George Stevens Recovery Fund

After falling into a volcanic vent on Mt. Hood, George Stevens miraculously survived but was seriously injured.

On Wednesday, January 26th 2022, George Stevens and two friends set out to summit Mt. Hood and snowboard down the mountain.

George is a 28 year old artist and outdoorsman who enjoyed Mt. Hood recreational activities in the past. Mt. Hood attracts millions of visitors, along with 10,000 climbers, per year. It's breathtaking slopes are enjoyed by skiers and sightseers alike. The scientific community considers Mt. Hood to be one of America's active, yet silent volcanoes.

After ascending several hours to the peak, the three friends began their descent. When they reached the Hogsback snow ridge, the afternoon shadows of the peak had turned the snowy, sun-warmed slope into a slick sheet of ice. When George attempted to snowboard down the ridge, the severity of the ice quickly became apparent. He lost his edge, slid out of control down the ridge and fell into the Devil's Kitchen fumarole. (A fumarole is an opening in volcanic rock that vents toxic gas and emits steam. The steam melts large cavities underneath the snow that can open up into deep holes.) It's estimated that George slid a few hundred feet before landing on the exposed, rocky floor of the fumarole.

After calling for help, George's friends waited at the mouth of the fumarole while George lay battered in a pit breathing toxic volcanic gas for over 8 hours. More than 20 volunteers were among the crew that ascended the mountain to rescue George. It was around midnight when a rescuer equipped with a respirator and gas monitor was lowered down into the fumarole. The rescuers then stabilized George, extracted him from the Devil's Kitchen, loaded him into a snowcat and began their 4 hour descent to the Timberline Lodge. At the lodge, he was met with a helicopter and airlifted to the hospital.

George sustained a number of very serious injuries: a broken femur, tibia and fibula to name just a few. He immediately received emergency reconstructive leg surgery as well as staples in his head. Bruises and cuts cover his body.

Call it luck, a miracle, a blessing or a curse, George now faces a long road ahead to recovery and healing. George is currently uninsured and will be temporarily unemployed while he takes the necessary time to heal. He will need ongoing medical care as well as support to ease the impending financial burdens due to astronomical healthcare fees.

On behalf of George, we are humbly asking for donations so that he may use this time to prioritize his health. Being uninsured in the U.S. greatly limits rehabilitation options. Your donations will ensure George receives vital treatments, and will offer him an equal chance at a full recovery. You will fuel the inspiration needed to fearlessly face the unknown.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read George's story and for your donation. Your generosity means the world to us.

We will post updates on his progress moving forward.

Love,

The Stevens Family

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