**UPDATE FROM TARYN**

This had taken me over three days to write and I still don’t have the appropriate words to even begin to express how grateful we all are for the outpouring love and support from our family & friends, our community, and even complete strangers! Allan & I have always considered ourselves extremely blessed in so many ways. Not because we’re financially stable enough to live our best lives (we’re definitely not) or because we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world (we really do) but because we’ve got so many amazing people in our lives. Whether talking about our long time friends, the people we’ve been lucky enough to befriend since moving to Salt Spring or both of our phenomenal families - we are literally surrounded by the most exceptional people. All that being said we were still completely floored by how much and how many people have wanted to help us in the last (almost) two weeks. It’s been awesomely overwhelming and is a huge part of the reason my family has managed to cope throughout this whole nightmare following the crash. It’s going to be a long road to recovery, most especially for my darling husband Allan, but we’re here and will be together again and that’s all that matters.

There’s also no words to describe how the first responders, bystanders, paramedics, and incredible people in the trauma unit and Emergency Room at Victoria General Hospital helped us that night. I don’t remember much immediately following the crash, but I do recall reassuring arms, hands and words, letting me know that they were doing everything they could to help my family. THANK YOU for saving our lives!

We are taking things minute to minute, but are feeling better about a positive outcome going forward. As I mentioned, my husband Allan has the longest road to recovery ahead of him, but we are very hopeful he will be back to his amazing self as time and the rockstar team at VGH’s trauma unit allow

For those that don’t know, Allan is a professional wildlife artist. His work is not only his livelihood, it is his passion and it shows in the beautiful paintings he creates. Please feel free to check out his website at wallanhancock.com if you are curious about his artwork.

Sage & I have now been discharged and have been able to secure a wonderfully healing place to stay while Allan is still in the trauma ward at VGH. We’ve had non-stop help since we left the hospital making the transition much easier, but “leaving Allan behind” was still one of the hardest thing I’ve ever done and my heart aches from being away from him. He’s not just my husband, he is my best friend, my partner in life and my favourite person to be with. He’s the guy that makes you want to be a better person because he’s so genuinely kind and good and the world is a better place with him in it.

Speaking of kind people, we can’t begin to explain how thankful we are to our angel Barbara and her offer of this lovely space that Sage and I are able to call home while in Victoria. We are so fortunate to be in such a beautiful place that is easily accessible to the hospital so we can support Allan as visitors and continue our own healing journeys ❤️.

Taryn, Allan, Sage & Ezra

p.s. People who know us know that we are usually very private people and enjoy a quiet life. Sharing our story and allowing people to help us by way of the extremely generous contributions to our recovery fund (and so many other ways!) was not something I initially agreed on, but as reality has set in (and some strong words from the powerhouse woman I love deeply) we now realize this isn’t going to be a short trip to recovery and some things in our lives will likely never be the same. We just don’t know what the future holds at this point and probably won’t for quite some time. Right now we just know we are loved and that is enough.

**UPDATE**

Thank you all for the outpouring of support and love for our friends the Hancocks. Taryn and Sage are looking to be discharged from the hospital in the next few days. Allan will remain at VGH while he continues to recover from his shattered femur, broken arm, ribs, nose and sternum as well as other, less serious injuries. Through the Community a rental location has been secured in Victoria for Taryn and Sage to continue to heal and remain close to Allan. Please continue to put the Hancocks in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

Dear family, friends and community.

We are saddened to share that Allan, Taryn and their daughter, Sage were involved in a very serious car accident on Saturday night, Aug 2/25. All three are alive, but were immediately transferred to the Trauma unit of the Victoria General Hospital where they remain.

What was to be a fun, family weekend in Lake Cowichan with extended family and their son Ezra quickly changed when a Eastbound vehicle crossed into their lane causing a head on collision.

This accident has turned their world upside down. All three are receiving critical care, and their recovery will require extended hospital stays, medical treatments and rehabilitation.

The Hancock family is facing a long recovery, with no known Discharge plans at this time. 

We have launched this GoFundMe to help cover living expenses and any ongoing care needs while they navigate this difficult time.

Your donations, big or small, will ease their financial burden and help them focus on healing and getting home to Salt Spring.

Thank you for your love, support and kindness. Let’s Rally around the Hancocks and show them the power of Community.

With gratitude,

Petra Hazenboom & Kirsten Waddell on behalf of the Hancock’s. ❤️