Family Sets Up GoFundMe Page For Collapsed Jesuit Soccer Star

The family of Christian Lerma, the Jesuit soccer player who collapsed due to a cardiac arrest on Friday during a soccer game against J.J. Pearce High School, has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for his future medical expenses.

Lerma, a senior, was saved by Tara Grubbs, head trainer for Pearce, who used both CPR and a defibrillator. Lerma had surgery this week at Medical City to put a defibrillator in place.

“He will no longer be able to participate in competitive sports, but he has a bright future before him, and it has made us all take a moment and be grateful for what we have before us,” Adriana Lerma wrote on the GoFundMe site. “He is a smart and talented young man, looking towards college and on the verge of becoming a man.”

Lerma was a key part of the a team that took home the class 6A State Championship last season.

“This new journey will include a permanet lifestyle change for Christian, as he will need treatment for his heart condition for the rest of his life,” Adriana Lerma said. “My family and I are thankful for the medical attention, prayers, love and support he has received from everyone in the community. The faculty and students at Jesuit have been incredible and have gone above and beyond, as well has his cardiologist, Dr. Yoo and the team of providers here at Medical City. They will always be in our hearts.

“Christian and our family are blessed to have this second chance before us. God has given him an opportunity and a new purpose.”