Help Support the Arnolds

On February 6th, 2022 Spencer Arnold took an unfortunate crash while mountain biking on Vedder Mountain. The crash resulted in him breaking his C6&C7 vertebrae putting pressure on his spinal cord, and he lost feeling and function from his chest down. Chilliwack Search and Rescue was called and Spencer was airlifted off of the mountain. He was transferred to Abbotsford for medical imaging then sent to Vancouver General. This guy leaves no crisis without seeing it as an opportunity and is a part of two research studies to help improve spinal cord injury patients in the future. We are hopeful that this course of treatment will help improve his healing process.

On Monday, February 7th he underwent an extensive 6 hour surgery. Parts of vertebrae were removed and his spine now has a series of titanium rods and plates running from C2-L2. These will remain permanent. When he woke he was able to give his wife Donna Arnold's hand a squeeze.

This morning there have been some more positive signs with some improved mobility in his arms, but lower limb movement remains unchanged at this time.

Spencer will spend the next 2-10 days in the ICU while they monitor his condition and prepare to transfer him to the spinal unit, and then for further rehabilitation at GF Strong in Vancouver.

If you know Spencer and Donna, or almost more famous their border collie Fern, they are some of the best humans (and doggo) you could know. They are both very active people and this news is certainly going to be an adjustment for them. They are remaining positive and optimistic, and they are going to fight hard to do whatever they can to improve Spencer's outcome.

Spencer has been a fixture in the biking community here in Chilliwack, Kelowna and in the biking industry as a whole. From his early days working as a mechanic at Jack's Cycle in Chilliwack, to working at Union Cycle in Kelowna, before returning to Chilliwack to open his own bike shop Vedder Mountain Bike Co. with his long-time friends Rob Friesen, and Jeremy Knoke. He is the guy to know in town, and is always up for an adventure.

We've created this Go Fund Me account to help Donna and Spencer as they navigate this new chapter in their lives. Funds will be used to cover the costs of trips to and from the hospital and rehabilitation centre, stays in Vancouver, accessibility modifications to their home, medical equipment, therapy and anything else they may need to help them moving forward.

The family would like to thank Chilliwack Search and Rescue and all the mountain bikers that were on the scene to assist with Spencer's smooth extraction off the mountain. As well, all the hospital staff who have been compassionate and taken the time to answer questions and provide care for Spencer. We are forever grateful to you, and we can't thank you enough.

If you are able to help donate to this cause we'd greatly appreciate it, and we encourage you to send messages of love and support to Spencer and Donna. They have appreciated all those who have already done so, continue to, and will in the future.