Update from Drew (July 21, 2025):

Hi family of friends and all those that have taken a moment to concern themselves with my situation.

It has been about one month since I fell from the sky. And in that time, I have connected and reconnected with so many people that made me realize how dear they are to me and how meaningful relationships are in our short time here on this spinning blue ball we call home.

I am truly blessed by everyone's concern for my well being and how my healing has taken shape.

For the most part I am bedridden but able to get into my chair and wheel about the bottom floor of the house. Other than putting liquid and food in and let liquid and food out, my caring partner, Stephanie, has the task of doing all the necessary household things we once did as a team. I am sure she is already planning a trip for us once I get back into the rhythm's of daily life.

As for where I am at in the recovery sphere, I wish there were more to share. I went back to Harborview for my first post op check up last week. I had hoped there would be tests and x-rays and doctors giving me the rundown of what happens next. Unfortunately I learned that I am still too early in the recovery phase to be able to look into how much I've healed and when we can start my physical therapy. I am told that on my next appointment August 5th, they can gauge how much my bones have mended and from there we can start a therapy program to get me back on my feet - and maybe help Steph with some dishes. For those who have recently shared meals, please know how much of a respite those are for us.

Do know that one of the doctors that performed my ortho surgery said that my legs and muscle groups that were affected by the crash are quite strong considering the severity of the incident. Also he was very pleased with how my body seemed to be mending thus far. He also mentioned it could be quite some time before all is revealed and we know the full scope of impacts. That being said, keep your positive energy, loving thoughts and prayers of healing coming. I am receiving them openly. My spirit and attitude remains high and my zest for life is just as strong as the love I feel from all of you.

More to come in a few weeks. Until then, keep living your best and I promise to do the same.

With love and gratitude,

Drew

Update from July 7th, 2025

Hello Friends of Drew:

An update below from Steph and words of Gratitude from Drew:

Hi all, Drew and I wanted to reach out and provide you with an update and some love. In a whirlwind shift from our last post, we recently returned home so he can heal before more significant PT can begin.

-- Drew's message is shared below.

"Greetings friends, family, and to all who took some time out of their life to share with me their concerns for my well being and send wishes of a full recovery and comforts along the way.

I am not sure where to begin so I guess an update on my health and progress. We can all celebrate my release from the hospital over the weekend. This was leaps and bounds ahead of what my doctors and the extent of my injuries would normally align with. It will be a month or two to allow ample time for my bones to heal enough before I begin rehabilitation to get me walking again. In the meantime some bed exercises and light daily routines will keep me stable and occupied until the next phase of healing.

I am with zero doubt that my miraculous outcome and rapid healing has come about through the outpour of love, prayers, support and positive messages from each and everyone of you. All who let me know that I am thought of, cared about, loved and that I have a place somewhere in their heart because we have shared moments together in the past, means that our connection remains today. And the same goes for those that may not have messaged or reached out to me personally but sent positive thoughts and feelings of love and light, as well as prayers to the heavens to come and fill my body and spirit in my time of need, I have received deep care in some form or another from the web of people in my life.

For all those that contributed to the GoFundMe page or sent direct payments to me or Steph, I am floored by the generosity and sheer magnitude of financial outreach.

I was told that my good pal, Jacob, started a fund to help with the costs of this mishap. I purposely made a point to not look at donations until I was home, settled and ready to face all the other details that come along with an injury of this magnitude. I really had no idea how I was going to pay for what my insurance would not cover and lost income due to not being able to work in the coming months. I just looked and saw a number greater than I could dream of in that fund. Everyone's contribution has just created a sense of ease that leaves me at a loss of words and unable to describe the level of stress that has just dissipated from my life. Thank you thank you thank you. This is next level support. I feel so blessed to have each and every one of you in my life. For those that I've not spoken to in years but now we have reconnected or others who've dropped a caring text or signed my card, to my immediate circle of family friends, y'all have made this incident a reminder that we are not alone on this journey and it is of utmost importance to let people know they are seen and loved and therefore matter in this short time here on earth.

I am truly humbled by the outreach from everyone who chose to make an impact on my situation by offering care, prayer, financial support and messages of hope, health and a return to life as it was before the accident. I apologize to those that have not received a personal thank you from me after reaching out. I hope this lets you know that I got your message and cherished what you shared.

Blessings~

Drew

**** end of message from Drew ****

We returned home to a garden tended to by a neighbor, to our dog cared for by another, to a fridge with food from friends, to a ramp built and decorated by friends, a friend ready at a moment's notice to clean the home, and Drew arrived in what we called the "Jambulance" with some of his best pals. We are so very aware of and grateful for the community care that is powering us through.

Our updates might be more sporadic as we settle into our new rhythm, but please don't hesitate to reach out to us directly. We'll still be sure to share wins and support needed along the way. Thank you all.

Hi friends and fam of Drew and Steph,

Many of you know by now that Drew was in a paragliding accident on Wednesday June 18th. He fell about 60-70 feet off the ground as his wing collapsed during his landing – he did not have time to pull the reserve parachute causing him to suffer quite a significant injury to the sacral area of his pelvis and L5. Thanks to two new friends he was paragliding with, they were able to call it in and be with him until the medical team flew him to Harborview in Seattle for trauma care.

He has now undergone three surgeries; two on his abdomen to check for internal bleeding and one big pelvic and spinal surgery. In the next week we will start to understand more about what his recovery might look like.

Drew and Steph have both so appreciated all the messages and words of encouragement and love we’ve received. If you’re friends with all of us, you probably know we each have several circles of loved ones and we hold our people closely. Throughout this time we’ve been really feeling the web of love and care deeply.

To read the latest updates on Drew's recovery please visit: DREW'S CARING BRIDGE SITE

We so appreciate your support, loving and healing energy and prayers during this time.

With love and gratitude,

Jake, Steph and of course DREW!

____________________________________

THANK YOU !!!