A Clovis teenager is on the road to recovery after a routine basketball practice at Fresno City College turned into a frightening medical emergency nearly two weeks ago.
Jackson Scarborough, 18, an incoming freshman at Fresno City College, began experiencing chest pain during practice. His mother, Joanna Scarborough, said her son had no history of heart problems, which made the situation especially unexpected.
Standing about 6 feet 9, Jackson has played basketball since first grade and competitively since fourth grade. He recently helped lead the Clovis High School Cougars to a Central CIF Division Two championship before graduating this spring.
Trainer Notices Something Is Wrong
According to Fresno City College athletic trainer Francisco Gamboa, the team had just finished watching film and had not yet done any physical activity when Jackson reported symptoms. Jackson alerted head coach Rob Haynes, who immediately called Gamboa over to check on him.
Gamboa said he became concerned once he saw Jackson’s vital readings did not line up with what he was witnessing in front of him. Acting quickly, the athletic staff made the decision to call emergency medical services.
Joanna Scarborough said she received a call from her son while he was in the trainer’s office. He told her he was having trouble breathing before the trainer took over the phone call to explain the situation.
Jackson was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center, where doctors initially believed he may have had an aneurysm. Further examination revealed something far more serious, an aortic dissection, a dangerous tear in the aorta that can quickly become fatal without emergency treatment.
Nine-Hour Surgery and Ongoing Recovery
Joanna said she later learned that only a small percentage of people who suffer this type of medical emergency actually survive long enough to reach a hospital. Jackson underwent nine hours of surgery, which his mother said was ultimately successful.
She credited the coaching and training staff at Fresno City College with recognizing the seriousness of his symptoms and reacting fast enough to get him help in time.
Gamboa said the experience was overwhelming, but reflected the type of preparation athletic trainers go through in hopes they never actually need it. He said being able to use that training to help save a life was deeply meaningful to him.
Jackson is currently continuing his recovery at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Northeast Fresno. While the family remains hopeful that he will eventually be able to return to the sport he loves, their primary focus right now remains on his continued healing.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the Scarborough family manage the medical expenses associated with Jackson’s emergency surgery and ongoing rehabilitation.
The community has expressed an outpouring of support for Jackson since news of his recovery spread, with many wishing him a full and speedy return to health.
