SHENANDOAH — There seems no end to the support that Jaden Leiby receives on his way to recovery from a football injury, with another example shown on Tuesday at a local ice cream shop.
Leiby, accompanied by family and friends, visited the Chill Out Ice Cream Parlor and Snack Shop, where he was presented with $2,500 through a fundraiser held by owners Robert and Anna Marie Decusky, of Ringtown.
On Oct. 25, 2019, the North Schuylkill Spartans were playing the Pottsville Area Crimson Tide for the Schuylkill League Division I championship. In one play, Leiby was injured after an impact caused a burst fracture of a cervical vertebrae. The 18-year-old from Butler Township is currently in physical therapy.
In order to assist Leiby and his family with medical and other costs, the ice shop held a fundraiser through the sale of a special treat called the “Campfire Sundae for Jaden.”
The custom-made sundae is made with soft vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, creamy marshmallow, tasty graham cracker crumbs and topped off with whipped cream, crushed peanuts and a cherry.
The cost of the sundae was $4.95, with all sales proceeds going directly to Leiby.
Leiby was filled with gratitude at the generosity of the Decuskys.
“Since this place opened up, they’ve been so kind and nice to us,” Leiby said. “I knew that when I got hurt that they would be so supportive to me. It’s a great, great ice cream place. It’s the best around. Whenever you come in here, the people who work here put a smile on your face. I was super surprised when they did this for me and I’m very thankful for what they’ve done.”
Leiby said his physical therapy continues most days per week.
“I’m doing good and working pretty hard. I have therapy six days a week,” he said. “I keep trying to get better every day. I’m moving forward.”
Accompanying Leiby were his brother, Jake Green; sister, Rachel Green; and his girlfriend, Haylee Dyszel.
Anna Marie Decusky said 402 sundaes were sold. Monetary donations were also accepted.
“We sold that many sundaes in five days,” she said.
The shop has many school groups that come in after games or activities for a treat.
“They’re all good kids,” Decusky said.
Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023