#StefStrong

"Thank you to those who helped reach our initial goal for Stefan Venne. Like Stef, who continues to surpass medical and physical goals set for him one at a time, we are extending the challenge to those in the #stefstrong community of meeting the new goal of $200K. There is a lifetime of unforeseen challenges ahead for Stef, we can help mitigate the unpredictable."

Dear Friends of Stefan Venne,

On August 6th, 2022 Stefan was involved in a horrible car accident in a remote area in Plumas County. The vehicle was pinned against a tree and Stef pinned behind the wheel. Stef's cousin was in the passenger seat and despite numerous injuries and a concussion, was able to extract himself and run to a cabin nearby and use a landline to call for help. Considerable time elapsed until emergency personnel were able to reach the accident site and cut Stef from the car and airlift both young men to Renown Trauma Center in Reno, Nevada.

Stefan battled for his life in the Sierra ICU in Reno. His injuries were those sustained in severe trauma and crushing cases. Muscles and bones, both large and small were crushed and broken. Renal failure arises in these cases and Stef's kidneys shut down and he required weeks of dialysis and assistance in breathing. His left leg was amputated below the knee.

This young man fought for five weeks in the ICU. He exited the ICU for continued care at Renown and is in the process of transferring to Kaiser's Rehabilitation Center in Vallejo where he will begin to learn how to operate his body, and work on getting his mind and muscles back into pre-accident condition.

Love and healing support is coming to Stef and the Venne family from the entire planet and his family and friends are grateful for the financial support as Stef's road to full recovery will be long. Funds raised will support Stef's journey through this recovery.

Stefan is 22 years old, and has a double major in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at UC Davis, with one quarter to go before graduation. He played 4 years of Division 1 water polo and builds cars, spear guns and tools in his spare time. He is warm, funny, kind, clever, smart, and ridiculously strong. Stefan Venne is MORE than just an athlete...he's a tinkerer, a surfer, a builder, a fisherman, a biker, a hiker, a gnarly missioner, a dog lover, a loving son, a gyroscope creator, an exceptional brother and cousin and a warrior. His relationships are deep and his family and friends are devoted. Stef's warmth and vibe touch every person he meets; for the first time and every time.

Stef is a beloved member of the Ross Valley community in Marin County, along with his sister Mia, his brother Wally and his parents Ralf, and Jen. He hikes the trails of Fairfax, bikes the hills of San Anselmo and surfs the waves of West Marin. He kicked bootyakum for 13 years as swimmer with the Sleepy Hollow Sea Lions, played SHAQ water polo for a decade and helped his DHS polo team win its first ever NCS Water Polo Championship. Stef's family has been by his side since August 6th and remain there to this minute.

Stefan's road is going to be long, and the twists and turns it is going to take will be unpredictable. Stefan will work his hardest at healing his body. Consider a donation to this incredible young man to help navigate the unpredictable and unforeseen needs that will arise . Every penny we raise will go to Stefan as this battle is not over. Join Stef's army. Help him be #stefstrong