Russ left paralyzed please help us support him

Dear friends, family, and compassionate supporters we would like to thank you for your support and prayers so far. We created this fundraiser as a way to help Russ and Jess as they move on to the next phase of this journey. This campaign will contribute to necessary resources for medical support, accessible housing, and moving expenses.

The Accident:

On June 17th Russ was riding the trails at Mountain Creek bike park, a trail that he's ridden numerous times. While riding down the mountain he was flung from his bike and hit a tree. He immediately knew something was wrong when he couldn't feel his legs. Thankfully emergency services were quick to act and Russ was airlifted to Morristown medical center. Upon arrival, it was determined Russ suffered from a spinal injury as well as 9 broken ribs, 2 broken shoulder blades, 2 shattered vertebrae, and 4 broken lumbar transverses process. It wasn't until after emergency surgery that the severity of Russell's injuries was understood. Russell's spine was severed at the T10 and T11 vertebrae and it was determined to be a COMPLETE spinal cord injury, meaning Russ will now be a paraplegic, losing all motor function and feeling from the waist down. Despite the circumstances we are hopeful. Miraculously Russ suffered no brain trauma and we are grateful for the feeling and use of his body that he has retained.

The Journey Thus Far:

Following the surgery, Russ was placed on a ventilator for 4days and spent a week in the ICU. Currently, he is still receiving treatment inside the hospital and was moved to a step-down unit. Russ has been able to be surrounded by loved ones and his loving wife Jessica has put her nursing job on hold and has not left his side. With a resilient spirit, he has embraced his new reality, refusing to let his paralysis define him, and has been shocking his physical therapist! He has been working through the pain of his extensive injuries, and just recently was able to sit up on his own long enough to see his dog Biggie in the lobby! Russ has been extremely positive and is ready to keep fighting on this road to recovery.

Meet Russ and Jess:

Allow me to introduce to you Russ and Jess if you don't already know them, they are an extraordinary married couple whose unwavering support for each other has been a source of inspiration. They have 2 furry companions they consider their children Biggie Smalls the English bulldog and Lucy the pit bull. Those of us who know Russ know him as a loyal friend, a hard worker, someone you could count on to be there for you, and to his family he is a pillar of strength. You may know him from the basketball courts, the baseball field, your local dive bar, or your favorite true crime podcast! Jess is a dedicated nurse, wife, and friend. Her empathy and nurturing nature shines through everything she does. Jess does all the investigative journaling and storying telling for their true crime podcast Wife Of Crime. This showcases their personalities and how well they come together in the form of banter and just having fun. Jess and Russ have never had a need or expense that they couldn't fulfill themselves. Being in a situation so out of their control only calls for that much more of a reason to ask you to contribute in their time of need. We are thankful Russ is alive and ready to fight and conquer every obstacle, in the words of Russ "Not me not today"!

What the future looks like and how we can help:

The next phase of recovery includes Russ completing up to 4 months of stay at a rehabilitation center. Thankfully Shirley Ryan ability labs, the top spinal rehab in the country, has agreed to accept Russ as a patient. Sometime in the coming week, he will be heading to Chicago to begin his stay. Jess will need to find housing close by to accommodate her and the 2 dogs and remain by Russell's side. Completion of rehab offers its own set of adversities as they come back to NY and prepare for this new way of life. Unable to return to their home and work life before the accident, they will need to relocate and find a handicap-accessible permanent home.

All funds raised will be used exclusively for Russell's ongoing medical expenses:

•wheelchairs and mobility devices

• adaptive home modifications

• assistive technology

• medical equipment and supplies

•ongoing physical and occupational therapy

•medications

•healthcare services

•relocation to a accessible apt

Every donation, no matter the size, sends a powerful message of hope and love. we can't do it alone but we can do it together please help us rally behind Russell and give him the best start to his new way of life!

Other ways to support please click here and check out wife of crime podcast!

Wife of crime podcast