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Quinn Signs Law Inspired By Paralyzed High School Football Player

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Governor Quinn went to Eisenhower High School in Blue Island this afternoon and signed a bill inspired by a former Eisenhower football player, Rocky Clark, who was paralyzed from the neck down after he was tackled during a game in 2000.

Rocky Clark was 28-years-old when he died last year, 12 years after he was paralyzed.

After his injury, for 10 years he received round-the-clock nursing care in his home.

Then his insurance ran out and his mother faced the daunting task of caring for her son, practically by herself.

Quinn Signs Law Inspired By Paralyzed High School Football Player

Rocky Clark fought for better health insurance coverage and was an outspoken advocate.

Now, Governor Quinn is making it state law to require schools to offer catastrophic insurance coverage for student athletes.

Rocky Clark's mother Annette says her son would be pleased.

"It's something that needed. It'll never bring my son back. But he didn't die in vain."

Annette Clark says her own health is not good and she says because she physically can't work, she's worried about losing her home.

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