Pass the Hat for Paco
Donation protected
Our intrepid, invaluable projectionist/artist Paco Aschwanden had a life-altering holiday season. Most of you know Paco as our longtime Thursday night projectionist, and the creator of the awesome drawings on our chalkboard each week (he’s following in the footsteps of his father, a legendary illustrator).
Early on Christmas morning, 2016, Paco woke up with an unbearable pain in his back. By the time he got to his phone, his legs had gone numb. He was airlifted to Albuquerque, and in the chopper, he realized he had lost all feeling below his waist. By the time Paco went into surgery, he was paralyzed from the neck down.
Paco had suffered an extraordinarily rare spinal cord stroke, and was fortunate that the doctors identified it quickly enough to identify the problem, and perform a risky procedure, removing a piece of his spine to relieve the pressure. His friends felt grateful this Christmas: Paco had survived a potentially fatal episode. But it was not clear if Paco would walk again.
Less than four months later, thanks to his commitment to a grueling regiment of physical therapy, and the inspiring positive attitude that we all know him for, Paco has relearned how to walk. He even went for his first bike ride this week. Next up: hiking.
But the episode left him with devastating medical bills. As a key member of Santa Fe’s arts community, and a long-time projectionist at the CCA, Paco has a huge extended family of friends who want to help ease the financial pain.
We are hosting an event, and auctioning items donated by local organizations. The way our small city has rallied has itself been inspiring. But we need more help. Please donate what you can to help Paco get back on his feet financially.
Early on Christmas morning, 2016, Paco woke up with an unbearable pain in his back. By the time he got to his phone, his legs had gone numb. He was airlifted to Albuquerque, and in the chopper, he realized he had lost all feeling below his waist. By the time Paco went into surgery, he was paralyzed from the neck down.
Paco had suffered an extraordinarily rare spinal cord stroke, and was fortunate that the doctors identified it quickly enough to identify the problem, and perform a risky procedure, removing a piece of his spine to relieve the pressure. His friends felt grateful this Christmas: Paco had survived a potentially fatal episode. But it was not clear if Paco would walk again.
Less than four months later, thanks to his commitment to a grueling regiment of physical therapy, and the inspiring positive attitude that we all know him for, Paco has relearned how to walk. He even went for his first bike ride this week. Next up: hiking.
But the episode left him with devastating medical bills. As a key member of Santa Fe’s arts community, and a long-time projectionist at the CCA, Paco has a huge extended family of friends who want to help ease the financial pain.
We are hosting an event, and auctioning items donated by local organizations. The way our small city has rallied has itself been inspiring. But we need more help. Please donate what you can to help Paco get back on his feet financially.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jason Silverman
Organizer
Santa Fe, NM
Francisco Aschwanden
Beneficiary