On May 5th, Dustin was in a serious accident and rushed to OHSU where he has since remained with a traumatic brain injury. He was on his motorcycle with full safety clothing and a helmet at the time of the accident, which saved his life. With the most severe level of brain injury, Dustin is looking at a long road to recovery. We are humbly asking for financial help and support for Dustin’s current and future healthcare needs.

According to his doctors, Dustin’s first year of healing is the most crucial time of recovery, though continued recovery will likely extend into the years beyond. Returning to a mobile, active life is possible and we all remain incredibly hopeful!

Dustin hasn’t regained full cognitive awareness but has shown signs of improvement, smiling and saying some words in context, and even singing along to songs. He opens his eyes and follows familiar voices and brightens at their sound. Dustin’s Caring Bridge is very positive and focused on the progress, because Lindsey, like Dustin, is a force of nature and a person who shares good news whenever possible. But we know they are facing a hard path and need our community support.

Keep reading because, as you may know, there is so much to say about Dustin!

Dustin is loved far and wide. He’s an awesome father, a superb husband, a steadfast friend, and the humble director of exhibitions at Oregon Contemporary (Ox) in Portland. Dustin is father to his daughter Vivian, and stepfather to his wife Lindsey’s children Ovid and Onnavah. Dustin and Lindsey just bought a house in February in Milwaukie, OR that makes room for all the kids as well as visiting guests. Dustin likes to Zoom from the sunlit back room when he’s not at Ox working, or spend time listening to vinyl while reading. This new home is their longtime dream realized just before the accident.

Dustin’s work at Ox has made the visual arts gallery into a vibrant community space for thousands of people who come to exhibitions, performances, and more every year. He’s known as a rare combination of someone who levels up every show and event he touches, while above all else being kind and supportive to artists. People regularly say that Dustin was the best person they’ve ever worked with as a preparator and exhibition designer. His work and deep care – often behind the scenes – has made more of an impact on the community here than most anyone could claim.

An avid motorcyclist, Dustin loves going to music shows, viewing art exhibitions, and spending time with friends. He enjoys camping, snowshoeing, and of course, getting tattooed. Dustin regularly visits family in Florida, and gathers with east coast pals every August for outdoor fun. If you have met Dustin, you’ve probably been greeted with a smile, a calm voice and deeply caring attention. He is an incredibly easy person to be around. Dustin’s lightness and loving nature are what make him such a special person to all of us. Having a tight core of close friends since middle school, Dustin is a golden example of devotion and acceptance. He can make you laugh harder than you thought possible. He makes you feel valued.

Dustin will likely be going to Craig Hospital in the greater Denver metro area as soon as he’s able. Craig Hospital is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital that specializes exclusively in neurorehabilitation and research for individuals with brain injury. Rehab will be a huge step in his progress, with dedicated care and attention that could shape and determine the course of his future abilities. Dustin will likely have life-long healthcare concerns, but we hope to help him and his family bridge the gap between the medical costs and the limits of insurance funds to see him have the best recovery possible.

Please share this Go Fund Me widely with your community, and keep following here and on Caring Bridge to support our amazing guy.

With gratitude and hope,

Dustin's friends and family

Your support will directly assist Dustin and his family with these care expenses:

Out-of-pocket medical costs

Loss of income

Medical transport to Craig Hospital (Colorado) $20,000 one way

Expenses for family support around Dustin at Craig Hospital

Rehabilitation (including speech/physical/occupational therapies and home medical equipment)

Various medical expenses beyond the scope of insurance