Aid a Firefighter's Family in Their Time of Need

On July 18th, my husband was injured while fighting the Butler Fire in the Klamath National Forest as a Hotshot firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service. A tree fell and struck his right arm, and he was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Redding, CA, and has since returned home.

Since then, we’ve been trying to get him the care he needs for the past three weeks. He has limited movement and dexterity in his arm—likely nerve damage—but we’ve hit roadblocks at every turn. Kaiser hospital has denied him treatment, citing issues with his Department of Labor case that aren’t accurate. We’ve submitted everything, followed every step, and still—no care.

He’s served his community bravely, risking his life in dangerous conditions to protect life, property, and natural resources. Now, he’s home, in pain, and unable to get proper medical attention.

We’re a family of five—my husband, myself, our two young boys, and our daughter. This injury has deeply impacted all of us. Our kids miss the dad who used to wrestle with them, play outside, and make them laugh. I’ve watched him struggle physically and emotionally while trying to stay strong for our family. We just want him to get the care he deserves so he can heal and be present with us again.

We’re asking for your help to cover out-of-pocket costs for evaluations, therapy, treatment, and life expenses. Anything you can give will go directly toward helping him heal and supporting our family through this difficult time.

Thank you for your support—it means the world to us.

sincerely:

The wife of a Hotshot