James Fernandez, 41, is my best friend, a devoted father of two young boys ages 8 and 5 months, a loving husband, and a passionate middle school science teacher at Palm Harbor Middle School in Pinellas County, Florida. For the Thanksgiving holiday, James traveled to Peru with his wife, Alexis, their new baby, and close friends Yuri and Kelsey, along with their baby, for what was meant to be a trip of a lifetime.

During their time in Cusco, James and Yuri went downhill mountain biking with a guide. In a tragic turn of events, a lightning strike hit Yuri, instantly taking his life. The same strike also hit James and the guide. James lost consciousness resulting in a horrific crash that left him with multiple neck fractures and injury to his spinal cord. Before James went into surgery, he could not feel anything below his chest and it's unclear if he will regain feeling in his lower body.

James now faces a long and uncertain road to recovery. He requires medical evacuation from Peru which may cost $300k or more as well as emergency hospital bills in Peru and the U.S. Upon returning home, he will need extensive care and rehabilitation. He and his family will need support to cover basic expenses during this time. Please join in making this fight a little easier for him and his family as they navigate his path to recovery.

Here is a link to his story: https://www.fox13news.com/news/pinellas-teacher-was-struck-lightning-while-biking-peru-over-thanksgiving-holiday