Hi everyone,

I'm finding it incredibly hard to write this and more detailed updates will follow.

As many of you know, David lives and breathes for his sailboat. Tragically, on Monday, 5/22/23, he nearly lost his life in an accident involving it. While working on the mast of his sailboat—his primary home—he suffered a fall from 40 feet above, landing directly onto the deck. The fall resulted in numerous broken bones, fractured ribs, and a severely fractured L1 spine, necessitating an airlift and immediate spinal surgery.

David is currently unable to use his legs, although he's able to feel when Christle, his significant other, exercises them to some extent. Amidst his surgeries, he has faced near-death experiences and, due to his broken ribs, he's struggling greatly with his breathing. Adding to the complication of his situation, his past trauma and fear associated with his mother's passing has led him to refuse morphine for his pain.

David's home on the boat, where he lives full-time with Christle and her daughter Aerial, isn't as idyllic as one might imagine. Despite the seeming allure of living in the Florida Keys on a sailboat, the reality often involves uncomfortable conditions, especially with no air conditioning. However, as his condition stands, he may never be able to return to this life again.

Christle is currently splitting her time between their home and the trauma center in Miami, where David is being cared for—a daunting four-hour drive each way. David's recovery is expected to be long and he will likely remain in the trauma unit for at least a month. During this time, Christle is having to secure hotel stays, arrange for a van to transport David once he's discharged, and seek out an affordable ground-level residence suitable for his recovery.

David, who has been an avid runner for as long as I've known him, is finding this situation incredibly challenging. Currently, he is laid flat, staring at the ceiling, encased in braces to protect his neck and damaged spine. Both he and I are scared for what lies ahead.

In due course, Christle will provide more comprehensive updates. For now, we appeal to your generosity and kindness during this immensely difficult time. David has dedicated his life to ensuring patients across the country receive the care they need—no matter the hour, day, or impact on his personal life. His love for his work, for Christle, her daughters, and life itself is remarkable. Now, it's our turn to show him how much he truly means to us.

Christle needs assistance with lodging, food, medical bills, transportation, and other unforeseen costs. We hope and pray for David's full recovery and for the return of his ability to use his legs.

Any support you can offer will make a significant difference during this time. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for helping in any way you can.

Btw I am Geoffrey Bricker - a good friend and former colleague of David Gigas. I’m working with his S/O Christle to help manage everything while she focuses on David in the ICU. The funds will initially be used to secure her a local place to stay for the next month or so, as she’s been sleeping on a couch in the ICU when she can. I will help coordinate and pay for the lodging and send her the remaining of the funds directly when she has the time to handle that piece herself.