Tom’s Bravery: Crushed by 1000lbs

Tom Greb is not only a beloved father, grandfather, husband, son, and good friend, he is truly one of the bravest men I’ve ever met. Two days ago he was in a horrific accident, one that truly show cases his bravery, heart, and love of life.

Tom was out in the woods alone. While he was out, a 1500 lb Boulder fell. It hit him first in the head, knocking him down in the dirt and snow, before landing on his right leg, crushing him.

He remained conscious, but had no control over his extremities. He layed there, helpless, watching his arms convuls (from the spinal injury), and watching the snow fall. Somehow he remained calm, and thoughts of his family filled his mind. He slowly began to gain control over his arms, and continued moving them slowly, until he could move his upper body. 

He was able to free himself from the crushing imprisonment of this rock. A tiny bit at a time, he was able to slowly work the rock off of him, more than once lost his progress and had the rock fall back on top of him.  He would lay still when this happened, and rest until he felt he could carry on.

Each time he sat upright to work on the rock, the gash on his head bled profusely, blinding him with his own blood. He describes watching the pool of blood under him get larger, and congealed. The more he exerted his body to free himself, the bigger the pool grew.

But he never lost hope, he eventually broke free and dragged himself back to his truck, where he was able to make a call for help: a full six hours after he was injured.

He remained himself in the ambulance and during his arrival to the hospital; selflessly expressing concern and worry for everyone around him.

This accident severed a major artery in his right leg, crushed his muscles, caused swelling in his neck and spinal cord, injured his head, and broke his nose.

Doctors were miraculously able to stop his blood loss, and eventually save his leg. Everyone that knows him is thankful he is going to live.

He has a long road of recovery ahead of him now. Doctors have several surgeries planned, and it is still unsure if he will have normal use of his leg. He cannot move his neck, head, or sit upright for a few weeks due to his spinal injuries. He is currently in Intensive Care, where he will remain for at least the next week. His overall hospital stay may last longer than a month.

I truly believe his faith,bravery, heart, and positive attitude about everything in life helped him overcome this tragedy, and make it out alive. 

As he embarks on his recovery. He is going to need support from his friends and family, he will have medical bills, physical therapy, and will take baby steps to get back to his typical life.

Tom has the strength and heart to heal, and come out of the other side an even stronger person. Please help support him and his family through this difficult trial.