for 'Courage in Sports' Award
  • Jablonski Has a Scare
  • Jablonski in Final Two for 'Courage in Sports' Award
  • Jablonski Stands With Assistance
  • Jablonski With Big Lead in 'Courage in Sports' Award Voting
  • Jablonski a Finalist for 'Courage in Sports' Award
  • Jablonski Makes His Return to BSM
  • Jack Jablonski Returns to School
  • Jack Jablonski Gets to Hold the Stanley Cup
  • Jack Jablonski Bike Riding Fundraiser Planned
  • Jablonski to Blow Vikings Horn Before Friday's Game
  • Jablonski Family Offers Thanks After Gala
  • (VIDEO) Roenick Takes to the Ice for Jabs
  • Jablonski Becomes Target of Cyberbullying
  • A Step in the Right Direction for Jablonski
  • Jablonski in ER—Again
  • Leslie Jablonski: 'We Take so Many Things for Granted'
  • Jablonski Doing Well Since Second Discharge
  • Jack Jablonski Discharged—Again
  • Jablonski Admitted to Hospital After Feeling Sick
  • Twitterverse Celebrates Jablonski's Discharge
  • Jablonski Removes Neck Brace
  • (VIDEO) NHL Players Wish Jablonski Well
  • Should Jabs Have Been on Ice After BSM Won State?
  • Jablonski Rehab: Hard Work the Order of Business
  • Jablonski Has His 'Ups and Downs'
  • 'Club 13' to Match Jablonski Common Basket Donations
  • Jablonski Making Progress in Rehab
  • Jablonski: 'I Will Walk Again'
  • Jablonski: 'This is Like a Calling Almost'
  • Jablonski Sitting Up Several Times a Day
  • (LIST) Ways Minnesotans Are Helping Jablonski
  • POLL: Will Jack Jablonski's Injury Leave a Mark on Minnesotans?
  • Hockey Stars Making Time for Jablonski
  • (VIDEO) Leslie Jablonski: Jack Moved Arms
  • Surgeon: Jablonski 'Can’t Expect Much Recovery'
  • Support Pouring in for Paralyzed BSM Athlete
  • BSM Sophomore Paralyzed During Hockey Game


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