Sam Jackenthal Fund
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The Sam Jackenthal Fund.
While training in Australia on September 8th, Sam Jackenthal was in a devastating ski accident which has left him in critical condition. Half a world away from his home, Sam now fights for his life, with his mother, father and sister by his side. Jennifer, Ron and Skylar have traveled across the ocean to be with him. In the few days since the accident, it is clear that the emotional and financial cost of this journey will not be easy. In response to the incredible outpouring of support from family, friends and community, the Sam Jackenthal Fund has been established as a way to assist Sam and the Jackenthal family.
It has been difficult to set a dollar amount for this funding effort. At this point, no one can really get his or her arms around what lies ahead, but all acknowledge it will be difficult and costly. It is known that medical bills alone begin at $5,000 per day, just for the ICU hospitalization. Add physicans, tests, medication and other medical costs, as well as Ron, Jennifer and Skylar taking up temporary residence in a foreign country, and one quickly arrives at a very large sum that doesn’t include anything but their immediate reality. With this in mind, the initial target has been set at $150,000, in what is sure to be a fluid effort.
Managed solely by his parents, Jen & Ron, this fund will be used for Sam's medical and Ron, Jennifer, Skylar and Sam's living expenses.
Sam Conquering Challenges.
“Sam is one of the most persistent and tenacious human beings I know and I mean that in a good way” says Chris “Hatch” Haslock, the Director of the Competitive Free Skiing Program for Team Park City United. Hatch started as Sam's Coach over 10 years ago, when Sam was just 6 years old, and Hatch still guides him over hills, jumps, rails and pipes today.
Sam has already proven, at 16 years old, to be an accomplished athlete. He was named the Freeskiing Combined Champion at USSA Junior Nationals this year (which includes the Slopestyle, Half Pipe and Big Air events.) Even more so, Sam has become a treasured member of the Team Park City United family, as one who always brings the highest level of competition, character and camaraderie with him to the hill. Sam is a role model who demonstrates that success only comes with persistence, hard work, time and commitment.
Conquering the next level, or next big challenge, is always Sam’s goal. Hatch recalls Sam’s early years when he would beg, “Can I ski the big hill? When can I ski the big hill?” and Hatch would respond, “Not yet, Sam.” Sam would work harder and then try again, “Now, now can I ski the big hill?” and still Hatch would tell him “Not yet, Sam.” Finally, the persistence and hard work paid off and Hatch’s response became “Yes, Sam, it’s a perfect night for you to ski the big hill.”
That's Sam, and with the same tenacity and persistence, he will now fight to conquer the biggest challenge he will ever face. And we believe in him.
Please know how much your support, love and hope means to the Jackenthal family. Thank you in advance for whatever contribution you can make; it is appreciated beyond words.
While training in Australia on September 8th, Sam Jackenthal was in a devastating ski accident which has left him in critical condition. Half a world away from his home, Sam now fights for his life, with his mother, father and sister by his side. Jennifer, Ron and Skylar have traveled across the ocean to be with him. In the few days since the accident, it is clear that the emotional and financial cost of this journey will not be easy. In response to the incredible outpouring of support from family, friends and community, the Sam Jackenthal Fund has been established as a way to assist Sam and the Jackenthal family.
It has been difficult to set a dollar amount for this funding effort. At this point, no one can really get his or her arms around what lies ahead, but all acknowledge it will be difficult and costly. It is known that medical bills alone begin at $5,000 per day, just for the ICU hospitalization. Add physicans, tests, medication and other medical costs, as well as Ron, Jennifer and Skylar taking up temporary residence in a foreign country, and one quickly arrives at a very large sum that doesn’t include anything but their immediate reality. With this in mind, the initial target has been set at $150,000, in what is sure to be a fluid effort.
Managed solely by his parents, Jen & Ron, this fund will be used for Sam's medical and Ron, Jennifer, Skylar and Sam's living expenses.
Sam Conquering Challenges.
“Sam is one of the most persistent and tenacious human beings I know and I mean that in a good way” says Chris “Hatch” Haslock, the Director of the Competitive Free Skiing Program for Team Park City United. Hatch started as Sam's Coach over 10 years ago, when Sam was just 6 years old, and Hatch still guides him over hills, jumps, rails and pipes today.
Sam has already proven, at 16 years old, to be an accomplished athlete. He was named the Freeskiing Combined Champion at USSA Junior Nationals this year (which includes the Slopestyle, Half Pipe and Big Air events.) Even more so, Sam has become a treasured member of the Team Park City United family, as one who always brings the highest level of competition, character and camaraderie with him to the hill. Sam is a role model who demonstrates that success only comes with persistence, hard work, time and commitment.
Conquering the next level, or next big challenge, is always Sam’s goal. Hatch recalls Sam’s early years when he would beg, “Can I ski the big hill? When can I ski the big hill?” and Hatch would respond, “Not yet, Sam.” Sam would work harder and then try again, “Now, now can I ski the big hill?” and still Hatch would tell him “Not yet, Sam.” Finally, the persistence and hard work paid off and Hatch’s response became “Yes, Sam, it’s a perfect night for you to ski the big hill.”
That's Sam, and with the same tenacity and persistence, he will now fight to conquer the biggest challenge he will ever face. And we believe in him.
Please know how much your support, love and hope means to the Jackenthal family. Thank you in advance for whatever contribution you can make; it is appreciated beyond words.
Organizer and beneficiary
Shelley Gillwald
Organizer
Park City, UT
Jennifer Jackenthal
Beneficiary