Support Sam & Destri Through a Long Road to Recovery

On Friday evening, what was supposed to be the start of a fun weekend turned into a life-altering emergency for Sam. Shortly after arriving at their property and heading out on his first ride, a mechanical failure caused the throttle on his machine to stick wide open. Sam had only moments to react before crashing into the trees. He attempted to bail, which spared his upper body, but both legs suffered devastating injuries.

Emergency response was delayed due to the remote location, and by the time Sam arrived at the hospital—over two hours later—he had already lost two-thirds of his blood. His left femur was broken in two places, pinching his femoral artery, which led to massive internal bleeding. His right leg also suffered a broken tibia and fibula, and he currently has no feeling in that foot—an issue doctors are monitoring closely.

Sam has undergone multiple critical surgeries so far, none yet to set his broken bones. Initial procedures focused on saving his life—draining pooled blood, relieving pressure from his artery, and attempting to stabilize his condition. His wounds remain open, with a wound vac in place until further surgeries can be done. His medical team is working around the clock to stabilize his blood levels and address concerning signs of liver and kidney damage. Every day brings new challenges, and the possibility of amputation is still on the table.

Sam is a proud Marine Veteran who has always shown strength, resilience, and loyalty—qualities that continue to shine through as he faces this immense battle. While Sam faces months of recovery and will be unable to work for the foreseeable future, his wife Destri has temporarily relocated from Kalamazoo to Petoskey to be by his side throughout this ordeal. They are both doing their best to stay strong during this incredibly difficult time.

We’re asking for help to ease the financial burden of medical bills, temporary relocation, and lost income so Sam and Destri can focus fully on healing and recovery. Every contribution, no matter the size, means the world to them.

Thank you for your support, love, and prayers during this difficult time.

5/6 Update - We got some hopeful news - Sam’s labs have improved enough for him to be cleared for surgery to set his femur, scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th. If all goes well, he’ll have another surgery on Friday, May 9th, to set the fibula and tibia in his right leg. It’s a long road, but we’re moving forward, one day at a time, holding on to hope and taking each small step as a victory.

As Sam begins what will be a long and challenging road to recovery, we’ve adjusted our fundraising goal to better reflect the growing needs of his care and to help ease the financial strain on the family. The original goal was set based on the initial outlook, but with extended hospitalization, multiple surgeries, and the recovery ahead, your continued support means more than ever.

Thank you for standing with Sam and his family through this journey. Every donation, share, and kind word lifts them up.

5/7 Update - We’re grateful to share that Sam’s surgery on his left leg was a success. The surgeons were able to close his open wounds and place the rod that runs from his hip past his knee. They also successfully inserted the internal stent for his femoral artery - though he will need another surgery for that down the line. His next surgery is scheduled for Thursday, May 8th, to set the broken bones in his right leg.

While we’re incredibly thankful for the progress, Sam is currently experiencing a lot of pain - more than before. It’s been a tough stretch, but the medical team has been amazing. They’ve made his comfort and care a top priority, and we’re deeply grateful for their dedication.

Please keep Sam in your thoughts as he continues to recover. Every bit of encouragement means a lot right now.