Help John with his recovery

As the wife of John VanderStel, his family and I would like his friends, colleagues, the offshore powerboat racing community, and the online community to know that John suffered a severe stroke on May 20, 2023.

Many of you will remember him as "Big John" through his work at Mercury Marine's Lake X, his own business, Offshore Concepts, Pro Marine, and most recently Innovation Marine/Huber Marine. John has worked his entire life including the day before his stroke. John is only 62 and has much life to live. The activities he has greatly enjoyed are hiking with our dog, playing acoustic bass guitar, electric bass, and the stand-up bass. He also learned to play drums. Additionally, John has enjoyed photography, flying RC model planes and helicopters, and spending time with family.

John has been left with serious physical and neurological challenges that require extensive, specialized rehabilitation. There are a couple of excellent rehabilitation facilities nearby. Not surprisingly, they are very expensive. As John's insurance benefits are nearly exhausted and the family's financial ability to continue funding associated expenses are limited, we cannot afford the continued rehabilitation John needs without financial help. We are reaching out to the community for help in financing his recovery. The possibility of John to be able to walk again is real, and quite simply, these continued therapies are the best chance John has for recovery and the ability to eventually return to his home and walk again.

All donations will be used solely for John's rehabilitation. We sincerely appreciate any donations and look forward to John's progress and return to a life that will be rewarding and fulfilling once again. We thank you all for being part of John's journey.