Support Lance Clifford's Road to Recovery

On October 6, 2024, our family's worst fear suddenly shook our world when I received a phone call that the love of my life, best friend, and soulmate, Lance Clifford, was being urgently airlifted to Chico Medical Center after a terrible motorcycle wreck while attending an event at Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, CA. Lance shared his passion for riding with his son many times in the past several years and had attended many events. He was not new to riding; however, at a peak of 163 mph, he went down and ultimately suffered 6 fractured vertebrae and an emergency spinal fusion surgery, along with an immense amount of pain and a long road of recovery. For about 5 long, heartbreaking minutes, waiting to hear if he was going to make it was devastating, and I knew our lives would never be the same. When life hits, it hits hard and makes one stop and re-evaluate what really matters. Lance is very lucky to be alive and so far able to walk for short distances but remains in a tremendous amount of pain and will have to undergo continued physical/occupational therapy to regain his mobility and independence. Thankfully, the emergency protocol both at the track and medical center was efficient and quickly assessed his condition and rushed him to the hospital, where he spent 8 days and four hours away from home!

Fortunately, Lance is home and should make a near full recovery, but it’s going to be a long road, and it has been a life-altering adjustment for him as well as his entire family. Lance is self-employed in the marine business and has a physically demanding job that he is unable to do until he recovers and is not in so much pain. It has been a great deal of being forced to surrender to accept the help he needs and has always lived a very independent, self-sufficient lifestyle, which has taken its toll on him mentally and emotionally as well. His family has come together as family does in emergency situations, and he is definitely getting a firsthand experience in my caregiving background.

After sorting through the shock, disbelief, denial, and acceptance of this tragic event comes the reality, which includes $dollar$ signs bigger than any bills we have seen before, which are quite large in number. I have seen families fundraise for situations similar to ours and am hoping to ease at least some of the stress on our shoulders so we can focus on the rehabilitation portion with home health.

Lance is not a reckless rider and takes all the precautions regarding proper gear and safety. He was in no way being irresponsible when he wrecked; it was just an unfortunate accident that could have happened to anyone at any time, and just one error at those speeds can turn things for the worst, even for the most experienced rider.

We appreciate ANY help regardless of the amount and understand a lot of us are working hard to make a living. I guess the saying “Many hands make light work!” would be appropriate for our situation. I know the motorcycle community is very supportive, whether friends or acquaintances, but overall understanding as this could happen to anyone at any time.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and praying for a full recovery ❤️‍ for Lance!