On September 2, 2019 at 9am, Stephen suffered a horrific rock climbing accident on Mount Washington. He and his friend, Travis, had set out to climb a multi-pitch route with the goal of continuing to purse their passion for the outdoors. On the 1st pitch of the west route, Stephen was navigating an overhanging section when the rock that he went to grab crumbled and gave way. Stephen then plummeted an estimated 30-40 feet when the gear that was placed caught him for moment before popping out of place causing him to fall an additional 10+ feet. He landed on a scree field below his climbing partner. Travis and Stephen’s wife, Jessica, worked together to get him off of the mountain and to the hospital as quickly as possible. This took several hours to safely remove him.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Stephen was initially diagnosed with a shattered pelvis and a compound fracture on his patella. The doctors’ hope was that they would not have perform surgery on the patella to and to secure the fracture in order to avoid infection.
During timely surgery, the medical team discovered that the patella injury was not as extensive as they once thought. They were able to stitch up the open wound on his knee and move to the pelvic surgery. The surgery required 4 screws in the pelvis and they removed the labrum due to it not being salvageable. He is currently looking at 6-8 weeks of toe touch weight baring for recovery along with a potential for early arthritic pain. Additionally, Stephen is in a large brace that keeps him from moving the patella past the allowed degree in order for the fracture to heal in its own. Needless to say, it will be a long road to recovery for Stephen.
Stephen and Jessica are one of the fiercest couples that I know. They love others fiercely with genuine warmth and kindness. They love their community fiercely and strive to lift others up. The love each other fiercely while supporting each other’s dreams and pushing each other toward their goals. Most importantly, they love God fiercely. Their hope and faith through this trauma has been one of integrity and strength. They are keeping their eyes on Christ as they walk through this trying time that comes with physical and emotional pain. They are inspiring and humbling to those around them. They are one of my favorite couples on the earth.
This Go Fund Me is to assist Stephen and Jessica with his medical expenses. They currently do not have medical insurance. Any financial support would bless them immensely. Stephen and Jessica want you to know that they are honored and completely humbled that you have taken time to read their story and if you are unable to support in a fiscal sense, prayers for healing and peace through this time are appreciated.
With medical costs being unknown at this time, the estimate amount to raise is a best guess as to what his procedures and tests might cost. If the funds raised exceed the actual cost of treatment, Stephen and Jessica will be donating the remaining balance to a non-profit of their choice.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Stephen was initially diagnosed with a shattered pelvis and a compound fracture on his patella. The doctors’ hope was that they would not have perform surgery on the patella to and to secure the fracture in order to avoid infection.
During timely surgery, the medical team discovered that the patella injury was not as extensive as they once thought. They were able to stitch up the open wound on his knee and move to the pelvic surgery. The surgery required 4 screws in the pelvis and they removed the labrum due to it not being salvageable. He is currently looking at 6-8 weeks of toe touch weight baring for recovery along with a potential for early arthritic pain. Additionally, Stephen is in a large brace that keeps him from moving the patella past the allowed degree in order for the fracture to heal in its own. Needless to say, it will be a long road to recovery for Stephen.
Stephen and Jessica are one of the fiercest couples that I know. They love others fiercely with genuine warmth and kindness. They love their community fiercely and strive to lift others up. The love each other fiercely while supporting each other’s dreams and pushing each other toward their goals. Most importantly, they love God fiercely. Their hope and faith through this trauma has been one of integrity and strength. They are keeping their eyes on Christ as they walk through this trying time that comes with physical and emotional pain. They are inspiring and humbling to those around them. They are one of my favorite couples on the earth.
This Go Fund Me is to assist Stephen and Jessica with his medical expenses. They currently do not have medical insurance. Any financial support would bless them immensely. Stephen and Jessica want you to know that they are honored and completely humbled that you have taken time to read their story and if you are unable to support in a fiscal sense, prayers for healing and peace through this time are appreciated.
With medical costs being unknown at this time, the estimate amount to raise is a best guess as to what his procedures and tests might cost. If the funds raised exceed the actual cost of treatment, Stephen and Jessica will be donating the remaining balance to a non-profit of their choice.
Organizer and beneficiary
Stephen Paul Desch
Beneficiary