Sean Kopka has spent 25 years making sure everyone makes it home safely. Last week, despite doing everything right, he didn't.

As Co-Owner of Grizzly Tree Care, Sean has spent more than 25 years as one of the most skilled and respected tree care professionals in the industry. Throughout his career, he has made safety his highest priority—not just for himself, but for every member of his crew. He has continually invested in the best equipment, never cut corners, and never compromised on recommended safety standards or procedures.

While preparing a tree for removal, Sean climbed more than 25 feet into the canopy with his safety harness secured. In a devastating and incredibly rare equipment failure, his harness malfunctioned, releasing his safety line and sending him crashing to the ground.

Sean was rushed to HCMC Trauma Center, where the trauma team stabilized him and immediately began treating his extensive injuries.

Sean suffered a broken pelvis with multiple fractures, a fractured hip, multiple fractured ribs, a fractured scapula, and a collapsed lung. Miraculously—and by the grace of God—he escaped permanent injuries to his head, neck, and spine.

Sean underwent major surgery to reconstruct and stabilize his pelvis. He now has permanent hardware, along with an external fixation frame, holding everything in place while his body heals.

His recovery will be long.

Sean cannot bear any weight for at least 10 weeks and is not permitted to move his knees during this critical stage of healing. Thanks to his exceptional physical condition and remarkable determination, his surgical team has approved him to forgo inpatient rehabilitation and complete his recovery at home with Amber and their daughters. Being together as a family during this difficult season will be an incredible gift to their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

But bringing Sean home comes with significant challenges.

Amber and the girls are working tirelessly to prepare their home for the months ahead. They will need a hospital bed, wheelchair ramps, transfer equipment, shower and hygiene equipment, mobility aids, and countless other items necessary to safely care for Sean throughout his recovery.

Like so many self-employed families, Sean and Amber have always worked hard to provide for their family and have maintained health insurance. They are incredibly grateful to have coverage, but insurance only goes so far. The out-of-pocket medical expenses, specialized equipment, rehabilitation needs, and ongoing care will be substantial.

At the same time, Sean will be unable to work for several months, and Amber's ability to work will be greatly reduced as she becomes Sean's primary caregiver while also caring for their daughters and managing everything that comes with daily life.

This family has already endured more than their share of heartbreak and loss over the past several years. They now face another incredibly difficult chapter—one that no family should have to navigate alone.

This is where we can help.

Every contribution to this fundraiser will make a meaningful difference for the Kopka family. Your generosity will help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, home modifications, specialized equipment, and lost income, allowing Sean to focus on healing while Amber focuses on caring for him and their daughters.

If you're able to give, no amount is too small. Every gift, regardless of size, will help relieve the burdens ahead and remind the Kopka family that they are not navigating this journey alone. If you're unable to donate, we would be grateful if you would share this fundraiser and keep Sean, Amber, and the girls in your prayers.

Let's surround the Kopka family with the same kindness, strength, and support they have so freely given to others throughout the years.

Thank you for helping turn an unimaginable tragedy into a story of hope, generosity, and community.

Fundraiser Organized by Kristin (Krissy) Hendrickson & Greta Marston:

We are Kristin (Krissy) Hendrickson and Greta Marston, lifelong friends of Sean and Amber Kopka. Over the years, we've had the privilege of watching them build a beautiful family, respected businesses, and a life centered on hard work, integrity, and caring for others.

On behalf of the Kopka family, thank you for your generosity, your encouragement, and your support. It means more than words can express.