Our son, 21 year old Jacob DeCarlen-Bumiller, is a Junior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, majoring in civil and mechanical engineering. He is an avid hiker and outdoorsman. He enjoys traveling to new places, and cherishes quality time with his friends and family. Jacob values being healthy - both physically strong and mentally strong. He is an animal lover of both the wild and the domesticated.
While studying abroad in Costa Rica and exploring local waterfalls, he suffered a devastating fall, landed on his back, and fractured two of his vertebrae. After two separate ambulance rides, he arrived at Clinica Biblica Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica, where he underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his spinal cord. Hardware was installed to stabilize his vertebrae.
Because of the damage he suffered to his spinal cord, and the trauma on the vertebrae, Jacob is currently paralyzed, has no sensation of, or the use of, the muscles in his legs, and is unable to walk or move his legs or feet. Jacob was transported via med flight from Costa Rica to Mass. General Brigham Hospital in Boston, where he was admitted to the Neuro ICU. Jacob has since been transferred to an in-patient Rehab Hospital, where his medical needs are being addressed while he is preparing for future adaptive needs.
His family is facing urgent, overwhelming medical decisions, which have already included spinal surgery, arranging safe medical transport home on an air ambulance and in-patient rehabilitation. In addition to the continuing overwhelming medical decisions, his family is also facing crushing financial burdens, which may continue for some time.
Jacob is a beloved son and brother, a friend to many in Boxford, Worcester, MA and beyond. He gives generously, works hard, and shows up for others. Now we are asking the community to show up for him. His focus and discipline are extraordinary, and he displays determination and courage every day. It is our hope that his family, friends and larger community will come together to help lift the financial burden on his family so they can focus on what matters most: Jacob’s healing, safety and dignity.
We want to be as open and transparent as possible about the expenses ahead. While exact amounts may shift as Jacob’s medical team finalizes plans, these are the major categories we are preparing for:
• Medical air transport that brought Jacob safely home from Costa Rica
• Hospitalization and surgical care
• Inpatient and outpatient spinal cord rehabilitation
Why Your Support Matters
These costs are far beyond what any student or family can prepare. Every contribution directly supports Jacob’s healing and his ability to recover safely. Every donation brings us one step closer to getting Jacob healed, surrounding him with the care he needs, and giving him the best possible chance at recovery. If you are unable to give, sharing this page is a powerful gift. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion, your prayers, and your belief in Jacob’s future. He is fighting with everything he has, and your support lights the way forward.
Transparency & Stewardship
We are committed to handling every donation with integrity, clarity, and care.
• To honor your generosity, all funds are deposited into a dedicated, restricted purpose account titled: “Jacob Recovery Fund – Medical & Rehabilitation Expenses.”
• This account is not connected to any personal bank account.
• Two individuals serve as trustees to ensure that funds are used only for Jacob’s medical transport, hospitalization, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and related recovery needs.
• Receipts and invoices will be maintained and documentation for all expenditures.
• Regular updates will be shared so donors can see how funds are being used and how Jacob is progressing.
Your trust and support matters deeply to us. Every dollar will be used with gratitude and accountability.
We have set an initial goal of $200,000 based on the estimated costs of medical transport, hospitalization, spinal cord in patient and out patient rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and long-term recovery needs. If expenses exceed this amount, we will update the goal transparently.