La Salle grad Jarrod Stukes continues to progress after shooting

The concern shown for former La Salle High point guard Jarrod Stukes, a 2017 graduate, has come from a variety of folks from around the city, and several of their sentiments – including the desire to donate – have landed in my email inbox.

So too has appreciation for Matt Paulus, also a 2017 La Salle High grad, who is Jarrod's former teammate, close friend and "brother."

Here is a sample: "Just wanted you to know that I really enjoyed your beautiful column on the Jarrod Stukes-Matt Paulus relationship the other day. Gives us hope for the future with a lot of the younger generation! Please keep us posted on Jarrod's recovery!"

Stukes, who is recovering well and is now in a normal room at Presbyterian Hospital, was shot multiple times late on Aug. 13 during a block party near 39th and Melon Streets. Police continue to investigate the incident.

Jarrod's father, Dhaamin Stukes, posted about his son's recovery on Facebook earlier this week.

According to one post, Monday would have been the day Jarrod left for Clarion, where he is to play basketball.

The post also says that there is a chance the shooter "may have robbed him of playing again … But as I see him smile occasionally, it gives me and others a reason to smile. … Whatever he is able to do, whether it's bball or not, my son is blessed."

In separate posts, the elder Stukes has also shared a GoFundMe account with the goal of reaching $5,000 toward Jarrod's recovery.

By Friday afternoon, the link tallied more than $2,000 in donations.

For those so inclined, the link is here: https://www.gofundme.com/funds-for-jarrod