Help Natasha Heal

Hello friends and family,

Our dearest friend (& cherished stadium bartender) Natasha Kelly has recently had an accident which resulted in a critical injury that left her unable to work (or walk) for the foreseeable future.

On August 6, 2022, Natasha severely broke her left Tibia and Fibula in an accident while visiting up North. She was taken to hospital by ambulance and had to stay in North Bay Regional Health Centre for three days, where she received exceptional care. This complex leg fracture required a two-hour surgery to put a plate and screws in on the larger bone (tib) which had been broken into three pieces. Thankfully, the smaller bone (fib) was able to be set and left to heal so a second plate and more incisions were not needed.

Sadly, OHIP does not cover many expenses that Natasha has and will need. Expenses such as medical prescriptions, crutches/walker, ambulance service, nutritional needs, physio and the list goes on.

As most of us are aware, Natasha works in an industry that she loves but requires a large amount of physical capability to perform and therefore, she will be out of work for quite some time (approx. 6 months). This industry we’ve all come to know and love her in brings with it awesome additions (being present for so many exciting moments – 2019 RAPTOR CHAMPIONSHIPS ANYONE?) but unfortunately does not provide the extra security for time off due to injury/disability and benefit coverage like many other industries do – simply due to the seasonal and part time nature of her positions. We all also know how heavily impacted her industry was by the COVID19 pandemic so needless to say the last few years have been financially devastating.

Many of you have reached out to ask how you can help – This is how.

The main goal is to reduce the financial burden so that Natasha can put all of her focus on healing and learning to walk again instead of spending energy being concerned about where the money for rent and food will come from. Natasha was reluctant but grateful when I (Lisa W) suggested setting up a GoFundMe campaign for her and she is forever grateful for any assistance that you provide.

Those who know Natasha know she has a very big heart and has been a support system or a soft landing to many of us who’ve needed anything from a listening ear to money, or food, or a couch to crash on/safe place to stay. Most of us know her as someone who would give the shirt off her back to help someone in need and this is our opportunity to give back.

With love and a thousand thank you’s,

Lisa Wade.