On November 17, Dana Turner’s life changed in an instant. While working in the woods she loves, a freak accident occurred when a 70-foot Noble fir struck her during the Oregon State Capitol Christmas tree cutting. Dana was life-flighted to the nearest trauma center with critical injuries. Her injuries were extensive: crushed femur requiring a rod, plates, and screws from hip to knee; severe trauma to her lower back; facial injuries; and road rash covering much of her body. Dana immediately underwent major surgery, beginning what will be a long and challenging recovery.

Dana embodies Oregon’s spirit. After earning her college degree, she started at the bottom as a wildland firefighter, digging line across rugged terrain in a male-dominated field. Through grit and determination, she rose to become a Wildland Supervisor with the Oregon Department of Forestry at South Fork Forest Camp. This year alone, she worked alongside 120 adults in custody, received a medal working alongside our Oregon National Guard, and supported the Incident Management Team in Sisters, Oregon, serving as a Heavy Equipment Boss.

Dana is known as a warrior with a radiant smile, someone who gives her all to protect our forests and communities. Dana currently lives in a tiny home trailer in the woods, which is not accessible for her limited mobility. With her family and closest friends spread across the country, she faces significant challenges in receiving the care she needs. Your donations will help cover: temporary ADA housing so she has a safe place to recover, medical transportation while she is unable to drive, and backfilling her unpaid leave to ease financial strain.

Dana has dedicated her life to service, resilience, and protecting the land we call home. Now, she needs our support. With your generosity, Dana can focus on healing and, once back on her feet, continue her lifelong mission of giving back to others. If you’ve ever met Dana, you know her strength, her passion, and her smile that lights up the room. Please consider donating to help her through this difficult journey.