Maple Shade, N.J. – Four months after 12‑year‑old Xavier Taylor was struck by a baseball during a championship game warm‑up, his family says the boy is making encouraging strides toward recovery. The incident occurred on May 26, when Xavier was hit in the chest and suffered severe injuries that required a ventilator and intensive care.
Family sees tangible improvement
Gregory Taylor, Xavier’s father, told Action News that his son has begun to regain strength. “He has gained weight. When we look at Xave every day we see Xavier. We don’t see that frail boy from May and early June,” he said. Gregory added that Xavier is now off most medication, receiving only essential nutrients, and is able to regulate his own body temperature.
“He’s off the extra electrolyte fluids because his lab work is coming back and it’s beautiful,” Gregory explained, noting that the latest tests show positive trends in Xavier’s recovery.
Community support fuels hope
The Taylor family has been buoyed by an outpouring of support from across Maple Shade and the surrounding area. More than $100,000 has been raised through donations, fundraisers, and online campaigns. Signs bearing Xavier’s name have appeared on storefronts, and in June the Ben Franklin Bridge and Camden City Hall were illuminated in blue to honor his fight.
“We want them to see that as strong as they have been for us, they’re equally as strong back to them for the community for them and we’re here to support just as much as they’ve given to us,” Gregory said, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the town’s compassion.
Prayer night scheduled
To further unite the community in support, the family has organized a night of prayer on Saturday, September 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Karcher Field in Maple Shade. The event invites residents, faith leaders, and anyone who wishes to lift Xavier in prayer.
“We honestly think one of the first things he’s going to say is ‘what did I miss?’ and then he’ll want to show us what we’ve done for him,” Gregory said, expressing confidence that Xavier will soon be able to speak again.
Looking ahead
While Xavier remains on a short‑term care facility and continues to receive medical monitoring, his progress has been steady enough for the family to remain hopeful. The Taylor family urges anyone who wishes to contribute to continue supporting the fundraising efforts or attend the prayer night.
Maple Shade residents are reminded that the community’s strength lies in caring for one another, especially during challenging times. The collective prayers, donations, and encouraging words have already made a tangible difference in Xavier’s journey toward full recovery.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
