By Theresa-Marie Wilson ~
Social media was flooded with the story of Jared Springer, an Arroyo Grande High School senior who was told he couldn’t attend his prom because of medical issues. The story has since gone viral and has been picked up by news agencies across the country. Although, the Springer family experienced frustration, anger, and sadness, the story does have a happy ending—Jared will get his prom.
Brighten A Corner Ministry will hold a prom for Jared on May 27 at Mountainbrook Church from 6:30 to 11 p.m.
Support for Jared has come in from the local community as well as across the nation.
“It is astounding; it truly is unlike anything we have ever experienced in 13 years of service,” said Robin Lee, founder and project director Brighten A Corner Ministry. “I think one of the things that makes people connect, beside from the sadness, is that this is actually something that is really easy to fix. It’s that ability to really tangibly do something to rewrite the end of the story that really connects with people.”
The story goes back to October of 2014 when Jared attended school as usual, but suddenly became very ill and was rushed to the emergency room and later flown to Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara.
“He spent 20 days in a coma, had a tracheotomy, feeding tube and was kept alive on a breathing machine 5 months and 4 days in ICU and the hospital, undergoing two surgeries, many tests, rehab and started a yearlong chemo regiment,” his father Frank Springer posted on Facebook. “After his craniotomy Jared was diagnosed with a Neoplasm Pilocytic Astrocytoma brain tumor that what caused his massive brain hemorrhage, stroke and many physical deficits.”
Jared came home about a year ago confined to a wheelchair. He then began physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and aqua therapy, his father said. He rides a custom bike, swims with one arm and a snorkel, has improved his motor skills on the left side and can get around fairly well in his wheelchair with one arm and one leg.
Jared returned to school this year in an independent educational program, with a school aide and help from support teachers. Several weeks ago, Jared fell out of his wheelchair and broke his right hip resulting in surgery. He then spent 10 days in rehab. Upon release, doctors told him not to attend school for the next six weeks while recovering. His heart was still set on going to prom. However, Frank said his family was told that the policy of the Lucia Mar Unified School District prohibited Jared from attending prom without a medical release and a meeting to discuss the possibility. The news came to the family late in the day on Thursday and the prom was on Saturday.
Jared didn’t go to prom with his friends and fellow classmate. Instead, his mother, Lori, drove him and his date to the Madonna Inn where they had dinner and then returned home.
Following and uproar by community members, District Superintendent Dr. Raynee Daley held a press conference and issued a public apology.
“We, as a district, are truly sorry that Jared did not get to attend his senior prom,” said Daley. “There are policies in place that guide when students can participate in extracurricular activities. We cannot let students participate in the absence of a medical release. When we didn’t get a release in time, we were force to make a decision that turned out to being very unfortunate, in order to protect the safety of our students and staff.
“In this instance we failed to communicate this in a timely way, and failed to provide a path that could have made Jared’s dream come true. For that, I accept responsibility, and I apologize.”
Daley added that the district will support Brighten a Corner Ministries in their efforts to put on what is being called Prom for Jared.
“We really want to emphasis that we believe that the Lucia Mar school district is using this opportunity to write the end of their story as well,” Lee said. “They will begin a whole new page when it comes to dealing with parents and families for the future. We really believe that they are going to right this wrong in terms of policies and practices from this point forward.”
Last week, a Facebook page called Jared’s Prom was set up and already has close to 4,000 followers.
Tickets for the prom are $5 and limited to 500 attendees. Proceeds will go to the Springer family. Upper classmen from AGHS, San Luis Obispo High, Nipomo High, Mission Prep, New Tech High and Coastal Christian School are invited to attend. There will be a DJ and dinner will be served. Males students are asked to wear shirt and ties and females are asked to wear dresses.
To make a donation to or volunteer services for the prom, visit www.brightenacorner.com or call them at (805) 215-2983.
A GoFundMe account has been set up in Jared’s name.
