Help Tyler's Recovery From Spinal Cord Injury

Dear Friends and Family,

We are reaching out to you, asking for your support in an urgent time of immense need. Our dear friend, Tyler De Jager, who is 22 years old, has faced an incredibly challenging setback in his life. On June 17th, 2023, Tyler and his friends were cliff jumping at a lake near Squamish, BC. Tragically, he over rotated a flip and landed on his back. The extreme force against the water fractured 3 vertebrae (C4, C5 and C6) in his neck and severely damaged his spinal cord leaving him paralyzed from the chest down. Tyler was airlifted to Vancouver General Hospital and had emergency surgery to stabilize his neck. During the next several months in the ICU, and later in the Spinal Cord Centre; Tyler needed supportive surgeries and acute care as he worked at strengthening his chest and lungs to be able to breathe independently.

Tyler is currently at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre in Vancouver, where he works daily with various therapists to strengthen key muscles and improve as much movement as possible. Tyler has limited use of his wrists, arms, and shoulders. He has no movement in his hands, fingers, and from the chest down. Tyler is learning about his injury and its effect on his body. He is also learning full-time wheel chair use and how to cope with his devastating loss. This injury affects Tyler's career as a Rope Access Technician and his ability to enjoy his passion for outdoor adventures. His favourite outdoor activities were biking, rock climbing and hiking with his dog, Ivory. It’s so heartbreaking to see our friend’s hopes and dreams taken from him. His journey towards recovery is a long and difficult one. With your help we can make a difference, and inspire him towards new ambitions and goals.

Tyler is expected to leave GF Strong on December 12, 2023 and move into the family home. The much needed funds raised through this GoFundMe campaign will be dedicated to providing Tyler with the necessary mobility and medical equipment, adaptations to the home for wheel chair access, and his transportation needs. Some of these vital items include: customized wheel chairs, hospital bed, decompression mattress, vertical lift, ceiling lift, renos to bathroom for showering, city permits, ramps, shower commode, specialized faucets, wheel chair van, many other items and several unforeseen costs. All these items will aid in his rehabilitation as well as improve his quality of life.

Tyler’s determination and unwavering spirit to strengthen his body in spite of the challenges he is facing inspires us all. Let’s come together as a community to support him and his devoted family during this difficult time. Your help now will make a meaningful difference in Tyler’s life and help him regain his independence and hope for a brighter future. A contribution, large or small, is greatly appreciated, and if you can’t give but still wish to support Tyler, please share this with your friends and family. Together, we can make a profound impact on Tyler’s life.

I'm Beth Renema, a close friend and family (my husband is Shirley's 1st cousin) of the De Jagers. We share 30 years of friendship, and I've witnessed their kindness towards others, their strength and resilience. My desire is to help make a difference in Tyler's life and I am hoping you feel the same.

Thank you for your prayers, kindness, generosity and compassion.

Rich and Beth Renema, and the De Jager Family