Help Art Miner Get Life-Changing Prosthetics

Hello My Name is Diana Miner. I am writing on behalf of my Brother Art Miner. Many of you know Art as the co-owner of the Crows Nest Sports Grille, with his wife Susan. Art and Susan created the Crows Nest here in Tujunga in 2014.

Art recently underwent open heart surgery that ran into complications that ultimately cost him the loss of his fingers and toes. I’ll let Art give you more details in his attached letter. I wanted to let everyone know that we have started a Go Fund Me account to help purchase Art’s prosthetics.

Art Miner has had a profound and positive impact on his community. The Crows Nest became one of the most popular businesses in our area and became our “Cheers;” a place to hang out, keep in touch with each other, meet new friends and reconnect with old ones. It was a place for celebrations, birthday parties, Christmas parties, memorials, etc. If you needed it, Art would make it happen.

He created a space for our local police officers to come and meet the community. He hosted “Coffee with a Cop” once a month and held other community meetings and fundraisers for local schools and churches, and support for the Elks and VFW.

His contributions go well beyond running a successful business; he’s truly been a pillar of support in the community and an awesome brother and great uncle to my children. Art grew up in Sunland/Tujunga, went to Sunland Elementary School, Mount Gleason Middle School, graduated from Verdugo Hills High School and received a BS degree from CSUN. This community has always been his home.

During the pandemic when toilet paper was impossible to find, Art ordered extra toilet paper from his commercial suppliers and offered it up to anyone who needed it. He did the same thing with eggs and other items that could not be found in the grocery stores.

He always served Thanksgiving dinner to provide a place where families could enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal and people living alone or elderly couples that have nowhere else to go.

He orchestrated the clean out of Big Tujunga Canyon Wash near the entrance to Riverwood Ranch. With the help of 100+ volunteers, assistance from the county supervisor and donations to offset the cost they removed eleven “40 yard” dumpsters of trash and 35 encampments.

From creating a welcoming space at the Crows Nest to organizing community events and rallies for social causes, Art's dedication to improving his neighborhood is remarkable. His selflessness, particularly during times of need like the pandemic, and his efforts to help clean up the local environment, make it clear that he cares deeply about the well-being of those around him.

The challenges he has faced recently, with the complications following his heart bypass surgery, are clearly weighing heavily on him and his loved ones. It’s heartening to hear that the community he’s helped is now stepping forward to support him during this difficult time. It’s a testament to the impact he has had on others that people are eager to give back to him in his time of need.

If you're looking for ways to help or support Art, whether through donations or spreading the word about this fundraising campaign, every bit counts and is greatly appreciated. His humility and dedication to others make it even more important that he receives the care and support he deserves now.

-Diana

Message from Art Miner; former owner of the Crows Nest Sports Grille.

Dear Friends, Family and Neighbors, I am truly grateful for you taking the time to read my story. And to my former patrons of the Crows Nest, I can’t tell you how much Susan and I miss you all.

I’m writing because I need your help. Just prior to closing the Crows Nest, I had elective open heart surgery that did not go well and I nearly lost my life. I was in an induced coma for 31 days with collapsed lungs and failed kidneys. I had blood clots in my lungs and was on dialysis for six weeks. I ended up with necrosis and lost my fingers and toes, and a portion of my left foot. I’m left with one thumb and a couple of nubs.

My lungs are recovering and I’m no longer on dialysis. Both hands and my right foot are healing well and ready for prosthetics. My left foot is struggling to heal so I’m receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy to assist in the healing process. I’m trying to get prosthetics for my hands; however, my insurance won’t pay for them. Without the prosthetics, I can’t even do the simple things like getting dressed, or putting on my shoes, feeding or bathing myself, opening a can of food or even a zip lock bag. With your help I will be able to get back some independence and do many of the things I used to do. I really want to cook again, and maybe even go fishing, or work in my wood shop. I’m asking for donations to help pay for the prosthetics.

They tell me I’m lucky to be alive and that it’s a blessing from God. I was in the hospital for 72 days and I’m still learning to walk again and get my strength back. I’ll never be able to do everything I used to, however, with your help I should be able to get back some of what I have lost.

It’s always been difficult for me to ask for charity and I’m truly grateful for whatever financial help you can provide. Every dollar will make a difference.

-Art