
Help Josh after 100 foot fall off cliff
Donation protected
Hey Everyone,
On October 10th while at Badlands National Park, I stepped on unstable ground which caused me to take a 100 foot fall down the side of a canyon wall. While falling, I remember trying to grab for anything at all that would help stop the fall. When I realized that wasn’t going to happen, I looked down and saw how far I had to go. My left foot hit first, slowing me slightly. I then remember seeing the boulder I knew my head would hit. I told myself this was it.
I was lucky that someone saw this and was able to call 911. Two hours after falling, the first rescuers made it to me. They were unable to use ropes to pull me out and had to call the South Dakota National Guard to hoist me out. After 6-7 hours, I was finally out of the canyon and on to the ambulance.
Link to news story:
https://www.newscenter1.tv/first-responders-rescue-teams-save-man-who-fell-in-crevasse-at-badlands-national-park/
I am very fortunate to be alive and not paralyzed. Since this incident, I have had numerous medical appointments, CT scans, radiographs, an MRI, and surgery.
I sustained the following injuries from the fall:
Fractured calcaneus of the left foot requiring surgical repair
Fractured toe on the right foot
Concussion
Fracture of the 2nd cervical vertebrae (diagnosed 11/3)
I do not usually like to ask for help, but I am struggling financially. As you may know, I just graduated at a veterinarian. Though I was making a good salary, I did not have time to start saving for an emergency of this type with huge bills and an inability to work. I was really hoping to get back to work in two weeks, but was just diagnosed with a fracture of my second cervical vertebrae in my neck, which will probably keep me out of work longer. While I do have health insurance, the cost of surgery, rescue, and rehabilitation far exceeded my ability to pay everything myself. I appreciate any donations towards my expenses and promise I will put them towards my medical and living expenses while out of work. Any donations received exceeding what covers expenses will be given to the Sierra Club or another environmental charity.
Regards,
Josh Siegel
Organizer
Josh Siegel
Organizer
Littleton, CO