Support EB's Journey Back to Running

Hi, my name is EB, and I am an athlete and amputee. Since becoming an amputee, my athletic activities have been limited, and I want to change that. I'm fundraising to be able to get a running blade so that I can return to what makes me the most happy: being outside and moving my feet. Your donations are greatly appreciated, and no amount is too small. Thank you.

My story:

In July of 2023, I sustained a 100ft fall from the first flatiron in Boulder, CO. I was free-soloing (a type of climbing that involves no ropes or protective gear of any kind) when I pulled a rock loose and lost my footing. When I regained consciousness, I was on a ledge in poison ivy. Thanks to my parents on the phone and a couple of fellow climbers who rappelled down to me, I was able to apply a tourniquet (made from the tank top I was wearing) at my ankle.

I was so impressed with the quick response from Rocky Mountain Rescue in Boulder. It was their life-saving skills that allow me to be here today. My rescue was not simple; it involved a team on belay that had to put me in a basket and lower me to the base of the rock.

At the hospital, they were able to put my ankle back together by installing an external fixator that held my bones in place. My hospital stay at Boulder Community Health involved a few days in the ICU to monitor my brain bleed, then the rest of the week was spent on the Med-Surg floor with amazing nurses and caretakers. I certainly would not be where I am today without the amazing care provided at BCH. After a week, I was transferred to the inpatient rehabilitation facility at UC Health in Broomfield. My therapists there taught me the skills I needed to excel as best I could. They were truly amazing.

Once out of the hospitals, I finished coursework for the Calculus 3 class I was retaking and got to attend the boygenius concert at Red Rocks with my sister, Eri. From there, I moved home to Franklin, TN, where my parents took over my care. They and Eri were incredible at adapting to my needs, and I truly cannot thank them enough for their accommodation.

In September, I was finally able to proceed with my amputation. Until then, my leg had been in a hard cast which had been wonderfully decorated by my friends and parents. My amazing surgeon was with me every step of the way, and I’m so glad I had such a competent and caring person performing my amputation and resulting aftercare.

Since the amputation, I have been working hard at returning to my normal activities, such as school, biking, and playing with my dogs. My next step is returning to running, which I had just started to explore when my accident happened. My goal for the end of 2025 is to run a 100 mile race. This is where you come in. Running legs are not covered by my insurance, and without that coverage the total cost is about $4000, too much for me to be able to pay out-of-pocket.

Please consider donating and helping me on my journey of returning to “normal”. Thank you and I love you.