Denali dreams destroyed
Donation protected
Zach was training for his 2nd attempt at summiting Denali (Mt. McKinley) in June. The weather window in 2014 was rough and he and his partner only made it to 17000 ft. This June 2016 was to be a redemption tour for them. Until his dreams got shattered.
He had riden his new fat bike to and from work for 20 straight days. On Saturday night/ Sunday morning 1:30 am February 28th, Zach was three blocks from home, crossing an intersection when sadly, he was hit by a driver in a Dodge Durango going aprx 45+mph. Zach is a safe rider, always seen wearing a helmet, reflective gear and 3 bike lights (front, back and light up tire). There is no reason that this woman shouldn't have been able to see him as she sped towards the intersection, but she didn't.
Zach suffered an open fracture femur break, a broken neck, broken back, broken shoulder, cracked ribs, and 4 badly broken metatarsals in his right foot. As well as deep facial lacerations, extreme bruising and road rash all over his legs, thigh and stomach.
Now, seven weeks after the accident, he still cannot even stand unassisted. Life is very different for us now. Even eating or brushing his teeth is a difficult task. Progress is slow as we wait patiently for the bones to heal. He is anxious to bounce back but only time will heal him and it certainly won't be rushed.
It doesn't feel like justice. Zach will have to learn to do even the most basic of things all over again, because of her choice.
I have set up this account to help him with the tremendous amount of medical bills he is now facing. We just want a chance for him to heal and start his second chance at life over again not buried under an insurmountable amount of medical debt. People have been kind and thoughtful whether it be a get well package, a meal or even get well cards that i've struggled to keep up with the Thank you cards. We are thankful for every visit and every card and every get well wish that comes our way. He is grateful to be alive. He is grateful for the friends he has, and the people he works with.
We are so fortunate that he works for the Moose's Tooth and that they are willing to hold his position for him till he is able to return. He loves his job and his work family.
Because of where his back is broken and the fact that the numbness and tingling remain in his fingertips he will not be able to subject himself to the harsh conditions of climbing Denali and other extreme challenges in the future. It is expected that after a long recovery, he should be able to hike but not expected to be able to climb, at least not how he had in the past. His dream of summiting Denali has been shattered. I know right now he feels like a shell of the person and presence he used to be, but I have hope and faith that he will return. Our life has been put on pause and our path diverted, but the journey is far from over. In time, I know Zach will find new meaning to his life and new things to make his passion and hobby. This challenge is just another mountain to climb. Please help Zach and donate to his cause. We are thankful for anything and everything. May you have a blessed day!
He had riden his new fat bike to and from work for 20 straight days. On Saturday night/ Sunday morning 1:30 am February 28th, Zach was three blocks from home, crossing an intersection when sadly, he was hit by a driver in a Dodge Durango going aprx 45+mph. Zach is a safe rider, always seen wearing a helmet, reflective gear and 3 bike lights (front, back and light up tire). There is no reason that this woman shouldn't have been able to see him as she sped towards the intersection, but she didn't.
Zach suffered an open fracture femur break, a broken neck, broken back, broken shoulder, cracked ribs, and 4 badly broken metatarsals in his right foot. As well as deep facial lacerations, extreme bruising and road rash all over his legs, thigh and stomach.
Now, seven weeks after the accident, he still cannot even stand unassisted. Life is very different for us now. Even eating or brushing his teeth is a difficult task. Progress is slow as we wait patiently for the bones to heal. He is anxious to bounce back but only time will heal him and it certainly won't be rushed.
It doesn't feel like justice. Zach will have to learn to do even the most basic of things all over again, because of her choice.
I have set up this account to help him with the tremendous amount of medical bills he is now facing. We just want a chance for him to heal and start his second chance at life over again not buried under an insurmountable amount of medical debt. People have been kind and thoughtful whether it be a get well package, a meal or even get well cards that i've struggled to keep up with the Thank you cards. We are thankful for every visit and every card and every get well wish that comes our way. He is grateful to be alive. He is grateful for the friends he has, and the people he works with.
We are so fortunate that he works for the Moose's Tooth and that they are willing to hold his position for him till he is able to return. He loves his job and his work family.
Because of where his back is broken and the fact that the numbness and tingling remain in his fingertips he will not be able to subject himself to the harsh conditions of climbing Denali and other extreme challenges in the future. It is expected that after a long recovery, he should be able to hike but not expected to be able to climb, at least not how he had in the past. His dream of summiting Denali has been shattered. I know right now he feels like a shell of the person and presence he used to be, but I have hope and faith that he will return. Our life has been put on pause and our path diverted, but the journey is far from over. In time, I know Zach will find new meaning to his life and new things to make his passion and hobby. This challenge is just another mountain to climb. Please help Zach and donate to his cause. We are thankful for anything and everything. May you have a blessed day!
Organizer
Heather Van Buskirk
Organizer
Anchorage, AK