Support Chuck Wade's Healing Journey

Chuck Wade is a legend in the diving community. Between years of national and international competitions and coaching, he has touched many people's lives. Last week, while working on a ranch in Texas, Chuck was bitten by a water moccasin. When this happened, Chuck said it felt like he had been hit by a sledgehammer.

He was rushed to a hospital where he was treated, but very sparingly because he did not have insurance. The treatments that were given were incorrect and incomplete. He was released from this hospital and sent home. This wasted precious time in receiving treatment that allowed the venom to get further into Chuck's system.

Sharon took Chuck to another hospital where they immediately recognized the true gravity of the situation. Chuck was rushed into surgery where they worked to save his hand and arm from amputation. The water moccasin's venom deteriorates muscle, tendons, and fascia while keeping the blood from coagulating and carrying a deadly bacteria. The surgeon had to filet each of Chuck's fingers, the front and back of his hand all the way past the elbow. During multiple surgeries (seven so far), the surgeons have been cutting a path through the tissue that has been affected by the venom to save the good tissue. During all this time, his hand has had to remain open with a wet gauze covering the area.

The good news is the doctors are optimistic that Chuck will keep all of his arm and hand. They also believe he will regain most of it's use as well. However, there is still a long way to go. Now that the tissue is out of the woods, they will start doing skin grafts. to replace the affected skin. This will require multiple surgeries and another week in the hospital. Once out the hopital, he will require extensive therapy to help him regain use of his arm.

As was mentioned earlier, Chuck and Sharon do not have medical insurance. At this point, no one knows the cost for his treatment, but three weeks in the hospital and a dozen surgeries will not be cheap. We have an estimated goal of $200,000, but it is possible that the cost may be greater. Any amount will help them pay this bill that could be financially devastating for their family.

Please help us give back to a person that has touched so many lives.