Donation protected
It was the first rush of Spring and Scuba John’s Dive Shop was brimming with excited customers and family, eager to get under water. John Baker, or "Scuba John", as he is known in the dive industry, was busy helping customers, filling scuba tanks and helping some local paintballers with their compressed air needs. Suddenly, the unthinkable happened, a filter housing exploded sending deadly shrapnel flying in every direction. John was standing two feet away from the explosion. He was hit in the right arm and left side of his face. Miraculously, no one else at the shop was injured. John was rushed to a nearby trauma center. Though his injuries were severe, he was alive!
The days and weeks that followed revealed the full extent of his injuries: a concussion, ruptured ear drum, broken upper and lower jaw, loss of teeth on the left side, eye socket broken in three places, sinuses were destroyed, and his right arm was extremely damaged and also broken in three places. To address all of these issues, John has undergone numerous surgeries and treatments. His arm has undergone weekly surgeries and remains open; a wound vac is attached to help deal with the swelling. He has had his first 10-hour surgery to care for his internal facial injuries, more will follow.
John moved with his family to Leesville, SC in 2007 where his father, Rev. Mendle Baker, began pastoring First Calvary Baptist Church. He met his wife, Amanda, that first year. John served beside his father as the children’s ministry pastor for four years. Amanda and John married in 2009 and have two young sons, Judah and Asher. John previously served as a volunteer firefighter at Gilbert-Summit Fire Department. He founded “Scuba John’s Dive Shop", located in Lexington, SC, in 2010. As an accomplished technical and rebreather scuba diver and instructor, he has shared his passions with many, showing them the beauty that lies beneath our lakes and oceans. John has had the privilege to work with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Local Law Enforcement, Boy Scouts of America, Disabled Veterans, Fort Jackson Army Base and various special needs groups often donating classes and gear to help these organizations flourish.
He hopes to someday return to the water.
As his friends and family, we realize that the care he is receiving comes at an astronomical cost and John needs your help. We ask that you consider financially helping so that John can focus on his recovery. The extreme medical cost are multiplying out of control. We know his current surgeries and care have already exceeded $150,000.00 and is climbing, most of which will be out of pocket.
These cost seems unimaginable and unattainable, but you can help.
Every gift matters! No gift is too small. Funds will be used to help John with medical expenses, overnight stays near hospitals, medical supplies and ultimately replacement of his teeth. John means so much to our community, visitors at Lake Murray, Lake Jocassee, Charleston, and divers all over the world. He has taught many how to dive for the first time, spent hours telling stories of his many adventures, he always has a kind and understanding ear and is always generous to others.
Thank you in advance for your kindness, thoughtfulness, gifts and prayers!
The days and weeks that followed revealed the full extent of his injuries: a concussion, ruptured ear drum, broken upper and lower jaw, loss of teeth on the left side, eye socket broken in three places, sinuses were destroyed, and his right arm was extremely damaged and also broken in three places. To address all of these issues, John has undergone numerous surgeries and treatments. His arm has undergone weekly surgeries and remains open; a wound vac is attached to help deal with the swelling. He has had his first 10-hour surgery to care for his internal facial injuries, more will follow.
John moved with his family to Leesville, SC in 2007 where his father, Rev. Mendle Baker, began pastoring First Calvary Baptist Church. He met his wife, Amanda, that first year. John served beside his father as the children’s ministry pastor for four years. Amanda and John married in 2009 and have two young sons, Judah and Asher. John previously served as a volunteer firefighter at Gilbert-Summit Fire Department. He founded “Scuba John’s Dive Shop", located in Lexington, SC, in 2010. As an accomplished technical and rebreather scuba diver and instructor, he has shared his passions with many, showing them the beauty that lies beneath our lakes and oceans. John has had the privilege to work with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Local Law Enforcement, Boy Scouts of America, Disabled Veterans, Fort Jackson Army Base and various special needs groups often donating classes and gear to help these organizations flourish.
He hopes to someday return to the water.
As his friends and family, we realize that the care he is receiving comes at an astronomical cost and John needs your help. We ask that you consider financially helping so that John can focus on his recovery. The extreme medical cost are multiplying out of control. We know his current surgeries and care have already exceeded $150,000.00 and is climbing, most of which will be out of pocket.
These cost seems unimaginable and unattainable, but you can help.
Every gift matters! No gift is too small. Funds will be used to help John with medical expenses, overnight stays near hospitals, medical supplies and ultimately replacement of his teeth. John means so much to our community, visitors at Lake Murray, Lake Jocassee, Charleston, and divers all over the world. He has taught many how to dive for the first time, spent hours telling stories of his many adventures, he always has a kind and understanding ear and is always generous to others.
Thank you in advance for your kindness, thoughtfulness, gifts and prayers!
Co-organizers (2)
Mendle Baker
Organizer
Leesville, SC
William Batten
Co-organizer