Leg didnt heal. Had 2nd surgery. :( Bone graft ):

Hello, My Name is Ashton Blair. I have a modest wood shop where I make art and custom things mostly out of wood. I have also built stages and structures for many events and music festivals.

I am proud to say that through all of this injury and 2 surgeries now, I have maintained sobriety from drugs and alcohol. December 4th is 18 months clean.

On March 10th I was hit from behind by a skier. I was at a dead stop in Crested Butte at the start of spring break.

My leg was broken and displaced. I had to have emergency surgery and an IM nail was placed inside my tibia from behind my knee cap. They put a titanium rod the entire length of my shin and 4 large screws holding it in place. The estimated time for recovery was 4-6 months. $37,000 for surgery and initial hospital stay before insurance. my deductible is $3,000 for partial coverage. Then around $9,000 before insurancepolicy kicks in 100%

Being a self employed trades person has left me out of work and unable to apply for any kind of unemployment.

I have a modest wood shop & home (on same property) I rent for $2500 a month before utilities and now incoming Medical bills.

Unfortunately the bones did not mend after the initial surgery. After 6 months and all the PT It was diagnosed a non-union in September. No idea why it did not heal. all blood tests and mineral panels looked good. Nicotine free for over two years. No infection found.

A second surgery and bone graft was the next step. On October 16th I had the second surgery. They had to remove all the hardware from the initial procedure, this time they cut bellow my knee to to remove rod. They cut cut open my shin an almost 8"incision. They trimmed back the bone ends at the the site of the break and installed a large plate held in place with 11 screws. The last step was taking bone from my pelvis and completing the bone graft process. 60 staples to close everything up. The surgery took just over 2 hours. I spent over a week in the hospital then almost a week in assisted living. $107,000 for surgery and hospital stay.

The recovery period basically started over. non weight bearing for 8 weeks. 4-6 months before I am expected to be able to fully get back to work.

I am still seeking compensation from the accident, yet that is in no way quarenteed and will likely take a long time. The will file a lawsuit after all PT is completed and we have a better idea of the overall lasting effects of this injury.

I have been able to keep my head above water for the first month and I have also maintained my hard won sobriety. I am stressed about the months to come. My family is doing all they can, yet they have already finacially supported me during my treatment program and the first surgery.

As I continue to heal and get through physical therapy, any help you can give would be very much appreciated. It will be a while before I am cleared to work again.

I am willing to consider any donations of $100 or more as 10% deposit on future labor or custom arts and crafts.

It is a very vulnerable place to be in when one can not earn a living.

I am looking forward to returning to my art and passions. I just need a little help getting back on my feet.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.