Our dear friend Richard Emond was seriously injured in an accident at work last month and could use our financial support, as he is three weeks away from losing his current housing!

For those who don't know Richard, he's been working hard to lose weight all his adult life, had surgery in 2020 to get his health on track to keep running and get back to Pack Burro Racing, a sport that Richard has been a HUGE part of for the past 20+ years, until he took a spill off a 6ft high scaffolding platform at work on May 18, 2022

Richard installs drywall for a living and has for decades! When he fell, the back of his head hit concrete first, then his back, but with his co-worker witnessing it, it didn't sound like Richard passed out, but instead got up and said let's get back to work! However, his co-worker insisted on calling for an ambulance to get Richard checked out as his nose was bleeding and the back of his head required staples. Though he was speaking upon arrival at the hospital in Salida & after tests revealed he had multiple fractures on his skull, including his orbital bone. He also fractured his mid-back in two places & his brain was bleeding, then he started to slur his speech. Richard was sent to a hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, by helicopter.

Weeks in the hospital, with speech and occupational therapy, and Richard was released to recover at home for continued treatment. However, when he returned, it was discovered that his house had been broken into, and his savings and many valuables had been taken. This loss of finances will set Richard back. As well as, he has lost his ability to provide for himself, hopefully in the short term and in the middle of losing his home as the County has rezoned where he lives and must forfeit the home he has lived in since 1998.

We want to give back to a man that has given much to the people around him. So many friends and family have stepped up looking for a place to help. Proceeds collected will help with living expenses while Richard recovers, moving expenses, and some help with a fresh start. Thank you in advance for your support, no matter how big or small.