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Support magnifies for injured high school athlete

With shock still reverberating through Fallbrook High School and the greater community after 17-year old Jacob “Jake” Robinson sustained major, traumatic injuries in a car accident Tuesday evening, September 23, supporters have quickly organized to provide monetary assistance, prayer and moral support to the young Christian athlete and his family.

Pastor Phil Tukua of Christ The King Lutheran Church, where the Robinson family worships, said over 500 people attended a special prayer service held Wednesday night, September 24, to show their support for the family and the young athlete’s recovery.

“It was standing room only,” Tukua said. “The Fallbrook Christian community raised over $7,000 last night to help the family.”

It has been reported by friends of the family that Robinson suffered a broken back and severely damaged spinal cord in the accident. Tukua, who has been assisting the family since the tragedy, said Robinson is expected to be in surgery ten hours today (Thursday, September 25) and another ten hours Saturday.

“He is currently paralyzed from the chest down,” Tukua said.

Robinson is a member of the Fallbrook Warriors varsity football team and has also played rugby at the school.

At the high school on Wednesday, students were shocked by the news of the accident. Principal Rod King said that counselors had been placed in all of Robinson’s classes, and were being made available in the school library for students who needed someone to talk to. Many students are expressing their fondness and concern for Robinson.

“[Jake] has always been an upbeat guy, always cheering us on at the football practices,” said Ethan Rowe, one of Robinson's teammates. “He'd outshine over everybody.”

Robinson was one of four senior boys named to the 2008 Homecoming Court last week at Fallbrook High School and has been actively involved in mission trips through Christ The King Lutheran Church. He served this past summer in Africa where he volunteered his time at Tumaini Children’s Home.

King himself was particularly grieved by Robinson's accident, and said he has known the young man for several years.

“He is a great kid,” King said, explaining that Robinson has been involved in both high school activities and church functions. King said he helped support Robinson on his recent mission trip to Africa and that many people are eager to show their support for Robinson and his family during this tragic time.

Robinson was also known to many members of the Fallbrook community due to his job at the Hukilau restaurant at Fallbrook Golf Course, where he has worked as a server for the past year.

“[He] was constantly greeting people at the Hukilau with a smile and was always cheerful,” said Tiffany Brotherton, who worked at the restaurant with Robinson.

“He was happy all the time,” she said. “He had a high outlook on life.”

For those that would like to make a donation to help the Robinson family, checks can be made out to “Christ The King Church” with a notation on the memo line that reads “Good Samaritan Fund – Jake Robinson.” They can be mailed to: Christ the King Church, 1620 S. Stagecoach Lane, Fallbrook, CA 92028; or taken to any branch of Pacific Western Bank.

Fallbrook High School students that would like to write cards, letters and messages to Jake Robinson are welcome to drop them off at the school library where they will be forwarded to him.

Family friends encourage supporters to visit the following Web site that has been constructed for Jacob Robinson: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacobrobinson.

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