4.6 UPDATE to Jim McGrath's Road to Recovery

UPDATE (4/6)

Jimmy was back in the hospital after only 2 days home. He needed some IV antibiotics to clear an infection on one of his incisions. He is back home and continuing to heal. Although he is non-weight bearing for another 5 weeks, he of course cannot sit still (unless asleep). He has figured out how to take the garbage out and I’m sure if you live in his neighborhood you may see him “walking” the dogs soon…if they can keep up with his Jazzy scooter. As his journey continues, we continue to thank you for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers of support and healing! ❤️❤️

UPDATE (3/28)

JIMMY IS HOME! So happy to let you know that Jimmy is now continuing his recovery at home! He is looking forward to a solid nights sleep and he got right to it upon arrival today as he slept for 4 solid hours. Puppies are happy to have their master at home and Penni is happy too! As always, thank you to everyone who has helped and encouraged Jimmy. It means the world to our family as he continues to heal. ❤️❤️

UPDATE (3/21)

4 weeks since accident, 2 weeks since moving to rehab, Jimmy has been doing daily PT to increase his upper body strength. Yesterday, the surgeon removed the 150+ staples and sutures that have been holding him together and gave him 2 boots, a knee brace and new PT orders to begin to rebuild and strengthen his leg muscles. He is non-weight bearing on both legs until mid May so keeping and rebuilding his leg muscles is extremely important. Your continued well wishes, encouragement and visits during this crucial healing time are welcomed. May will be here before we know it but if you know Jimmy, he is usually in constant motion so this time is like an eternity to him. As always, we are eternally grateful for your outpouring of love and support. ❤️❤️

UPDATE(3/7)

Jimmy has spent the last 2 weeks in the hospital. After three surgeries, a bunch of plates, and so many screws I’ve lost count, he will be discharged to rehab today. He has 8-12 weeks with no weight bearing so this will feel like an eternity to him. We will let you know when he is up for visitors as he will need some distraction during this time. As you probably know, it’s hard to keep my brother down so these next weeks will be challenging. As always, thank you for your outpouring of love and support!! ❤️❤️

UPDATE(3/4)

Jimmy was in surgery for 8 hours yesterday. Thought he would need 3 plates but ended up with 6 plus 31 screws and donor bone/tissue graft. I have officially begun to call him Steve Austin IYKYK. His surgeon is an amazing perfectionist. Expecting Jim will be in hospital for the next few days then off to rehab. 8-12 weeks before he can begin weight bearing. This is the part that is going to be tough to for him! As always, thank you for your prayers and support. Our family appreciates you! ❤️❤️

UPDATE(3/1)

Jimmy had his left heel fixed yesterday so he now has matching bionic heels. His hemoglobin levels are still low but stabilizing. Another surgery is scheduled for Monday. Thank you once again for all who have been praying for Jimmy’s full recovery. He is feeling the love. ❤️❤️

UPDATE (2/26)

Jimmy needed 2 units of blood as his hemoglobin was getting continually lower and he vomitted blood. Although the numbers did not increase to where the docs want them, he has been able to eat a little. More tests today to find the source of the bleeding. Still schedule for surgery on Friday to fix heel. Thank you for your continued support.

UPDATE (2/24)

After 5.5 hours in the OR, Jimmy is the proud owner of 3 titanium plates and 19 screws. X-Ray looks beautiful. One surgery down, two to go! Thank you to all who have donated to help my brother through this tough time.

Hello Friends,

As you may be aware, my brother, Jim McGrath (aka Jimmy, Jim, Jimbo, and a whole host of other nicknames) was in an accident on February 20, 2025. He fell from a height of about 9 feet. We are grateful for his catlike ability to land on his feet as this probably saved his life, but this fall caused substantial damage to both his right leg and left heel. He will undergo multiple surgeries beginning this week and will require an extended stay in a rehab facility as he will be unable to use or put any weight on his legs for a long time. Once he is able to put weight on his legs, he will need long-term PT to regain as much range of motion as possible. Suffice it to say that Jimmy has a long road ahead of him.

If you know my brother, you know that he has a heart of gold. He is the most selfless person I know. Even now, he is less worried about himself and apologizing to his family for getting hurt. He is the person who, no matter what, is always there for his friends and family. If you have ever needed his help, he has been there for you and he never asks for anything in return, except maybe a Budweiser.

The uncertainty of his future is weighing heavily on his mind. I am putting together this GoFundMe so that he can concentrate on the most important thing, taking the time to fully recover and heal, rather than how he will provide for his family. On behalf of my brother, his wife Penni, and his son Hunter, I am hoping that you can find it in your heart to help Jimmy in his time of need. Any donation that you are able to make will lift his spirits and take some of that worry off his shoulders.

Thank you so much,

Laura von Kampen