Community Corner
ViewFinder: IFL Fundraiser for Xzavier
Xzavier Davis-Bilbo is the benefactor of a fundraiser at the Greendale Panther IFL team's home opener Saturday.
Facilitated by the 'Guardian Ava' group in Greendale, Xzavier Davis-Bilbo, 6, of Milwaukee, was on hand as the Greendale Panthers Ironman Football League team kicked off its home opener on June 18.
A portion of the ticket sales as well as all of the proceeds from raffles were donated to Xzavier's family to help them purchase a wheelchair accessible van. The cost of the van is in the $20 to 25 K range.
Xzavier was struck by a driver who was reportedly texting while driving on Oct. 10, 2010, while he was walking to a park with his sister.
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Guardian Ava spokesperson Christy Cool said that immediately following the accident, Xzavier spent 4 months in Children's Hospital, withstood 9 surgeries and is now paralyzed from the diaphragm down and has a trachea stint helping him breathe.
"The only time "X" is really able to leave his house is for his once a month doctor appointments. So, since February when Xzavier returned home, the once
'vibrant, full of life, future football player' has been away from his home
less than 5 times. I can't imagine not being able to take my child to the most common of places that we just take for granted," said Cool in an email to supporters.
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When 'Guardian Ava' representatives found out about Xzavier's story, they helped setup the fundraiser with the Greendale Panthers.
'Guardian Ava' was founded as an advocacy group for vehicle awareness in memory of five year old Ava Marie Zimmerman of Greendale, who died after being struck by an inattentive driver in April 2010.
The fundraiser for Xzavier was held at Greendale High School's Stephen J. Gavinski Memorial Stadium. As of press time, the total amount raised was not yet available.
