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Support for Andy's Recovery

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A week ago today I received a message from my friend Amanda. I love hearing from her, but this was not the message I was expecting, or ready for. The message explained that Andy, her husband, our friend, was in a mountain bike accident the night before. He is paralyzed.

Andy had been doing what he loves, mountain biking. He was riding behind the sewage plant when he lost control down a steep hill and slammed into a tree. He destroyed his T12 and L1 along with breaking 5 ribs. He has fluid in his lungs and has a small clot in his aorta. Andy’s back took the brunt of the impact and doctors confirm he didn’t sustain head or neck trauma.


While Amanda drove 500 kms from Kenora to Thunder Bay to be by her husband’s side, he underwent major surgery and a blood transfusion. On May 30th he had surgery to fuse his T12 and L1. He had a lumbar drain - which was removed June 2nd. His ribs were bound on June 3rd to help with stability. His respiratory therapist continues to monitor his breathing to ensure Andy doesn’t develop pneumonia.


Currently Andy is paralyzed from the waist down. He may regain some movement in his lower half, and he remains optimistic that he will walk again.


Andy will remain in hospital for around 6 months to complete his recovery - this will occur entirely in Thunder Bay. Kenora does not have the resources and services for spinal rehab. Amanda who lives and works in Kenora will have to travel the 500km journey back and forth for the next 6 months to be with Andy and support him during this time.


We are hopeful to help raise funds to support Andy and Amanda through this. Andy was transitioning his life to move from here in the Kootenays to Kenora to be with Amanda. Andy has an exterior contracting business in the Kootenays. This accident has catapulted their life in a different direction and they will need support to make the transition from West to East as smooth as possible. The money that we raise for Andy and Amanda will also help cover the costs of a wheelchair, potentially aids to ensure his independence once he is discharged from the hospital. It will also help Amanda with the travel expenses of going back and forth to Thunder Bay. Andy will also have lost wages from this accident.


I am hopeful that together as people who love and care for Amanda and Andy, that we can make the next part of their journey more manageable. The funds received will allow Andy to focus on his recovery and help Amanda to be with him as much as possible.




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    Organizer and beneficiary

    Shelley-Anne Jorgensen
    Organizer
    Salmo, BC
    Amanda Lamke
    Beneficiary

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