Help put Craig Gorder back together

Craig Gorder has been an inspiration to us all in the climbing community. Whether you climbed with him in The Creek or Squamish, India or Thailand, you know that nobody was wearing a bigger smile than this guy. I've seen him at his best and I've seen him at his worst, either way Craig is always pushing himself to be better. A better friend, a better climber, a better human. Craig has helped me in times of need and I know I'm not the only one. It's time for us to come together as a community and support one of ours in a time of need.

 Craig was in a climbing accident in Indian creek on November 15th. He and his Climbing partner, Kelsey, were climbing at the Bridger Jacks when Craig dislodged a sizable block from the second pitch. The block pulled him off the wall and landed on him at the belay ledge, smashing his pelvis and cutting his rope in multiple spots. He then bounced off the belay ledge headed for a likely fatal ground fall when the rope happened to wrap around his ankle and his belayer grabbed the rope with her bare hands! This final act surely saved Craig's life. Craig was airlifted to Colorado to undergo a series of extensive surgeries. His injuries include:

A Very broken pelvis
T1 vertebra burst fracture
Sacral fracture
Open Radial fracture 
Damage to the sacral nerves (which has caused some of his internal organs to go dormant. This will hopefully resolve in time but it is currently the scariest of the injuries)


I have been working with Craig for the last year as a wilderness therapy guide at Legacy Outdoor adventures, where he helps inspire change and help young men on the path to honorable manhood. Unfortunately the work we do is very physical and Craig will have to take a long break due to his injuries.

 After hearing Craig speak about this traumatic experience, I know that he is ready for the fight to recovery. Although there are serious long term emotional and physical challenges on the path to recovery, his humility and drive remain his strongest tools. He is extremely grateful for his life, and the amazing team of friends who literally came together to save it! 



 Any way that you can offer support makes a difference. Whether it is sending a text of love, endless nights of board games during recovery, or a donation toward his medical bills, your support is much appreciated.

 
At this point, there is really no way of knowing the total expense that will have to be paid out of pocket, and the final number won't be known for upwards of two years, when his recovery is finished. We do know that it will be a hefty sum based on helicopter flights, intensive medical support, supplies, surgeries, and the very limited number of rehab days on Craig's insurance. It is unlikely that we will raise more than the need, but if that somehow happens, Craig wants it to be very clear that this money will only be going towards medical bills and costs directly associated with the accident (i.e. not a new sprinter). If we happen to raise any excess of funds, it will be donated toward an emergency fund for future adventure enthusiasts in need.


PS: Craig reminds us all to wear a helmet!!! His saved his life.