Jordan's story

Dear friends and family,

Sometimes things happen that flip your world upside-down in an instant. Our family experienced one of those life-altering events. I’m reaching out today to share Jordan’s story and to ask for help.

My nephew, Jordan McEldowney, was mountain biking with a long-time friend on Wednesday, October 25, 2023. They were enjoying the rugged and challenging trails in Catalina State Park, just north of Tucson, when Jordan crashed. He went over his handlebars and landed on his head. Luckily, his friend is a nurse and luckily, other cyclists stopped to help. The sheriff's department came and he was airlifted to the hospital.

Jordan suffered a complete C5 fracture. He currently has limited feeling and control from his chest up. After surgery to clean up and stabilize his neck, he will begin at least a year-long rehabilitation, including several months at a specialty center.

Let me tell you about my nephew. Jordan is an intelligent and loving family man. He is the father of an endearing 17-month-old, Brayden, and a loving husband to Lyndsey. He is an older brother, son, nephew, cousin, and friend. He is funny and quick-witted. He is strong and resilient. He will be 34 years old this week. He has a long life ahead of him - with an entirely new roadmap.

I don’t want to overwhelm you with the details, but he has an extremely challenging recovery ahead. He is the intelligent man we have always known. He is living in a changed body, one that doesn’t work at all like it did a week ago.

One of the most devastating things that can happen to a family involves unexpected medical events. While we know that insurance will cover some of Jordan’s expenses, it won’t cover them all.

In this first year, Jordan will need air ambulance transport to the center, and the family will need to find an apartment near where Jordan will rehab and complete his therapy. There will be these and other related expenses that are not covered by insurance. In the long term, there will be other needs, such as accessibility modifications in the house.

The last thing needed is to worry about the financial implications of this tragic event.

Thank you for reading Jordan’s story. He is not alone and despite his new physical reality, he is a strong fighter who will get through this. Our family will be forever grateful for any help that you can provide. I also ask that you share Jordan’s story within your own networks: Let’s amplify the benefit of living in a caring, socially connected society.

Thank you. Truly.