Ryan Olson's Spinal Cord Injury Fund
Donation protected
As many of you know, on Friday, June 26, Ryan sustained a spinal cord injury after a swimming accident on the Sacramento River. He was rushed to UC Davis Medical Center where he underwent an extensive emergency surgery, to insert a plate from C4-6 to stabilize his spine. Surgery was long, but went very well, and he has been in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit ever since. Ryan is lucky to be alive and his accident has unfortunately left him with limited mobility at the moment. As you can imagine, Ryan is devastated, but still manages to show some signs of his classic sense of humor and charm. At the end of the day, reuniting with his daughter Nalani is his main concern and he will do anything to get to this point.
Three days after surgery, Ryan’s healing process was complicated by a weakened left lung and pneumonia. This was an emotional moment when the doctors decided to re-intubate him and keep him on a ventilator to help him breathe. Frustration reached an all-time high as there were multiple tubes down his throat that prevented him from being able to talk and communicate easily. Although Ryan continued to improve daily, on July 10th, 2 weeks after the original accident, the doctors made the decision to do a tracheotomy to help him breathe and manage his secretions while his lungs fully heal. After two days, Ryan no longer needed the ventilator and he felt much better.
Currently, his doctors are unable to determine the level of impairment as he is still in the early stages of recovery. Once he is stable with his breathing and transferred out of the ICU, he will be moved to a rehabilitation center where he will be able to focus 100% of his energy on gaining mobility and getting his independence back.
Prior to the injury, Ryan lived a VERY active lifestyle. Ryan loved camping, boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, softball 24/7, working on cars, and coaching his daughter just to name a few. We all know Ryan to be strong and athletic. He is adamant about getting back to a life of normalcy. Ryan is one of the strongest people we know, and he will not give up on himself. With lots of support, prayers, love, encouragement, and rehab, we are optimistic he will have a favorable recovery. Despite this tragic situation, we’ve had some smiles and laughs, which makes the days seem so much brighter! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come. He needs all the positive healing energy he can get!
If you know Ryan, you know asking for help is not his forte. However, this is a one in a million exception. There have been many requests in ways to help, which is the reason we decided to set up this go fund me. Any support is greatly appreciated. All donations will help relieve some of the financial burden Ryan is already feeling and will go directly to medical bills and helping Ryan prepare for life when he returns home. Please help us spread this message on your Facebook timeline!
We will update you all in vital moments moving forward. On behalf of Ryan and his family, we truly appreciate the outpour of love and support from everyone! Thank you!
Currently, his doctors are unable to determine the level of impairment as he is still in the early stages of recovery. Once he is stable with his breathing and transferred out of the ICU, he will be moved to a rehabilitation center where he will be able to focus 100% of his energy on gaining mobility and getting his independence back.
Prior to the injury, Ryan lived a VERY active lifestyle. Ryan loved camping, boating, wakeboarding, snowboarding, softball 24/7, working on cars, and coaching his daughter just to name a few. We all know Ryan to be strong and athletic. He is adamant about getting back to a life of normalcy. Ryan is one of the strongest people we know, and he will not give up on himself. With lots of support, prayers, love, encouragement, and rehab, we are optimistic he will have a favorable recovery. Despite this tragic situation, we’ve had some smiles and laughs, which makes the days seem so much brighter! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come. He needs all the positive healing energy he can get!
If you know Ryan, you know asking for help is not his forte. However, this is a one in a million exception. There have been many requests in ways to help, which is the reason we decided to set up this go fund me. Any support is greatly appreciated. All donations will help relieve some of the financial burden Ryan is already feeling and will go directly to medical bills and helping Ryan prepare for life when he returns home. Please help us spread this message on your Facebook timeline!
We will update you all in vital moments moving forward. On behalf of Ryan and his family, we truly appreciate the outpour of love and support from everyone! Thank you!
Co-organizers (3)
randy garchar
Organizer
Alameda, CA
Scott Olson Sr.
Beneficiary
Julie Stauder
Co-organizer