The Southern Cross | December 2024

Javale Morato, the victim of a freak hammer-throwing accident in September, has exceeded all expectations and will spend Christmas at home with his family.

Javale was discharged on December 2 from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital where he underwent life-saving surgery and intensive brain trauma therapy.

On the day he left hospital, he was buoyed even further by a visit from two of his closest school friends who presented him with a cheque for $15,140 from Christian Brothers College (CBC).

The college held a ‘Jersey for Javale’ day to raise money to support the sports-loving 13 year old’s recovery and his fellow Year 6 students also raised more than $2000 as part of their entrepreneurial learning initiative called $20 Boss.

The money was added to funds from a silent auction run by the college’s Parents and Friends Association.

“All three events are a true testament to the generosity and heart of our CBC community,” CBC principal David Johnston said.

Javale’s mother, Teresa, said having Javale home was “the perfect gift for Christmas”.

“This boy always surprises us,” she said of his earlier than expected discharge from hospital.

Javale will continue his rehabilitation as an outpatient.

n an exclusive interview with The Southern Cross in October, Teresa and her husband Jason spoke of their anguish as they watched their son fight for his life and their gratitude for the groundswell of prayers that followed.

“There has still been lots of prayers, they have definitely helped,” she said.

A healing Mass has been held at St Mary’s Church, North Adelaide, every Friday evening since the accident at St Albans Reserve, Clearview, where Javale was attending athletics training.

Teresa said the family was planning to have a “simple celebration” at Christmas as Javale tired easily. His younger sister Jeorgianna, 4, was especially excited to have him home.

Picture: Emmet Fay (left) and Sebastian Spiby present a mock cheque to Javale at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.