Support Joe Schirle's Road to Walking Again

Brother Joe Schirle was commuting home from Intel RA where he works as a IBEW LU48 Steward for OEG.

Joe was riding on a 2 lane highway when a car hit him head on.

Joe was life-flighted from Carlton, OR to Salem Hospital Trauma Center.

After cat scans and MRIs it was found that Joe's pelvis is fractured in two places, and his right shin is in 21 pieces. His right wrist is fractured, along with all the usual motorcycle accident injuries road rash etc.

Today 4/19 the orthopedic trauma surgeon placed a metal rod in his leg. His road to recovery will involve several weeks on bed rest for his pelvis. After that, he is looking at a decent amount of time in a wheelchair. Doctors say he will need to learn how to walk again. Because the injury is Joe's right leg, he will be unable to drive for some time. Joe's recovery will require a lot of caregiving, support, community, and friends.

Currently, Joe is looking at potentially being admitted to inpatient rehabilitation due to the number of stairs at his house, where I would be unable to care for him and stay working.

At my home, the front door entry is two flights of stairs (built in 1911), but then one level for the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen.

Joe has a 13 year old daughter, his income and health insurance is what supports her. Normally, he has his daughter 50% of the time. Parenting while working through this rehabilitation is going to be another new challenge.

Joes prized 98 Harley Davidson Dyna Lowrider is totaled. His phone, and electronics that were with him in his backpack are destroyed. His helmet is smashed. All of Joes clothes, and leathers were cut off of him by the paramedics.

Joe might just be the next Thorgood boot ad campaign; the trauma doctor said those were the only reason he still had a foot. The safety toe protected his foot from getting crushed on impact.

As we know more, we will update.

Funds will be used to help replace Joes cell phone, clothes and work boots. Additionally; funds will be used to help cover Joes medical costs, bills associated with the crash and help with covering costs while out of work.