Eimeo's Injury at The Pipeline Masters

Hey everyone,

I'm Eimeo Czermak, a 20 year old pro surfer from Tahiti who suffered a serious injury to my spine and head competing at the Vans Pipemasters on the North Shore of Oahu. I fell on a wave and damaged my spinal cord and head, which caused a serious concussion, when hitting the reef. I am grateful for the Hawaiian Water Patrol and team of lifeguards that brought me to shore but once arriving on shore, I realized I didn't know where I was and couldn't remember what was happening. Shortly after, they put me in a stretcher and a neck brace. That was when the adrenaline wore off and I felt intense pain on my spine and couldn't feel my legs.

I was taken by an ambulance to the ICU at a local hospital where they performed various procedures and, although I told them I did not have health insurance, they required me to stay overnight which cost me $37,000.

After that, I couldn't feel or move my legs for a week and a half, and still to this day am dealing with the effects of the injury and concussion, which has resulted in depression. I've never been one to ask people for money or help, but this situation unfolded without my control and has put me and my surfing career in a very difficult position.

The combination of the ambulance ride, hospital stay, MRI and other tests, ended up costing me $55,000.

If I'm unable to pay back the hospital bills, I won't be allowed to return to the United States or surf in Hawaii again since I am from Tahiti (French Polynesia). This is heartbreaking for me because Hawaii is like a second home to me and has played a huge role in growing my career because of the major contests' I've been able to compete in there. If I'm unable to return to Hawaii, it'll have a huge negative impact on my surfing career.

I hope you guys understand. Any donations help and your support means so much to me. I hope to be back at 100% soon.

Thank you for understanding,

Eimeo