Help cover Dr. Brian's AirVac costs.

***This Fundraiser has ended***

--The discounts Dr. Brian was able to get from the health advocate combined with the generous donations through this page mean that Dr. Brians AirVac bill has now been FULLY COVERED. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and donations. Original funding page information below--

Dr. Brian, a Christian counselor from Sierra Vista, could use your help to cover the costs of an AirVac helicopter ride after a severe injury.

On June 19th Dr. Brian (aka Pastor Brian) Ellsworth fell from a ladder while cutting a tree for a friend. He landed on his head and sustained severe injuries to his neck (C-1 fracture) and back (T-3 and T-4 fracture, T-1 and T-2 compressions fractures). He also had a significant injury to his left elbow (which required a long surgery) and one broken rib. The nature of his injuries required an AirVac via Med-Trans Corp helicopter from rural Cochise County to a trauma hospital in Tucson, AZ.

Brian spent 5 days in the hospital then was released to go home in a brace to immobilize his neck and back for three full months. After this time he will have physical therapy and other treatments to return to full health. Thankfully there was no spinal damage and no brain damage so he should make a full, or nearly full recovery (it's possible he will never regain 100% range of motion in his arm or neck).

Dr. Brian will be off work, or at drastically reduced hours, for the next 3-6 months as he recovers. Since he is self-employed he has no unemployment insurance.

Recently the family was notified that the AirVac would not be covered by Dr. Brian's insurance  (Veterans Administration - He was in the US Navy in the 80s).

The bill for this flight is $70,636.90

Dr. Brian and his wife (Miss Jo) are looking into any kind of discounts or advocate programs they can use to lower this cost. If they have to pay the full amount they calculate it will take them until he is 83 years old to finish paying off... assuming he continues working until that time.

If Dr. Brian can get discounts we will lower the goal of this GoFundMe when we know what discounts he is eligible for. Any funds donated that are not needed for the AirVac will go to other medical and personal expenses through this recovery process.

Thank you for taking the time to look at this GoFundMe and consider donating. Every bit helps, and we appreciate your support and prayers over the past few weeks and into the future. God Bless.

--The Ellsworth Family

(This photo was taken pre-accident, drinking coffee with friends is one of the things Dr. Brian is looking forward to getting back to after he recovers)

PS: If you are new to GoFundMe, other than the credit/debit transaction fees, 100% of the funds go directly to Dr. Brian (no platform fees). Funds are sent to Dr. Brian regardless of if the goal is met. You will be given the option to "Tip" GoFundMe, anything you "Tip" will go to the operation of the GoFundMe platform. Thanks again.

PPS: This is Daniel Ellsworth, Dr. Brian's son. I am managing this GoFundMe page for my parents so they can focus on his recovery. I will be in charge of all updates on this page, and all funds donated will be directly deposited into my parent's bank account.