Gwinnett County high school football player in ICU after suffering traumatic brain injury

MARIETTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Joanna Paradiso describes her 17-year-old brother Oheneba “O.J.” Appiah as a teddy bear and a teen who loves his mom.

He plays at Archer High School in Gwinnett County as a middle linebacker. Last Friday, his life was interrupted playing against Harrison High School.

“They had a good game, they won, they said O.J. did really good. They were shaking hands with the opposing team, and all of a sudden after, he went to his coach and was like ‘Coach I feel dizzy,’” said Paradiso.

Paradiso said her brother collapsed suddenly at the game. She got a call hearing that he was being taken to the hospital for emergency brain surgery.

“His swelling was so bad that they had to actually take off a flap from his skull to decompress his brain,” said Paradiso.

It’s a mystery to his family as to what exactly happened, but Paradiso said O.J. has had a concussion before, but never an injury this severe. He now still sits in ICU a week later fighting for his life.

“I think it comes from my mom because she’s been through a lot. I had some health scares, and I feel like he is just from a family of fighters,” said Paradiso.

Now his friends, coaches, family and community are all rallying around him, and hoping for the best outcome for the teenager full of life.

“Everything happens for a reason. I just know that it’s going to bring Oheneba to his purpose. This is just a little bump but he’s going to come back better and stronger,” said Paradiso.

If you wish to help the family with medical expenses and Appiah’s recovery, you can donate here.

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