Henrico HS football player who suffered broken neck shows some movement in arms

The mother of Henrico High School senior football player Samar Lemons, who suffered a broken neck Friday night in a game against Freeman H.S., reported Wednesday that he has been moving his arms a little in the hospital.

"KEEP BELIEVING AND KEEP PRAYING," Dana Armstead-Guy posted on the GoFundMe page she established Sunday night to help fund Lemons' anticipated medical bills. An event Wednesday to encourage 1,000 donations of $17 each on March 17 (in honor of Lemons, who wore No. 17 on the field) helped increase the total collections to more than $88,500 as of 10:30 p.m., and Friday at about 1 p.m. it surpassed its initial goal of $100,000.

Donations of $10, $17, $117 and more have poured in from friends, family, teachers, opposing players and programs (including a number from the Freeman community), Henrico High School alumni and strangers alike.

"Even though I don’t know this young man my heart goes out to him & his family," wrote one woman, who gave $17. "He certainly seems like a good young man with determination. I know he will get through this."

Wrote another, who gave $150: "We pray that Samar will walk again. We don't know him but we care."

Another donor wrote: "I don’t usually donate to Go Fund Me campaigns, but I am a parent and know that I would want help if something happened to my girls. I pray that you will recover 100% and go on to achieve your dreams."