What should have been the highlight of his high school wrestling career turned into a devastating moment for 17-year-old Dominic Haines.
The Jefferson High School senior suffered a severe neck injury during his quarterfinal match at the Georgia state championship, leaving him with no sensation below his shoulders.
Now, instead of celebrating a potential title win, Dominic is facing a long and painful road to recovery.
A Freak Accident That Changed Everything
Described as a “one-in-a-million accident,” Dominic’s injury happened in an instant.
Medical teams rushed in, and he was stretchered off the mat, taken immediately to the hospital for emergency treatment.
Since then, he has been battling intense pain, unable to eat or drink, and struggling with a rollercoaster of emotions—feeling “hopeless, angry, and scared,” according to his family.
A Second Surgery and Unimaginable Pain
Doctors have already performed an initial procedure, but Dominic is now preparing for a second surgery to fuse his vertebrae.
His father, Zach Haines, has been sharing heartbreaking updates on social media, describing the unbearable pain his son is enduring.
“I hate seeing my boy in so much pain… PLEASE PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SON,” he wrote earlier this week.
A Tough Road Ahead
Support has been pouring in, with nearly $70,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses.
Dominic’s coach, Kyle Baird, believes the young athlete had a real shot at becoming a state champion if not for this tragic injury.
But instead of a trophy, Dominic now has a cage around his spinal cord and a breathing tube to help him recover.
A Devastating Setback
Just when things seemed to be moving forward, doctors discovered that Dominic was having difficulty swallowing.
After testing, they determined that food and liquids weren’t going down as they should.
As a result, all meals were cut off, and he will now require a feeding tube through his nose.
His father described it as a crushing setback, explaining how Dominic had been enjoying small comforts like smoothies and juices—only to have them taken away.
What’s Next for Dominic?
Thursday morning will bring another major hurdle: a second surgery scheduled for 7:30 AM.
Dominic knows the procedure will be painful, but he understands it’s necessary for his recovery.
Doctors have warned that he will likely lose about 25% of his neck’s range of motion, and he will bear a three-inch scar as a reminder of this life-altering moment.
Despite the pain, Dominic has shown signs of progress.
He’s regaining some strength in his shoulders, upper back, and glutes, and he can now feel sensations in parts of his stomach and arms.
His journey is far from over, but his resilience and the overwhelming support from family, friends, and the wrestling community are giving him the strength to push forward.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn