Josh's recovery journey

Josh Christensen was in a vehicle collision on Hwy101 north on Cuesta Grade Thursday evening.  The collision with a semi-truck resulted in his flipped Honda Pilot on the freeway. 

Josh was at Sierra Vista and was conscious when Lauren arrived. She was able to speak with him prior to intubation. He handled the initial severe pain like a champ, but they ended up intubating (ventilator) to relieve his difficulty breathing and to allow the chest & lungs to heal. He has many broken ribs and chest trauma. Thankfully the X-rays and CT scan revealed no injuries to internal organs or to his head. He does have a severe femur fracture near the hip socket, a bad break on his wrist, and one knee has a major wound - extent of damage there is unclear. 

Due to the major orthopedic surgery work that is necessary they decided to airlift him to Fresno where there's a special team of ortho surgeons. That helicopter flight was at about 5am Friday morning. He had his first successful surgery this morning and we will continue to provide updates. 

Looking at the Honda Pilot he was driving, it’s truly hard to imagine anyone could survive. The trauma doctor said his injuries while quite serious are manageable, and he should recover. But, it will be a long and potentially challenging road from recovery through physical therapy.

This is obviously a major life event for the family, and we’re all doing everything we can to support them. Lauren has been through so much in just a few hours. Immediate family is gathering in Fresno and we do not know how long Josh will be intubated, in ICU, or in Fresno, but for several days at a minimum. 

Family and friends have put this together to help relieve some of the financial stress this situation will put on Josh and Lauren's family and help in Josh's recovery. We know so many of you that love Josh, and we thank you in advance for anything you are able to give during this very challenging time for their family. In his words "cheers" - and love to all.