Help In Pat's Recovery

As some of you might know, last week Patrick (“Pat”) Hutchins was involved in a mountain biking accident, resulting in a broken neck and back. On Sunday evening, June 14th 2021, Pat was riding with two friends and their kids. Pat’s son, Colin, was riding behind him. Pat led the group onto the trail, and while negotiating a jump, ended up going head first over his handlebars and landing on his head and neck. He fractured his T-4 vertebra, and his C-6 & C-7 were fractured and dislocated. He was transported to Kootenai Medical Center for emergency care. Pat was rushed into surgery. The surgeon stabilized and realigned his vertebrae through the back of Pat’s neck.

Pat will need vigorous rehabilitation to adjust to this life changing accident. Currently, he is in the beginning stages of the healing process at home with his family. He is experiencing pain at the incision site and continual numbness and tingling throughout his arms and into his fingers since the onset of the injury. He also has discomfort in his sternum area and his right shoulder and arm. There is a long-term possibility of accelerated degeneration of remaining segments of Pat’s neck. There is no guarantee the numbing sensation in Pat’s arms and hands will fully abate. There is also a possibility that Pat will experience chronic pain in his upper neck for the rest of his life. It will remain unknown for several months if the bone and nerve injuries will be resolved through rehabilitation.

In Pat’s line of work as a bicycle and alpine ski technician/mechanic, his hands are his livelihood. There will need to be major adjustments to Pat’s work and home environment in order for him to continue working. These adjustments will certainly come at a cost.

The good news is that he has feeling and movement in all extremities and is enthusiastic about the rehabilitation journey that lies ahead for him. Pat and Missy know they have a long road ahead of them, both physically and financially, but are extremely grateful that a strong recovery is possible.

Many of you have reached out wanting to help Pat and his family. They have been overwhelmed by the support of everyone. Missy says, “our hearts are filled with so much gratitude. I can’t fully express my appreciation for all of the love, support and time given to helping us get back on our feet. We are in a good place right now thanks to all the efforts of our amazing family, friends, and community. Words can’t properly express our gratitude.”

The most stressful part of Pat’s recovery will be the uncertainty of hospital and rehabilitation bills, immediately and into the future. Although they have medical insurance, the personal costs will be astronomical. Any donations to this GoFundMe will lessen that financial burden, and aid in Pat’s recovery.