Support Jay Hallman's Road to Recovery

On July 1, 2024, our father, Jay Hallman, who is also a dear friend to many, suffered a severe accident while biking near his home in Smithers with his daughter Zoe. Jay broke his C6 vertebrae, and thanks to Zoe's quick actions, she kept him awake and breathing at the scene. Shortly after, his son Ben arrived as part of the local Search and Rescue team, who provided Jay with advanced medical attention before carrying him down the trail to Smithers Hospital. From there, he was airlifted to Vancouver for surgery and has since been moved to the G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, which specializes in supporting people with spinal cord injuries. In the time since the accident, Jay has made remarkable progress: he’s regained his ability to breathe on his own, eat, and even start to regain some motor control of his arms. However, doctors have given him the sobering truth that Jay is now a quadriplegic, meaning he will never walk again or regain full control of his arms and hands.

Jay has always led an incredibly active life—working as a surveyor, backcountry skiing, hiking, playing tennis, paddling, biking with friends and family, gardening, and more.

Jay has been a close support and resource for two of his quadriplegic friends over the years, assisting them at home, enabling their access to outdoor excursions, and taking them out on a lake where he paddles them around on a raft. Jay is known all around town as the kindhearted, fit, and genuine person that he is, and despite the current hardships, he is doing his best to keep a positive attitude.

The news of his accident has rippled through the community, and the outpouring empathy from friends, family, acquaintances, neighbors, and even those who haven't known him for long, is a testament to the care, joy, and love he has shared throughout his life. Jay's medical recovery has been remarkable, but there is still a long and difficult journey ahead with significant financial challenges. Being self employed, Jay does not have extended health insurance to cover these costs.

In the coming months, Jay will need:

● A wheelchair that allows him to gain as much independence as possible

($20,000-$50,000)

● A mobility vehicle outfitted for a wheelchair ($80,000-$150,000)

● Funds to cover the high cost of living in Vancouver with the support he needs over the

winter ($3,500 x 5 months)

● Renovations to make his house fully accessible

● Lifts and other accessibility tools for his home

Our goal is to ensure that Jay maintains a meaningful quality of life, and your support will make a tremendous difference for him. His journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and every bit counts. Please donate if you can, and understand that it's not just a donation, it’s a lifeline that will help Jay rebuild his life and regain his independence. If you’re unable to contribute financially, sharing this campaign is just as valuable. He has always been there for others, and now it’s our turn to be there for him.

Written by Ben Hallman