The Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia illuminated with blue lights Wednesday night to honor 12-year-old Xavier Taylor, a youth baseball player who remains in extremely critical condition after a training accident.
Xavier, a player for Maple Shade Youth Baseball, was airlifted to Cooper University Hospital in May after an errant throw struck him in the neck during warmups.
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He is currently on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.
Community Support and Fundraising
Community members have rallied to support the family, organizing a Meal Train and raising more than $119,000 to assist with their ongoing needs.
Philadelphia Phillies catcher Garrett Stubbs also visited Xavier in the hospital.
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"I could not have asked or ever dreamt of support like this right now, but our end goal is for our son to be back on this field or whatever field is next destined for him," said Greg Taylor, Xavier's father.
The family expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming local support while maintaining their primary focus on Xavier's recovery.
"We're just so touched and blessed by all the prayers and thoughts and well-wishes and kind donations that everyone's been giving him over the last couple of days," Greg Taylor said.
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The father noted that the collective community outreach has provided vital strength to help the family navigate the days following the accident.
