Help Tori Recover

On the night of July 27th, our friend Tori Shoemaker from Savannah, GA was in a motorcycle accident in Seward, Alaska. She was the passenger on the back of a motorcycle when the driver crashed into a guard rail. Tori flew 50 feet over the guardrail into a ravine sustaining approximately 30 or more broken bones and injuries all over her body. She was airlifted to the Providence Alaska Medical Center where she could receive proper surgery and treatment. Thankfully, Tori was wearing a helmet and did not sustain any major head injuries. Tori has broken multiple bones in each limb. Some of these major injuries consist of the degloving of her right hand with over 15 broken bones. Her right tibia was broken and her surgeons inserted a metal rod to support her leg. These injuries also include the dislocation of her right knee, dislocation, and fractures in her left ankle, and the dislocation of her left elbow. Due to this, she is currently unable to walk and only has function in her left hand. Within the first week, Tori underwent 5 major surgeries. This includes surgery on her right tibia, right hand, right knee, left elbow, and left ankle, and left knee. She also tore her ACL and MCL in her left leg, which will require additional surgery in the future. At present, Tori is receiving inpatient rehabilitation, and is making significant progress toward strengthening her limbs and getting some mobility back; she will be released on August 28th. After being released from St. Elias Rehabilitation Center, Tori will need handicap-accessible housing while attending outpatient physical therapy in Anchorage, Alaska, until she is able to travel back to Savannah.

Tori is a rising junior at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.  She is studying Natural Resources and Environment and will continue to take classes online this semester until she is physically able to return to campus. She loves to be outdoors and has always been a very adventurous person. Tori is determined and has such a positive attitude towards her rehabilitation.

Thankfully, Carl and Vicki Shoemaker have great insurance, however, medical bills and unexpected living/travel expenses in Anchorage will be a concern for their family. In the future, Tori may require further surgery on her right hand, and for her ACL/MCL which could require more specialists.

Many people have reached out to inquire how they can help the Shoemaker family during this difficult time. If you feel led to do so, we have created this page to help towards these unexpected expenses and/or future treatment for Tori. In addition, if anyone has access to a 2 bedroom wheelchair-accessible rental in Anchorage for rehabilitation until Tori is released to travel, that could be of great help. As this journey will be a long and winding road, we will be sure to update you with Tori’s progress.

Thank you,

Rowan Burgess and Audrey Pastorek