Update January 12, 2026

After five surgeries, Ryan is working hard on his recovery while at Harborview Hospital in Seattle. The crash severely damaged his spinal cord in the middle of his back. He is paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors believe this will be permanent. Ryan’s has been moved to Harborview’s rehabilitation unit. Doctors expect him to be there for the next month or more. He puts in long hours six days a week working with therapists to aid recovery from his injuries and learn how to live in his new reality. Meanwhile, Nakiyah is recovering from bumps and bruises, and dealing with some mental trauma from experiencing the crash.

Everyone is so grateful for the outpouring of support, prayers, and love they have received from everyone. Each and every one of you have made a difference.

Thank you all so much.

What Happened

On the weekend after Christmas, Chris Wodjenski’s 17-year-old son Ryan and five-year-old daughter Nakiyah were in a terrible automobile crash. Ryan was flown with life-threatening injuries by medical helicopter to Harborview Hospital in Seattle. After multiple surgeries, he is out of ICU, but still has a very long recovery ahead. Fortunately, Nakiyah only suffered minor injuries.

Chris is understandably devastated by his kids’ injuries. Of course, his immediate concern is their healing. Ryan will be in Harborview for weeks, then face a long period in a rehab center before going home.

Chris is an integral part of Ryan’s care team along with doctors, nurses, and specialists. Insurance should eventually cover the cost of much of Ryan’s medical care. However, it does not cover today’s day-to-day costs of Chris missing work, bouncing between the hospital in Seattle and home in Puyallup, and being there for his daughter, too.

Kind-hearted people have already offered their help and some funds. On behalf of his kids, we have created this Go Fund Me account to help Chris continue being a critical part of their recoveries.

Thank you for considering this polite request.