Jackson County Search & Rescue fund
Donation protected
On Labor Day weekend, my husband and our 14 year old son Hunter, went backpacking in Jackson County Colorado. They were having a great trip when Hunter suddenly became ill on Sunday afternoon. By the next day, Hunter's condition hadn't improved. He was too weak to attempt the vigorous 3 hour hike to the truck. My husband had little cell phone service in the area, but was able to text me occasionally. Eventually I lost all contact with them. I called the Jackson County Sheriff's department for help. They immediately sprung into action and called out a large Search and Rescue party.
After several gut wrenching hours, they were able to reach Hunter and my husband. Hunter had turned gray, struggling to breathe. A flight crew attempted to land, but the terrain prohibited a safe landing. Two members of the sheriff's department and my husband carried my 5'10 teenager, until they were able to reach the rest of the search team.
Hunter was sent flight for life to the hospital. He was admitted to the ICU at Children's Hospital, Hunter was in respiratory failure. He was diagnosed with HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.
We were shocked! Hunter had practically grown up in the mountains of Colorado. We were told that someone could climb the same fourteener 5 times and develop HAPE on the 6th. Hunter was released from the hospital last week and is expected to make a full recovery!
Had it not been for the quick response and collaborative effort of the Jackson County Sheriff's department, the Search and Rescue volunteers, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, this story would have had a very tragic ending.
Jackson County SAR is made up of volunteers who are trained to help find and save people like Hunter. We knew we wanted to make a donation. In the process we were told by the Colorado SAR that Jackson County does not receive funding because they are so small. So we decided to ask you all to help pay it forward!
Your donation could help train new volunteers, buy necessary equipment, and help save someone else's life. We would be so grateful for any donation or sharing this story with your friends. Thanks so much!
After several gut wrenching hours, they were able to reach Hunter and my husband. Hunter had turned gray, struggling to breathe. A flight crew attempted to land, but the terrain prohibited a safe landing. Two members of the sheriff's department and my husband carried my 5'10 teenager, until they were able to reach the rest of the search team.
Hunter was sent flight for life to the hospital. He was admitted to the ICU at Children's Hospital, Hunter was in respiratory failure. He was diagnosed with HAPE or High Altitude Pulmonary Edema.
We were shocked! Hunter had practically grown up in the mountains of Colorado. We were told that someone could climb the same fourteener 5 times and develop HAPE on the 6th. Hunter was released from the hospital last week and is expected to make a full recovery! Had it not been for the quick response and collaborative effort of the Jackson County Sheriff's department, the Search and Rescue volunteers, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, this story would have had a very tragic ending.
Jackson County SAR is made up of volunteers who are trained to help find and save people like Hunter. We knew we wanted to make a donation. In the process we were told by the Colorado SAR that Jackson County does not receive funding because they are so small. So we decided to ask you all to help pay it forward!
Your donation could help train new volunteers, buy necessary equipment, and help save someone else's life. We would be so grateful for any donation or sharing this story with your friends. Thanks so much!
Organizer
Angela Leber Dowling
Organizer
Windsor, CO