| Pittsford Player Dies of Injuries |
April 12, 2007 - Pittsford Varsity attackman, Jeff Milano-Johnson died today after being struck with a
ball during warm ups prior to Wednesday's scheduled game at Spencerport.
The fourteen year old freshman, who currently leads the team in scoring
was a starter for the Panthers along with his brother, senior midfielder
Doug.
In a statement by the family and released by Strong Memorial Hospital,
plans are underway to donate his organs: 
"As a family, we have made the decision to donate Jeffrey’s organs. It
is our hope that, through this unthinkable tragedy, we can help save the lives
of other children, as Jeff would have wanted."
The family wished to thank the lacrosse community who have come together to
support the family and the team:
"We deeply appreciate the outpouring of support from the community, the school,
and Jeff’s friends and teammates. We especially want to thank Coaches Whipple,
Safford, and Rund, Athletic Director Scott Barker, and Superintendent Mary Ellen
Price, as well as the staff at the Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.
We also want to thank the Pittsford Lacrosse Teams and their families as well
as Jeff’s many classmates, friends, and their families,"
The news of the injury spread quickly through the lacrosse community, both locally
and around the country as e-mails, and bulletin board postings issued support
and prayers for the family, team and coaches.
Although it is vacation week in Section Five, Pittsford Central Schools will
continue to offer crisis counseling for students and staff.
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