Support Jerald's Recovery from Leg Injury and climb again

Tree Climber Here aka Jerald Deak,

I have run into a huge setback this beginning of the work season. While on the ground and finishing the last two cuts of a stump, my 71cc saw pushed back, and I cut my leg. I am a contract climber per day through various local companies. I live to climb and climb to live. I severed my rectus femoris muscle and damaged both muscles on either side of that one, leaving a six-inch deep cut in my right leg. The muscles cannot just be stitched, only aligned together to hope they merge as healing. The surgeon has my outlook to be six months to be able to walk and one year to work but not climbing. My goal is to push hard when I can when physical therapy starts and it allows me.

Coming out of winter and rainy spring, I really didn’t have much work to cover winter bills.

I normally hold my head high and never ask for help unless I’m in a position I can't handle.

This first month has been a challenge for my family, as all of them have, in one way or another, helped me to feel better. I am only asking for help knowing things are not going to stop adding up while not being able to work. We are facing vehicle maintenance that I'm not able to get to and general maintenance of this house we just bought one year ago. I have extinguished everything into buying a home last year, to not move out of the school district. My daughter is doing very well, and I didn’t want her to start a new school in her junior year. We are carrying a mortgage, and bills keep coming in. My amazing other half is doing her best at helping us.

At this time, I am reaching out to the world for assistance to carry us through this time of need. Any and all help that is considered is deeply felt and appreciated. As I have said before, I try never to look for help. I rather help others; that's who I am. (Amanda hates it)

Nickels and dimes will add up. To my very kind neighbor, thanks for helping with the lawn.

To everyone that has taken the time to read my GoFundMe, thank you for your time.

If you donate to help us, thank you, thank you, thank you.

To all my brothers and sisters of trees, thank you in advance.

Forgot to mention happened April 27, 2025