Support Gary’s Road to Recovery After Severe Accident

https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/transport-collision-closes-highway-11-17-east-of-thunder-bay-10221014

Hi, my name is Michelle and I have started a gofund me to help support my brother in-law Gary Schaap and his family during this difficult time.

Update on Gary - February 22nd

Hard to believe it’s been just one day shy of two weeks since the wreck.

Gary’s surgery on his arm has now been completed, and the team at Thunder Bay Hospital has finally been able to stabilize him enough to begin making plans for his transfer to a local hospital. There, he will continue his recovery journey with the support of family and friends.

As long as he remains stable through the night and the weather cooperates, the hospital is hoping to airlift him back home tomorrow. Keep the positive thoughts and prayers coming—he’s making progress every day!

Update on Gary’s Condition

We wanted to share an update on Gary’s situation following his serious trucking accident. He’s pretty beat up, with all the damage concentrated on his right side, which was pinned by the roof and passenger side of the cab during the crash.

Gary needs surgery on his right humerus, and there’s a possibility he’ll also require surgery on his right knee—a knee that had already undergone surgery a few years ago. These injuries, combined with the heart complications he’s experiencing, mean it will be some time before he can return home to his family.

We appreciate everyone’s continued support, prayers, and generosity during this challenging time.

Support for Gary Schaap and His Family

On February 11, 2025, a tragic accident changed everything for Gary Schaap. While driving on Highway 11/17 near Thunder Bay, Gary collided with a disabled transport truck that was left in a live lane at the top of a hill. Blinded by the sun and with only moments to react, he did everything he could to avoid the collision. Despite his efforts, the impact was severe.

Gary is a seasoned trucker with over 20 years of experience with ice road and Rocky mountain road experience as well, approximately 10 years of the same truck trip, the same road, he knows that area well as he has driven down it for many years. He is known not only for his driving skills but also for his compassion—having stopped countless times to help others in need, even using his own boot laces as tourniquets to save lives.

Now, Gary finds himself on the other side of tragedy. He suffered significant injuries, including a broken humerus requiring surgery, severe damage to his knee, and heart complications that have aggravated a pre-existing condition. He is currently in Thunder Bay, far from his home in Englehart, and doctors estimate it could be weeks before he is well enough to return home to his wife and their two young boys, an infant and a two-year-old.

Through tears, Gary keeps apologizing for the accident, blaming himself even though the circumstances were beyond his control. His family is heartbroken but grateful he survived. They face a long road to recovery, filled with medical expenses, lost income, and the challenge of being separated from their loved one.

Gary is not only a dedicated trucker but also a cherished member of his community—a councilman and active participant on several boards and committees. Englehart is rallying behind him, but they need our help.

We are raising funds to help support Gary and his family during this difficult time. The donations will go towards:

Medical expenses and ongoing treatments

Travel and accommodation costs for his family to be by his side

Daily living expenses as Gary is unable to work

Long-term recovery and rehabilitation

Gary has always been there for others, offering help and compassion without hesitation. Now it's our turn to support him and his family as they navigate this challenging journey.

Please donate if you can, and share this campaign to help us reach as many people as possible. Every bit helps.

Thank you for your support and prayers for Gary’s recovery.