Help Linda Heal!

On October 4th, Linda was hiking on the Stuart Lake Trail when she slipped off the trail and suffered major injuries. Luckily, she was found by two Harborview nurses who activated their inReach and stayed with her until Chelan County Mountain Rescue was able to reach her. Personnel from CCMR, Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue, and Cascade Medical Center arrived on the scene. After assessing the situation, it was determined that she need to be evacuated from the trail by helicopter. The crew got Linda packaged up and she was lifted off to Yakima, where she is currently. Linda's family and friends are extremely grateful to the entire crew that helped with her rescue.

Linda sustained major injuries in her fall. She has six fractured vertebra, and one broken rib, as well as some muscle tears. Fortunately her MRI showed that she will be able to avoid surgery. Today (Saturday) a physical therapist was able to help Linda stand and walk a few steps, which is incredible progress so soon after her injury. It will be a long road to recovery and we want to make sure that she can heal without the added stress of medical bills. Currently Linda's partner, Gray is with her in Yakima, paying for nightly hotels as the hospital does not allow visitors overnight. Both Linda and Gray will be out of work at least until Linda can be transferred to Wenatchee.

Linda is a well loved member of the community. At any given time you may find her at the rock gym, walking her recently adopted dog, Fun-Size, in the pottery studio, teaching her students photography, helping folks find outdoor gear at Colchuck Consignment, leading hikes for the LGBTQ+ community, or pursuing her passion for ultra-running. Linda is always searching out new ways to be outdoors; just this year she picked up mountain biking and packrafting!

Linda has hiked the trail she fell from many, many times. This was a freak accident that could happen to anyone and completely change your life in an instant. Linda is super tough, just like you would imagine someone who likes running long distance races and playing roller derby would be. We know she will be determined to do what it takes to heal, so let's help her out by relieving some of the financial burden she will face following her accident.