My father had a terrible accident while working last week. The afternoon of May 1st, he was at the top of a ladder trying to pull a pipe loose from a roof he was working on. He lost his footing and with nothing to grab onto, he fell to the ground landing directly onto a brick planter hitting his head before anything else. The way he landed resulted in compression in his lower neck vertebra and left him with no feeling below his neck. Since then, he has regained minimal control of his left arm and has some muscle contraction in his upper right arm. The progress is small but he remains positive and is only focused on the next step to a possible recovery.

For those who know my dad (Jay), know that he is an extremely hard worker. So many have already expressed their well wishes and they all say really great things about him. He is beyond generous. He is grateful for any blessing that comes his way. To me, he is the biggest influence and the most admirable person I’ve ever known or met. He is my favorite person on this earth. The only person I look up to with the amount of respect I do and the only person I can truly say I trust. He has never led me the wrong way. He is devoted to his family and his relationship with God. He proves it every day of his life. He continues to raise his grandchildren and was still very active with work and outdoor activities. I swear the man works as a hobby.

Currently, he is awaiting acceptance to one of the top neurorehabilitation centers in the country named Craig Hospital in Denver, CO. They specialize in spinal and brain injuries. His stay there will be lengthy and therapy will last at minimum a year.

The current hurdle we are facing is the cost of transporting someone in his condition down there. The stay and treatment are covered but getting him there sooner than later is our only concern. We believe this is his best bet at gaining some independence regaining, God willing, some feeling back into his lower body. The case manager at the Billings Hospital said the cost of the transportation is between $12,000 and $15,000. After gathering anything we are able to find, we are still nowhere near what is needed. We remain hopeful and positive about finding a solution for him. He does so much for everyone he loves and sincerely detests asking for help.

That being said, there are ways to help if anyone at all is interested or willing to do so. There is an account set up for him locally at Big Horn Federal. My uncle Jack took the initiative to set that up and is handling that. Another wonderful man I know. Any branch in Lovell, Powell, Greybull, Cody, or Thermopolis will take donations. Just say it’s for Jay Brinkerhoff. You can also send a check or money order to:

Jay Brinkerhoff Fund

℅ Big Horn Federal

PO Box 218

Lovell, WY 82431

Anything is deeply appreciated. The support we have already seen is amazing and brings me to tears to know that people love my dad like I do. We ask that you keep him in your prayers. I know there is strength in faith and prayers and we need all of the strength we can round up to keep the wheels turning on this ordeal and keep my dad thinking positively at this time. Please share if you are local. We are so thankful for everyone who has helped already and personally, the gratitude overflows in me. I love that man so much and I just want him back home. Thank you