Get Stan back up the mountain!

Hi everyone,

We are Team Average, largely founded by Stan Yee, and we are fundraising to help get Stan back on his feet following his accident on September 14th, 2024. Stan is currently a quadriplegic with mobility limited to his head, and shoulders. He has been working hard to gain some mobility to his arms, and wrists. We have tried to not speculate on what his recovery will need, while also trying to keep the Yee family's privacy in mind, so as everyone can imagine, our efforts to raise funds at this time may come with many questions. We have researched what others with similar injuries have required as far as physiotherapy is considered. We would use the funds to support the Yee family during Stan's recovery. His needs will include renovations, mobility requirements, as well as further physiotherapy. Currently, Stan has moved from VGH spine unit to GF Strong. It is still unclear as to what degree of mobility will return, but knowing Stan, if there is a way, he will find it... with a smile on his face.

Stan is an inspirational person whose passion for mountain biking has translated into a strong community of people sharing a love for the outdoors and connecting with people. Stan has brought countless number of people together on the mountain, and showed us how easy it is to smile, share a drink, and stay active on the mountain. He is very well known throughout the mountain biking community and beyond. One of the strongest riders in the group, Stan favoured the slow, techy, gnarly, challenging side over the speed, and jumps, although he was capable of riding almost everything. His passion for all things related to mountain biking was infectious, and he was ready to take anyone and introduce them to the sport. He is the epitome of staying young by riding, as opposed to riding to stay young. He was rarely seen dwelling on what one couldn't do, rather focussing on the world of possibilities. We know that Stan will recover to lead us again up that mountain.

On September 14th, Stan with 7 other Team Average members were riding on John Deer, a blue trail on Mt. Seymour. Stan has ridden this trail and gone over the wooden roll hundreds of times without mishap, however unfortunately on this day he fell. He fell in such a way as to injure his C5 vertebrae and was immobile on the mountain. North Vancouver Fire Rescue Service, along with BC EHS paramedics, transported him down, where an ambulance took him to Lions Gate Hospital for the initial emergency evaluation. It was determined that he would need immediate surgery, which would be best done at Vancouver General Hospital so was then taken there. All the staff involved, from bringing him down the mountain to the VGH support staff were incredible in their approach to the challenges posed by Stan's injury. He has now moved from VGH to GF Strong where he is undergoing regular physiotherapy.

Stan has had many visitors, and one special case is Mr. Andrew Cho, who himself went through a similar ordeal. See his inspirational story, and his path to full recovery in this video. We share this to show what is possible and encourage everyone to help to whatever degree they can to help get Stan back on the mountain!

From everyone in the community, thank you for all your support.

Keep your eyes on this space, as we will be updating Stan's progress throughout his journey.