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In a frightening incident at Spaulding High School in Rochester, New Hampshire, junior Matt Gould's life was saved by the expertise of Athletic Trainer Jon Mousette.
Gould, who was experiencing a seizure due to an undiagnosed brain tumor, received immediate life-saving chest compressions and sternal rubs from Mousette.
His early intervention proved crucial until first responders arrived, marking the beginning of Gould's unexpected battle with a rare brain cancer called ependymoma.
Following the seizure, Gould underwent surgery to remove the tumor and is currently undergoing radiation treatments, with ongoing three-month check-ups for life.
Despite the daunting journey ahead, Gould remains resilient, embodying the spirit of never giving up. Gould showcased his determination to face his diagnosis head-on:
"I just have to keep going."
The Spaulding community has rallied around Gould, especially during a hockey game dedicated to raising cancer awareness, where Gould performed the ceremonial puck drop. The overwhelming support from the community, including a benefit attended by over 400 people, has provided a source of strength for Gould and his family.
"The whole city has been there. My family and friends, and even people I don’t know."
Jon Mousette's pivotal role in saving Gould's life highlights the critical importance of Athletic Trainers in school sports programs.
“Luckily on that day we didn’t have many games going on, pulling me in different directions.”
With advanced medical training, ATs like Mousette are equipped to handle emergencies, demonstrating that their role extends far beyond treating sports-related injuries.
Mousette reflected on the incident, emphasizing the significance of his education:
"Even though we have the skills to save lives, you hope that you never have to use them. I hope I never have to do it again. "
Brad and Mary Gould expressed their deep gratitude and relief towards Mousette, whom they have known for a long time. They acknowledged his presence during Matt's critical moment and emphasized the invaluable support he provided:
“Matt would've probably died if he hadn’t been there. The seizure was so bad. His head was slamming around and he stopped breathing and his face was turning purple. He had to do sternum rubs to get his heart going again.”
Kevin Hebert, the athletic director at Spaulding, praised Jon Mousette for his longstanding and vital presence within the school's community.
"He's done a great job with our student-athletes. That day was one that I don’t think any of us are going to forget for a long time. Thank God Jon was there and Matt sought him out. We're extremely thankful for the job he has done.”
Gould's journey is a testament to the power of community support, the importance of Athletic Trainers, and the unyielding spirit of a young athlete facing an unimaginable challenge.
Read more and see the photos here!
