Help Tyler Fairchild Recover


Tyler is a happy guy who loves spending time outside throughout the year. He enjoys buying and fixing used cars, motorcycles, 3-wheelers and boats in his free time. He has fixed his family members' vehicles many times and is always willing to lend a helping hand on other projects. In May 2018, Tyler splurged and bought a brand new dirt bike. Over the next month, he spent countess hours working on upgrades to the bike, including road legalizing it. 

On October 18, 2018, Tyler was struck by a drunk driver while driving his dirtbike near his home. While he was fortunate to not have been paralyzed when he was thrown 30 feet off the motorbike, his left leg and ankle were shattered. After being taken by ambulance to Ridgeview Sibley Medical Center, he told his injury was too complex and he was then airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center. There he began his lengthy recovery. So far, he has gone through 3 surgeries to place a metal rod with screws in his leg, as well as multiple metal plates at his ankle. He has been told by his orthopedic surgeon that even with proper care, the permanent damage from this injury will be something he will deal with for the rest of his life.  

Tyler is on his way to recovery but has a long way to go with physical therapy and the possibility of additional surgeries down the road. In addition to the 3 surgeries he has been through to date, he has also spent weeks in the hospital, and months of being bedridden in extreme pain and unable to work. Although he is now able to resume working remotely, he is dealing with the mounting medical and other expenses from this loss. His orthopedic surgeon has said that to regain as much mobility in his leg as possible, Tyler should be going to intense physical therapy that is expected to be $600+ each week for at least 6 months. He can not afford to do the physical therapy he so desperately needs, especially with the huge medical bills he already has hanging over him.

Tyler's known medical bills through 12/31/18 total over $149,000. The individual who was responsible for this loss has no insurance to cover anything for Tyler. Tyler's own health insurance is paying some bills, but the payments are subject to both in-network and out-of-network deductibles, as well as 50% copayments after the out-of-network deductible. There doesn't seem to be an end in sight for all the medical bills.

Walking, carrying groceries, and driving a car are just a few activities of daily living that are so easy to take for granted as we go about our busy lives. But when your mobility is suddenly taken from you and replaced with pain and obstacles at every turn, it can be life altering. Tyler’s rehabilitation of his leg to be able to walk is crucial right now. Every day that he does not get the physical therapy he needs, there is hardening and scarring that will make things worse for him in the future. He needs to regain function and flexibility to be able to walk and do everyday living tasks again, which may also allow him to enjoy his hobbies again. In spite of the difficulties he has been facing, Tyler maintains hope for recovery in order to get back to normal activities of daily living, in addition to 3-wheeling, biking and boating this coming year. Let’s help Tyler recover so he can walk again, and ride again. 

Here are a few photos:


Tyler was hit by a drunk driver while innocently enjoying time outdoors as many of us do throughout the year. If you know Tyler, or if you have ever wanted to do something to help a stranger in need, please please consider making a donation to this campaign. Every single dollar and social media share counts and makes a big difference. Our mission is to collect $10,000 to help start the payments for his out of pocket medical expenses to date and allow him to schedule the physical therapy that he so badly needs. 

Thank you for caring enough to read this post, and for your kind consideration.

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. -Aesop