Former Hawaii safety Nate Jackson, who underwent successful heart surgery 11 days ago, was released from Queen's on Saturday in time to see the Warriors play Alabama on national television. Jackson out of hospital
Hawaii hurting after loss
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comJackson was also treated for a virus near his heart before the surgery that replaced a damaged heart valve.
Toni Politsch, a spokeswoman for "Friends of Nate Jackson," said Jackson's medical bill will be in excess of $200,000.
To date, $63,000 has been raised via fund-raisers for Jackson, who has no health insurance. Politsch said at least two large donations from corporations are pending, and efforts will continue to help Jackson.
"He will be recuperating for the next several weeks," Politsch said. "He and his family are overwhelmed by the love and support the fans have shown."
Jackson, whose birthday is Dec. 25, hopes to make an appearance at the ConAgra Foods Hawaii Bowl, in which the Warriors will play a yet-to-be-determined opponent at Aloha Stadium on Christmas.
Jackson entered the hospital Oct. 24. Because he missed so much school, he withdrew from classes for the semester. Jackson, who planned to play on the UH baseball team this season, will apply for a sixth year of NCAA eligibility. Sixth years are granted in cases of off-field catastrophic illnesses and other extenuating circumstances.
Jackson was a second-team all-Western Athletic Conference safety in 2000 and 2001. He was also an all-state football and baseball performer at Waianae High School.
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