Micah’s Accident in Japan

My partner Micah sustained significant pelvic injuries after colliding with a tree mid-air over the weekend while in Japan with his brother and friends.

The language barrier and minimal visitation allowance at the hospital he’s being treated at has been hard. Micah still manages to be in good spirits despite everything, true to his personality. The +17 hour time difference (from PST) makes communication a little harder but I am sure he’d appreciate additional love and support from his friends and family.

From Micah 1/29:

“On January 27, myself and friends were skiing and filming in Hokkaido Japan. I found a natural jump that seemed perfect for the group to session and shoot a few photos. Upon takeoff of the jump, I spun a 720, and the spin trajectory drifted me further left than anticipated. As I completed my rotation I struck a tree with great force, my right hip took most of the blow. I immediately knew something was wrong as my right leg was caving in toward the left, and I could hardly stand straight. My friends and I quickly made a plan to get out (we were about 1/2 mile from the road) and they helped carry me out while I tried my best to remain calm and was determined to get out of there as soon as possible. An ambulance arrived shortly after arriving at the highway that escorted me to the clinic in Otaru. Upon initial x-ray images they determined that I may need emergency surgery that night, as there was concern of bleeding due to a pelvic fracture.

I was rushed to the next hospital where they took several X-rays and CT scans. It seemed the bleeding was stable, but the fracture was quite bad, diagnosis was prolonged. I’ve now been in the hospital room for 36 hours. I feel lucky to be alive but also scared of the road ahead. Surgery is scheduled for January 31st and a specialist from the Hokkaido University of Medicine will travel here and perform the surgery.

Unfortunately I didn’t have travel insurance and the cost of this surgery and treatment will be incredibly high. Any help from friends, family and anyone else willing to support me in this hard time would be so greatly appreciated.

I can’t wait to get home and get stronger than ever!”

Micah is stable now but has to undergo surgery to repair pelvic fractures and a dislocated femur before he will be able to return home, followed by some significant postoperative recovery time before flying.

Micah’s got a long road ahead of him to recover. Luckily his brother and friends are nearby working hard as advocates and to support him in every way they can, even if they aren’t able to spend much physical time with him. Micah’s Dad will be flying over to stay nearby for however long is needed after his surgery and to help him come home.

Money from this fundraiser will go directly to Micah for use toward international medical expenses, travel back to the US, expenses here before his deductible is met, and hopefully help him stay afloat while he is unable to work and focused on recovering. I think I speak for everyone when saying we’re grateful things weren’t worse.

Any contribution big or small is appreciated. I’m sure Micah would appreciate messages from his friends just as much. For reference, daytime where he’s at is roughly 2pm-5am PST.