Please help with Jonathan’s recovery.

Hello, my name is Kathy. My family and I are requesting assistance to help my son, Jonathan, with medical bills and financial support after a horrific paragliding accident. Jonathan and his wife, Lisa, are independent contractors for the trucking industry. This accident has and will take a toll on them physically and financially.

His accident happened on May 23rd, 2025. He had an L1 burst fracture, T12 fracture, L5 fracture, neck fracture, and left heel fracture. He had surgery on May 25th. They don't have health insurance coverage due to the high cost. Medical bills are at this time close to $100,000, and that includes a private pay discount. He still needs other care such as physical therapy, additional visits for follow-up, and supportive medical equipment. I know with these types of injuries there will be more costs.

He will be unable to work for possibly a year. We would be extremely thankful for any assistance that we can possibly get.

An update: I have traveled out to Tennessee to assist with his care as has his twin brother, Jason. His brother will be here about a week. I will be here in until they no longer need me.

We are having problems finding care in rural Tennessee for him. Riding for any distance causes him severe pain. We are having problems finding the right equipment to support his back (the brace provided by the hospital causes severe pain). He has lost a lot of weight, now weighing in at 129. On a positive note he is getting feeling back in some areas. This unfortunately causes nerve pain which at times is almost unbearable.

Update:  he is recovering slow but sure.  With this type of accident you don’t think about how it affects your urinary tract and bowels.  He has lost feeling in those areas and hopefully with time it will come back.  Still struggling to find equipment to support his back that doesn’t cause additional pain.  

Update:  had his post op appointment after surgery and due to the type of spinal cord injury a new norm of recovery will take a year to determine.  Will be working with physical therapy for strength and agility.  Will be following up with other referrals to assist with recovery.  Staying positive is our focus.  Each day is a step forward.