Help Cal Rugby player Robert Paylor on his healing/rehab expenses

Unfortunately, the update about the injury suffered by Cal sophomore lock, Robert Paylor, during the first half of the Penn Mutual Varsity Cup national championship final (an eventual Cal victory) is fairly somber. Paylor suffered a spinal injury that has “paralyzed his lower body with limited motion in his arms”.

Here is the full statement released by his family.

In case you can’t see the Tweet, here is the text:

The Paylor family would like to extend our sincere gratitude and thanks to the Cal Rugby family, friends, and community for all your prayers and support. We can’t find the words that express what that has meant to all of us in this very sad time in our lives. Robert is currently working on stabilizing his condition so he can start rehabilitation. The injury paralyzed his lower body with limited motion in his arms. This will be a long and difficult journey for Robert and his outcome is uncertain. But we know his faith and determination will get him as far as he can go in regaining mobility. We are overwhelmed with the love and support we’ve received from people all over the country and ask that you continue to keep Robert in your prayers.

UPDATES: Official comments from coach Jack Clark and AD Mike Williams have been announced.

Statement from rugby head coach Jack Clark:

"Our team is devastated by Rob's injury. There aren't words to adequately explain our sorrow for what he and his family are going through. Rob is an extraordinary teammate, friend and student-athlete. As a University-recognized Scholar Athlete, he represents everything that is right and true about collegiate athletics. His challenges will be severe, long in duration and difficult beyond measure. Our team intends to be there with him every bit of the way."

Statement from Director of Athletics Mike Williams:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Robert and his family at this difficult time, and our primary concern is for Robert's long-term health and well-being. We are here to provide help and support in every way possible. Our excitement over another national championship is clearly tempered by Robert's injury, and we certainly hope for the best outcome him and his family."

A GoFundMe page has been created with the goal of raising $1 million dollar, which might actually only cover the first year of expense for someone with tetraplegia.

There will also be a Pray for Robert event (all religious backgrounds are welcomed) in Berkeley on Thursday.

Cal Family, it’s time (again) for us to rally together to help one of our own.

GO BEARS!