‘Very strong.’ Macon student, football player recovering from serious spinal injury

A Macon high school football player suffered a serious spinal injury during a recent game, and the local community is showing support as he tries to recover.

Kelvin “Bug” Howard, an Appling Middle School student, was injured Oct. 4, said his mother, Doris Howard. Howard said she has since stepped away from work to care for Kelvin full time and support her other 10 children.

“Since that day, our lives have changed in ways we never imagined,” Doris Howard wrote on the family’s GoFundMe page. “With a household of 13, every day brings challenges—but also countless blessings.”

The family emphasized they are not seeking help for medical costs or transportation, but rather for support to keep their home stable and provide for their children during Kelvin’s recovery.

“What we need most right now is support to keep our home stable and provide for our children while we focus on Kelvin’s recovery,” Howard wrote. “Any donation, no matter the amount, helps us cover basic essentials like food, utilities and household needs.”

In a recent social media post, Howard said Kelvin is unable to sit up on his own and requires therapy, but remains “very strong and determined to get up and start walking and moving his hands.”

On Oct. 5, Appling Middle School shared a message of encouragement on Facebook, asking the school community to uplift Kelvin in prayer.

“We’re believing for a speedy and full recovery and can’t wait to see you back home at Peter G. Appling Middle School, Kevin — smiling, learning and leading the Raider Way!” the post said.

Howard also shared photos online of several community members, including the Northeast High football coaches and Appling Middle Principal Laquonta Williams-Smith, visiting Kelvin at the hospital.

As of Monday, the GoFundMe page had raised more than $4,500, with a goal of $5,000.

“We’re staying positive, leaning on faith and doing everything we can to keep our family strong,” Howard wrote. “Your kindness—whether through donations, prayers or simply sharing this page—means the world to us.”