***UPDATE***

Wow, just wow. Words can't fully express how grateful and blown away we are by the generosity and compassion of our community. Atli and Mel are incredibly touched by everyone's support, donations, and encouraging messages. It's truly difficult to capture all the emotions we're feeling.

Thank you to everyone who helped package and extract Atli from a remote location, the staff at Kootenay Lake Hospital, Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, Hope Air, all our donors, family, and friends. I apologize if I missed anyone.

The funds raised through GoFundMe will help cover accommodations in Vancouver, medications not covered by MSP, car repairs for future appointments, rehabilitation costs associated with physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture etc.

Atli and Mel are finally home. The past week has been a whirlwind, with multiple transports, surgeries, meetings with social workers, physiotherapists, surgeons, heavy antibiotics, blood thinners, pain management, a denied repatriation flight, a failed attempt to fly home on Thursday, several Uber rides, and a successful flight home on Friday, May 24.

Atli’s injury involves damage to his tibia, talus, calcaneus, a major artery to the foot, upper lateral ligaments, and cartilage. The VGH super surgeons cleaned up the bone shrapnel, set the plates and pins well, and decided not to reattach the external rods, so he's no longer in a cage but in a half cast.

For the next month, Atli will continue with blood thinners, manage pain and swelling, and follow up with a surgeon in Trail in two weeks. The main priority is to ensure good blood flow to heal the reconstructed talus bone and surrounding cartilage. Another surgery might be necessary to fuse the talus bone if it doesn't respond well, but everyone is optimistic about Atli's recovery.

Anyone who has been injured can relate to the mental challenge of being forced into a sedentary lifestyle. Let's keep up the positive vibes for Atli and Mel, whether through words of encouragement or visits (once they've had some R&R).

Thanks again from the bottom our hearts.

**Original Post**

Atli is one of those low-key, behind-the-scenes guys who helps create the magic in the Nelson Mountain Biking Community. Unfortunately, on Saturday, May 18th, Atli sustained a traumatic ankle injury. He has already undergone two surgeries in Trail, B.C., and was flown to Vancouver, B.C., on Sunday, May 19th for a third, and hopefully final, surgery happening today, May 20th. They will need to stay in Vancouver for at least a week post-surgery. Atli and his partner, Mel, have been through so much already and have a long road to recovery ahead. He will be non-weight bearing for 4-6 months and will need extensive rehabilitation. Atli has been a trail builder with the Nelson Cycling Club for the past 4 years and is a ski guide.

Please help lift some of the financial burden that injuries bring and donate what you can—every little bit helps.

Atli and Mel: we love you guys and know you will get through this!