This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Santa Clara
In a sports world filled with headlines about performance-enhancing drugs, cheating, greed and domestic violence, being cynical about the value of athletics comes easily these days.
That is why the story of 16-year-old Snow Canyon athlete Britton Shipp is so important.
Writer Trevor Phibbs introduced the Warrior's moving journey to Salt Lake Tribune readers on Feb. 11. The three-sport star suffered a critical brain injury in a side-by-side utility terrain vehicle accident Nov. 1 after a school dance. Phibbs chronicled how Britton spent three months in a coma at Dixie Regional Medical Center and the way opposing teams and communities rallied around the Shipp family to provide prayers, donations and support.
When he reported the story, it wasn't known how much Britton would recover from the accident. No one still knows for certain. But, on April 10, Britton returned to his home, a residence decorated with hopeful green ribbons and "Believe 4 Britton" signs.
"A lot of tears were shed that day," said Britton's dad, Jesse.
Sitting on a couch in front of a big screen, Britton offers a fist bump and an easy warm smile to a visitor. Since returning home, he has finished watching the last season of his favorite television show, "The Walking Dead."
"He didn't forget how to run the remote," smiled Jesse.
Britton is learning to feed himself and is able to walk, both major accomplishments considering the damage the accident caused to his brain. His weight has increased from 90 to 142 pounds as he enjoyed home-cooked meals of chicken pillows, plates of scrambled eggs and the occasional bowl of whipped cream, a favorite before he was injured.
His mom, Sommer, has quit her hairdressing job to be with him.
Though he spends most nights in his parents' master bedroom on the home's main floor, he can sometimes crawl and scoot up and down the 22 stairs to his upstairs room.
"Cognitively, it's all there," said Jesse.
"Things are starting to come together," added Sommer. "He needs to find the connection in the brain. There is a lot of fatigue."
Jesse, who spent every one of the 163 days or nights at the hospital with his son, is back to work at the appliance business he owns with two partners.
The Shipps loved the nurses, doctors and therapists who helped Britton at the hospital. They still miss their love and support.
But insurance requirements and a desire to bring Britton home have moved the therapy and care to Santa Clara.
What is difficult is Britton has gone from 42 hours to nine hours a week of therapy. He often gets more, though, due to the generosity of some therapists who have offered to spend their own personal time working with him at his home. The obvious love of Jesse, Sommer and the family also seems to be working miracles.
"As much as you want to think it's all in God's hands, Heavenly Father has to give him the tools to help him get as good as he can be and see what his body can handle," said Jesse. "He gets better every day. We are proud of him."
The family that includes older sister Autumn and younger brothers Greyson and Ledger, remains both inspired and hopeful.
"We remain positive," said Sommer. "We understand there are things he can't get back, but we need to give him all the help we can so he can function as much as he can."
Through the accident, hospital stay and now return home, the Shipps have learned about hope and love, not only from their immediate community but from strangers all over the world.
The residence is filled with examples of that support.
Britton wears a number of wristbands, including one from Runnin' Utes coach Larry Krystkowiak, who also sent down some Utah gear.
Jesse shows off a photo of Washington Nationals' baseball star Bryce Harper wearing a No. 7 — Britton's jersey number — Believe 4 Britton chain around his neck. Harper, a native of nearby Las Vegas, also often wears a T-shirt honoring Shipp, and talked about Britton in a recent television interview.
Jesse brings out a picture of the West High baseball team and said a can was passed around at a Panthers game to raise funds to help defray medical costs. Nearly every high school in the state has sent something to support Britton.
Britton is scheduled to light the torch to open this year's Summer Games in Cedar City and his image graces the official poster promoting those Games.
Families still drop off meals nearly every night for the Shipps. Ribbons, signs and banners supporting Britton can be seen all over Santa Clara.
"When an unfortunate accident like this happens, you see the good in people" said Jesse. "It radiates from everybody."
Britton Shipp, the boy who has generated so much love from so many people, smiles broadly as he sits in the couch in the family living room, moments before another doctor appointment, this time for a problem with a dry cornea.
There is hope, love and faith in the Shipp home and in their community, attributes that sustain a family and a young teen who continues to improve.
And those gestures provide needed optimism to those who still want to believe sports can show the best of humanity.
Twitter: @tribtomwharton —
For more information …
• To read Trevor Phibbs' original Salt Lake Tribune story on Britton Shipp, go to sltrib.com/sports/2116889-155/prep-sports-family-community-still-believe.
• For those wishing to donate, an account has been set up at Zions Bank under the name Britton Shipp. There is also a GoFundMe.com fundraiser (http://www.gofundme.com/gm4auc).