Our dear friend Emmett was in a serious accident while on vacation in Alaska at the end of June. Emmett was climbing in Lake Clark National Park when rocks broke loose causing him to fall and sustain serious injuries to his head and neck. Rescuers from the Elmendorf Air Force Base’s 210th, 211th, and 212th squadron worked with Emmett’s partners to execute an impressive rescue and transport to Providence Medical Center in Anchorage.

Emmett was in surgery within minutes of landing in Anchorage. He is recovering there until he is stable enough to be transported. Emmett has a traumatic brain injury and a spinal cord injury at the C6-7 vertebrae. With the support of the wonderful Lyman family and friends, we are confident Emmett will return to the same goofy, happy, and hilarious friend we all love. That said, we are sad to share that Emmett has significant paralysis and his long-term recovery is unknown.

Although Emmett has health and rescue insurance, the estimated out-of-pocket medical expenses and cost of adjustments for mobility could be extremely high. It’s not easy to ask for help, but we want to support Emmett at a time when he can’t support himself. Please help us ease our friend’s financial burden so he can focus on recovery. Whether he’s being the world’s best uncle, volunteering with the AMC, or just cheering up a friend, Emmett is always the one helping others…now we finally have the chance to return the favor!

Whether or not you’re able to make a donation, please consider sharing this fundraiser and a story about how Emmett has been a great friend to you either on the donation page, social media (#thanksemmett), or in an email to [email modificata]. We’d love to share these stories with Emmett to show him why his community feels lucky to lend him a helping hand.

Emmett and his sweet parents, Emmett Sr. and Dora. 

Emmett in Alaska with friends.

Emmett with his nieces and sister Jessica. These ladies mean the world to Emmett!

Emmett is an incredible athlete and heartfelt outdoors enthusiast. Here he is in his element on a perfect fall day in the Adirondacks.

The rescue team and Emmett's partners at Elmendorf Air Force Base. They saved Emmett's life and bravely personified their motto: "These Things We Do, That Others May Live." We're eternally grateful.