Help Support Jason Sanders' Long Road to Recovery!

On May 18th, our world changed forever. Our dad, Jason Sanders, suffered a devastating fall from 30 feet while helping with yard work at his parents' home—just one example of the selfless way he’s always shown up for those he loves. He broke his C1 and C2 vertebrae, was airlifted to a Level 1 trauma center, and underwent emergency surgery to stabilize his neck. In addition, he broke his arm, multiple ribs, and has been battling severe pneumonia during his hospital stay.

Today, Jason is paralyzed from the neck down.

After spending 24 days in the North Memorial ICU for initial treatment, he was finally stable enough to be transferred out of state to one of the best spinal rehab centers in the world in Colorado, where he is now beginning the intense and emotional work of recovery. He is expected to remain there for several months. Our mom is living nearby in hospital family housing to be with him, and to be trained to become his full-time caregiver when they return home. This housing is costly, and our mom—who is retired due to her own life-changing injury years ago—is unable to work and has no income of her own.

Jason will never be able to return to work. As the sole provider for their household, the loss of income and health insurance is devastating. He will require 24-hour care, specialized medical equipment, and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, all of which are immediate and overwhelming costs.

A Little About Our Hero

Jason is one of those rare people who would drop everything to help someone else. He’s a loving husband, a devoted dad to 8 kids, and a proud grandpa to 9 grandkids. He’s our rock and our guide—strong, stubborn in the best way, wise, funny, and endlessly supportive.

He loves teaching the grandkids about the outdoors and wildlife, taking them on adventures, watching hunting shows or NASCAR together, strolling through the woods, and doing gymnastics in the livingroom together. He always lets the grandkids “help” make pancakes, no matter how big the mess. Of course, he’s the apple of their eyes—and a “Hey Grandpa, can we?” never fails to set him in motion, because he’s the most fun-loving Grandpa God ever made. He is that kind of dad and grandpa—the very best kind.

Jason has spent his life deeply committed to wildlife conservation. He’s a longtime supporter of several conservation organizations, including Iowa FNAWS – Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Safari Club International (SCI), and the Friends of NRA (FNRA), and currently serves on the board for Iowa FNAWS. Jason has traveled the world hunting and sharing his respect for wildlife and the outdoors with others. He has generously contributed to conservation efforts, planted and maintained food plots to support local wildlife, and has always been eager to educate both youth and adults about the importance of conservation—instilling these values in not only his own family, but in anyone willing to listen and learn.

Recovery Update

Despite the unimaginable challenges, Jason’s spirit remains unshaken. His spark, his wit, and his stubborn strength are all still very much intact—as proven by the familiar eye-rolls he gives Mom and the humor that shines through even as he adjusts to communicating through a tracheostomy. In one recent unforgettable moment, he said the most treasured words to her, "I love you."

Why We’re Asking for Help

This is a long, uncertain road. Jason is fighting with everything he has to regain what he can, but the physical, emotional, and financial toll is overwhelming. Jason is facing a life forever changed, and our family is doing everything we can to support him. But we can’t do it alone. We’re asking for help to:

Cover the cost of our mom’s housing during rehab in Colorado

Provide funds for travel, food, and medical expenses

Help purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle

Support necessary home modifications and equipment

Ease the burden of lost income and insurance

Cover everyday household bills and mortgage payments while both of our parents are unable to work

Your donations will help lift the enormous burden on our family and allow us to focus on what truly matters—his healing and comfort.

❤️ Thank You

From the bottom of our hearts—thank you for the love, support, and prayers. Our dad is the strongest man we have ever known, and with your help, he’ll continue to fight to reclaim as much of his life as he possibly can.

Please consider donating, sharing this page, and helping us bring our dad home. We know he’s strong, and with love, community, and hope—we believe in miracles.

Thank you!

Alicia (Keith), Adam (Amanda), Arron (Heather), Arissa (Jake), Megan, Andrew, Morgan, Maren