Ava Jones, a standout basketball player for the Nickerson and Iowa women's basketball teams, along with her mother Amy Jones, Nickerson's assistant director, will move from the intensive care unit at University of Louisville Hospital to the Center. Frazier Rehabilitation Center this week. Ava, 18, and Amy, 45, have shown remarkable progress in their recovery from a horrific car accident. Ava's current estimated net worth is $50,000, mainly from her sports career and endorsements.
What is the current status of Ava and Amy Jones?
According to updates on a dedicated Facebook group, Ava Jones is no longer in the intensive care unit and Amy Jones is expected to join her in rehab soon. Both will be placed in the same room at the Frazier Rehabilitation Center to aid in their recovery. “Ava has improved so much,” shares Mary Jones, Ava's grandmother and Trey Jones' mother. For now we want the girls to stay close to each other but intend to find accommodation closer to home.”
How did the accident affect the Jones family?
The family was involved in a tragic accident on July 5 in downtown Louisville while in town for an AAU basketball tournament. Trey Jones, Amy's husband and Ava's father, passed away from his injuries last week. The hospital held a walk in honor of Trey on July 10, allowing family members to say goodbye to him before his organs were donated. This devastating event caused the community to rally in support of the Jones family.
What efforts are being made to support the Jones family?
The community has come together to undertake many fundraising initiatives to support the Jones family during this difficult time. One notable event is the field day fundraiser hosted by the Hutchinson High School DECA, scheduled for August 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Don Michael Field. The event will feature field games, food trucks and a variety of activities, with all proceeds going back to the Jones Family. The cost to attend is $5, and Nickerson students and community members are encouraged to participate and volunteer.
How does the local community get involved in fundraising?
Hutchinson DECA students organized a similar event last summer to support the Evans family when softball coach and teacher Clayton Evans suffered a serious spinal cord injury. Reflecting on the community support, Evans said: “It makes me feel better to see people helping and supporting my family. It's been almost a year and we want to do the same for the Jones family.”
In addition, the Buhler volleyball team will host a sand volleyball tournament on July 30 and 31. Due to the large number of registered teams, matches will be held at two locations: Salt City Splash's Carey Park volleyball court and Fun Valley sand volleyball court.
What other fundraising initiatives are being planned?
Gold Nutrition in Winfield will offer a special tea called “The Jones Tea” on July 29. The blue and purple tea symbolizes Amy and Trey Jones's affiliation with the College Southwest, all profits will be donated to the Jones Family Foundation account at Peoples Bank and Trust in Hutchinson. Both Amy and Trey graduated from Southwestern College and had careers in education in Winfield and Arkansas City before returning to Nickerson.
How can people contribute to the Jones Family Fund?
Community members can donate directly to the Jones Family Foundation at Peoples Bank and Trust in Hutchinson and Nickerson. The Jones Family's GoFundMe page has also received significant support, with donations exceeding $125,000. Additionally, shirts supporting the Jones family can be purchased through a link on the Jones Family Update Facebook group, for $20 each.
What does the future hold for Ava and Amy Jones?
When Ava and Amy moved into Frazier Rehabilitation Center, the focus remained on their continued recovery and eventual return home. The community's support has been overwhelming, not only providing financial support but also providing emotional strength to the Jones family. The hope is that Ava and Amy's improvement will continue, allowing them to eventually grow closer to their supportive home community.
The tragic loss of Trey Jones has certainly left a profound void, but the honor walk and organ donation are testaments to his legacy and the lives he continues to touch. The combined efforts of fundraisers, community events and individual donations highlight the solidarity and compassion of Nickerson and surrounding communities in supporting their own communities.
As Ava and Amy begin the next phase of their recovery, continued prayers, support, and donations from the community will be vital in their journey to healing and finding a new sense of normal.
