Michael Howell critically injured

RE: OUR FRIENDS MICHAEL AND VICTORIA HOWELL

The following is the latest update on Michael Howell:

After 3 months of intense medical care and therapy, Michael Howell is now at his Stevensville home. His recovery will be ongoing for many months as he works towards becoming mobile again without mechanical supports. His recovery is most certainly due to the best professional care providers and his family members, as well as the generous and caring support of the Bitterroot community. This site will no longer be available for donations, as we came very close to our goal. Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our campaign, whether online, in person, or by any other means. Your support will allow Michael to focus on his recovery. You're the best! Sincerely, Joan Prather and the Howell fundraising volunteer team

I'm Joan Prather and I would like to share with you the following:

On April 2nd, 2023, Michael Howell was critically injured in a serious auto accident. Within moments, Victoria and Michael’s life changed. Victoria was notified that Michael had been taken to Bitterroot Health Emergency (Marcus Daly) and from there was Lifeflighted to St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Victoria was able to see him briefly at St. Pat’s before he was taken into emergency surgery to stabilize his extensive injuries.

St. Pat’s advised that the extent of Michael’s injuries were too much for them to deal with. They sent him via air ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. Victoria and family followed. At Sacred Heart, he went through approximately 30+ hours of surgery and spent over two weeks in the ICU.

With their expertise, Michael’s determination, and the love and support of his family, after four weeks of hospitalization in Spokane he was brought back to St. Pat’s in Missoula where he remains for now. He will soon be transferred to a skilled nursing facility where he will continue healing and physical therapy. There is yet a long road ahead. Michael will have to learn to walk again and regain his strength after so long in the hospital.

These two people have been key people in our community of Stevensville, dedicating themselves to a life of public service. Helping, volunteering and being supportive, they have served in many ways to make our community a better place. They have been business owners in Stevensville for years where they steadily supported the community events and school programs. Michael has always had a great concern for the water, natural habitat, nature and access for the public to enjoy. When the accident occurred, he was on his way to a water conference in Boise, as a representative of the Bitterroot River Protection Association. He is an accomplished journalist and author who has kept us informed with his factual reporting.

Michael and Victoria have always been there for the community and now they are facing a time of need due to astronomical medical bills and associated expenses. Considering all they have done for others, it is our turn to be there for them. Please consider a donation through this page or you can donate directly at First Security Bank in Stevensville. All support is greatly appreciated. They need us, let us be there for them! Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sincerely, Joan Prather