A new foundation emerged after a personal tragedy occurred to a Washington State University football player on his drive home during finals week.
Cory Mackay, who had just completed his freshman year at WSU as a football redshirt, was seriously injured May 7th, in a one-vehicle accident on State Hwy. 26.
After falling asleep behind the wheel, Mackay’s Nissan pickup truck veered from the highway, hitting a ditch and going airborne before coming to a stop on a county road.
A witness near the scene contacted emergency help who, upon arrival, cut Mackay out of the over-turned pickup and airlifted him to Kadlec Medical Center in Richland. Shortly after, he was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Mackay suffered from a broken back in two places and spinal cord damage. He remains in the intensive care unit in stable condition with no feeling below his waist.
In honor of the accident, friends, coaches and colleagues of the Mackay family established an organization called the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation. Supporters wanted to help raise funds to supply the Mackay home with the proper ramps and other necessary accommodations for the 6-foot-4, 260 pound defensive end, after his return home from the hospital.
The foundation's purpose is to assist Mackay through his upcoming recovery and eventually continue in perpetuity to help other people who are going through similar challenges.
“It’s amazing. I knew there were always people out there who were supportive, but people have done so much for this family. It is so fantastic,” said Mackay’s sister, Kristin Mackay.
The original purpose of the organization was to help with the family’s soaring medical costs, but since being established, the foundation has taken flight and will continue to help others in similar situations.
The Mackay family is doing all they can to get the efforts of the foundation exposed to the public.
Fundraisers across the state have been inspired by this misfortune and are steadily raising profit for the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation.
Insight from friends and the community have created many ideas on ways to raise money for this cause. Multiple schools have already begun accepting donations, community residents continue to conduct activities such as car washes, and Mackay’s hometown is in the process of organizing an alum football scrimmage to raise money throughout the area.
“The support from the WSU community has been overwhelming”, said Carlie Halstrom, girlfriend of Mackay and fellow WSU student.
Teammates of Mackay on the Cougar football team have also started raising money for the foundation. The players have been signing jerseys and other cougar apparel to auction off. All of the proceeds made will be donated to the Mackay’s foundation.
Statements that have been released by WSU football coach, Paul Wulff, make it evident that the key issue on supporter’s minds is the well-being of Mackay, not the effect it will have on the football team’s future.
“My only feelings have been for him and his family,” said Wulff, in an interview with The Spokesman Review. “To be quite honest, and I know this sounds strange, I haven’t even thought more than a second about the football loss of it for our team. I just haven’t. … It’s not the most important thing, so I haven’t let myself go there.”
The support that has been shown in the previous weeks continues to inspire Mackay in the recovery process.
“This situation has opened up Cory’s eyes. He wants to be able to help others,” said Kristin Mackay. “We want this to be a long term foundation and want to help as many people as we can.”
Donations are being accepted at any US Bank branch. If you are interested in contributing to this fund, visit a US Bank and share your donation to the “Cory Mackay Fund”.
If you are interested in participating or leading a fundraiser for the Mackay Spinal Injury Foundation, contact mackayrehab@live.com.
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