Coach Bill Franzke's Spinal Cord Injury Fund
Donation protected
On Wednesday, August 7th 2019, Mom and Dad were on a mountain bike tour in Eastern Washington with friends. They were three days into their annual trip when they were traveling down a gravel access road that was not accessible to motor vehicles. On this particular stretch of road there were occasional gates they had to navigate that are there to prevent motor vehicles on this road. Dad was traveling at approximately 15 mph focusing on the loose gravel conditions and simply did not see the gate approaching. Dad catapulted over the gate landing on his head. He was wearing a helmet and all protective gear however the impact was so great he couldn't get up under his own power. He never lost consciousness, but felt a jolt in his back. Mom witnessed the accident (along with their traveling friends) and went to his aid. At this point he announced he had no feeling in his legs. 911 was activated and emergency medical crews were quick to respond. The decision was made to life flight him to Seattle WA.
A 5 hour surgery was performed the following day to fuse together the two fractured vertebrae C5 & C6 in his neck.
On the morning of August 9th, we were informed of his paralysis from chest down. This news was devastating to all of us. Dad was very alert and did not lose any cognitive, auditory or verbal functions.
We are praying yet cautiously optimistic that over the next days/weeks/months he will gain more mobility. As you can imagine, this accident has been very difficult for our entire family.
We know Dad and Mom can feel your prayers and all the support that goes along with them.
There has been a huge outpouring of support and request to set up a gofundme in order to send any financial help to my parents. If you feel this is a way you can support mom and dad, they would appreciate it. Currently there are many expenses that are expected and unexpected that are not covered by insurance. Unforeseen medical costs, wheel chair purchase, handicap accessible van, shower chair, medical transportation back to Portland, an airbed to prevent bedsores, future home care nursing expenses, home remodel to accommodate dads adapted living needs, among others that are unknown at this time.
A 5 hour surgery was performed the following day to fuse together the two fractured vertebrae C5 & C6 in his neck.
On the morning of August 9th, we were informed of his paralysis from chest down. This news was devastating to all of us. Dad was very alert and did not lose any cognitive, auditory or verbal functions.
We are praying yet cautiously optimistic that over the next days/weeks/months he will gain more mobility. As you can imagine, this accident has been very difficult for our entire family.
We know Dad and Mom can feel your prayers and all the support that goes along with them.
There has been a huge outpouring of support and request to set up a gofundme in order to send any financial help to my parents. If you feel this is a way you can support mom and dad, they would appreciate it. Currently there are many expenses that are expected and unexpected that are not covered by insurance. Unforeseen medical costs, wheel chair purchase, handicap accessible van, shower chair, medical transportation back to Portland, an airbed to prevent bedsores, future home care nursing expenses, home remodel to accommodate dads adapted living needs, among others that are unknown at this time.
Organizer and beneficiary
Luke Franzke
Organizer
Damascus, OR
Kristin Franzke
Beneficiary
