The Tulsa community has shown an outpouring of support for an injured Tulane football player.
Devon Walker was seriously injured in Saturday’s Tulane-Tulsa college football game. Walker underwent surgery for a cervical spinal fracture on Sunday and is hospitalized at St. Francis Hospital.
In a conference on Monday, Tulane Athletic Director Rick Dickson shared a statement from Walker's family:
“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of concerned well wishes we have received from all over the world. Although we cannot respond individually to all, we thank everyone for the love and support shown to Devon and our family. The medical care that our son has received so far has been outstanding. We are also very grateful for the care and concern shown to us by those here at Tulsa University, in the City of Tulsa, at Tulane University and of course by everyone at home in New Orleans.
We appreciate you respecting our family’s request for privacy. We do ask that you continue to keep Devon in your prayers.”
Dickson said Walker represents the best of what Tulane is and all of Tulane is impacted by his injury, "When it happens on an individual basis it impacts us all. Certainly our Tulane football group, our Tulane athletic family, are significantly impacted. There’s probably not a moment that goes through since Saturday afternoon that they don’t think of their teammate, their fellow student athlete, and their fellow classmate." said Dickson.
Also Monday, The University of Tulsa announced a fund to benefit the family of Walker. Alumni, friends and fans who wish to do so may make a financial contribution by sending a check made payable to The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane Club with “Devon Walker Fund” noted in the memo line."
These funds will be used to benefit Devon’s family and help alleviate their expenses during their stay in Tulsa. Checks may dropped off at the TU Athletic Director’s Office in Mabee Gym at the corner of East 8th Street and South Florence Avenue or mailed to:
The University of Tulsa
Attn: Golden Hurricane Club
800 S. Tucker Drive
Tulsa, OK 74104.
Please note that donations to support Devon Walker are not allowable tax-deductible contributions.
Anyone wishing to make an in-kind contribution may drop off gift cards (for restaurants, shops, etc.) at the TU Athletic Director’s Office as well.
Outside Tulsa, Tulane University has set up a website in support of Devon and his family. Financial assistance and get-well messages may be submitted at
http://tulane.edu/devonwalker/.
Donations also can be made to The College Football Assistance Fund in support of Devon by visiting
www.CFAFund.org. CFAF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to support those who have sustained serious injuries through college football.
