Jason Needs Us: Recovery from Roof Fall
Donation protected
Greetings friends and community. On the evening of December 10th, Jason (my partner and spouse) took a terrible fall off our 20ft roof while attempting to hang holiday lights. He is very lucky to be alive. He is currently in the hospital. He sustained a lower spinal burst fracture, pelvis fracture, and hip fracture, along with a head laceration and concussion. His injuries will require 8-12 weeks of recovery and rehabilitation, along with home care by me and in-home physical therapy and/or a temporary stay in a rehab facility for an extended period. As many of you know, the health care system in this country does not provide adequate care coverage for working families. Jason's insurance deductible is high, and because he fell at the end of the year, the deductible renews itself in January! This means that none of the treatment or care occurring now in December, or any of the care and treatment occurring in 2025, will be covered. Even after the deductible, the expected personal contribution is 30%.
Jason will not be able to work for a minimum of 3 months, and I will also have to go on leave for in-home care to help him. The medical costs are uncertain, and I suspect we have estimated on the lower end, but funds raised will go towards the following needs:
- Insurance Deductible
- Hospital Stay Bill
- Rehab Facility Stay Bill
- Tests/Procedures
- Medicines
- In-home Respite Care
- Medical Assistant Equipment
- Cost of other Living Expenses while out on leave (mortgage, food, bills, etc.)
We are a fiercely independent family and rarely, if ever, ask for help. We are a small family. It is just Jason, myself, Moth, and my 79-year-old father recovering from bladder cancer, who we also assist and help. I currently work 4 part-time jobs with chronic illness, Moth is a full-time student also with chronic illness. Jason is our primary provider both in emotional support and finances. He is also a loving and steadfast friend and maker of magic and has great love for his creative community. Some of you know him as Pirate Randy, others as Capricus, Captain Eye-conic, and more! In addition to the long-time community contributions, Jason works as a trainer to help educators who teach in prisons serving adults in custody. Specifically, he leads training in non-violent parenting and trauma recovery and other significant programs helping the vulnerable and justice-involved. His absence in his work both in the community and at work will be deeply felt.
We are gracious for any support and help you can give at this time. We recognize that many of you may be in, or have been in, similar situations.
Organizer
Gina-Una Ronning-Ricupero
Organizer
Portland, OR