On June 19th, 2020, Chris Contawe suffered from a 200-foot fall while hiking at Giant Springs State Park in Great Falls, Montana. Upon falling, Chris realized that he could no longer feel his lower extremities but felt excruciating pain everywhere else. He went into flight or fight mode and turned over on his back due to trouble breathing. He then began removing articles of clothing so that he could stand out from his surroundings and be seen. Chris had laid at the bottom of the cliff for 5 hours not knowing whether he would ever make it back home. It was not until other hikers from the top of the cliff saw him from afar and called for help. 

He was then transported to Montana’s Benefis Emergency Department. The medical staff did as much as they could to stabilize him but shortly it was realized that he needed more intensive care. Chris was then immediately airlifted to Harborview Medical Center Emergency & Trauma Center in Seattle, Washington where he underwent spinal fusion surgery. His fall resulted in three fractures in various areas in his spine, one of which was a burst fracture which resulted in the loss of sensation/movement in both of his legs (with the hope of potential recovery during rehabilitation). Additionally, a total of 5 broken ribs on both sides, a dislocated sternum, and a number of injuries to his arms. 

Our goal is to get Chris from Seattle, to Englewood, Colorado where he will receive state-of-the-art rehabilitation at Craig Hospital. This rehabilitation is critical to his future well-being and ultimately to get him to be able to return home and adjust to a new life. Chris’s family and friends are hoping for a generous outpouring of donations to facilitate paying for the extraordinary cost of his air ambulance transportation and the necessary equipment and adjustments to his home that will be needed when he comes home from rehabilitation. The expected costs to be paid out of pocket are estimated to be at least $25,000. The transportation will include constant care and attention during the flight as he is unable to sit in a regular, commercial aircraft due to his current state.

Chris is a 22-year-old who was born and raised in Vallejo, California. He loves working out, staying healthy & active, and spending time with his loved ones. Whether it was family, friends, or even a stranger, Chris was always open to lending a helping hand to those around him without any doubts. We hope to those who are reading, you’re able to lend yours out to him during this time of need and support. Your help would be a stepping stone to get Chris to the help he needs for a chance at an improved life after this potentially life-altering accident. Any help, whether it be in the form of a monetary donation or just words of encouragement and the sharing of his story will be deeply appreciated.

A local report from Great Falls of Chris' rescue:
https://www.krtv.com/news/great-falls-news/person-rescued-after-falling-from-rivers-edge-trail-toward-river?fbclid=IwAR3iSrZomCQFoXRSKOon64J6f9U-RfmhTZ_zLNad-6X0csB649yJFGKGpqY