Please support Gary Smith's recovery!

Tearing it up - that's what Gary Smith does. Whether it's on his mountain bike, behind the wheel of his race cars, or getting funky on the bass guitar, Gary truly rips it up no matter what he's doing. He is always careful in his work, paying close attention to the most minor details to achieve perfection. Gary has made so many amazing connections throughout his life because he dives into his passions and is always helping and inviting others around him to feel his joy and charisma towards what he loves to do. So when you see something like this happen to a person like Gary, you automatically feel the need to help out.

 

On Saturday May 21st, Gary Smith was in a serious motor vehicle collision that resulted in several major injuries which will require surgery and rehabilitation.

 

He was competing in a hill-climb race in the "Bronzit Beast", on Mt Ascutney, when out of nowhere his steering failed and, with no time to react, he made head-on impact with a tree at speeds exceeding 50mph. He was wearing all of the appropriate safety gear including his 6-point safety harness, his helmet and a HANS device, which, without a doubt, saved his life, but that kind of speed and that kind of crash will always take a toll. The HANS device broke both of his clavicles (but saved him from a broken neck), and the force of the crash caused 3 of his vertebrae to fracture; he fractured his pelvis and has some soft tissue damage to his lower abdomen. Rescue teams had to open the roof of the vehicle and cut around the cage to extricate Gary from the car. This afternoon, May 23rd, Gary is undergoing surgery to repair the fractured pelvis with pins and screws. He continues to be in a lot of pain, with an extremely challenging road to recovery ahead.

 

We all know Gary's strength and perseverance will remain undefeated, and he will climb out of this stronger and more passionate than ever, but for right now - he needs our help.

I am Gary's sister, Jackie (I live in Milford NH), and I am coordinating this donation page as well as making sure Gary gets all the funds. All money donated with be used to cover medical deductibles and co-pays, as well as living expenses while Gary is out of work recovering. Facing large medical bills, physical therapy and what will most likely be some difficult life alterations at first, this GoFundMe is being created on Gary's behalf, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to these things for Gary.

 

Please, for your love of Gary; for the love of the idea that you should always chase your passions; for understanding that bad things sometimes happen to good people…please donate if you would like. $10, $20, $100…whatever you can afford. Any small amount will help and be very much appreciated.

 

Many people have asked how they can help, and this is one tangible way to do just that. It will relieve some of the burden of the financial stress of medical bills and missed paychecks, and we know Gary appreciates any donations, thoughts of well-wishes and prayers.

 

As Gary's sister, the whole family and his friends thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and will keep this page updated with Gary’s progress.