Support Zach Wicka's Journey to Recovery

Dear Friends and Family,

We are reaching out to you asking for your support in an urgent time of need. Our son, grandson, nephew, brother and friend, Zach Wicka has faced a challenging and unexpected setback in his life.

On the afternoon of Sunday, May 5th, 2024, Zach dove into the Mississippi river with his younger brother, Drew, while swimming on a sandbar, something Zach and the rest of us have done many times before without incident. This time, Zach misjudged the depth of his landing spot, and injured his spinal cord, shattering vertebrae C4 and C5. Unable to feel his arms or legs, he couldn’t get out of the water.

Thanks to the quick and heroic rescue efforts of his brother, Drew, who pulled him from the waters, and his grandfather Brian’s quick thinking, emergency personnel arrived at the scene quickly by boat. Zach was airlifted to the Mayo Clinic and after 8 hours of emergency surgery his life was saved, but changed dramatically.

After 8 days in the ICU, Zach was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation center at the hospital. Here, he is working intensively on strengthening key muscles and improving as much movement as possible. The nature of his injury makes a precise prognosis for recovery uncertain. What we do know is that Zach is working hard to make as much progress as he can. So far he has made surprisingly quick strides every day. Zach will continue to spend the next year working on regaining his independence and fighting hard for his recovery.

Zach is expected to leave inpatient rehab in 4 to 6 weeks and move into his mother’s and father’s homes. This fundraiser is dedicated to providing Zach’s family with necessary mobility and medical equipment and other expenses needed for his recovery.

The strength of character, bravery and determination that Zach has shown in the face of these challenges fills us with awe and admiration. It inspires all of us who love him to work tirelessly together with him to help him strengthen his body and look forward to a bright future. Let’s come together as a community to help Zach on his journey. The support you give now will make a really important difference in Zach’s life. Knowing that you are there for him will help him maintain his positivity and his strength of spirit. If you can contribute, please know that it will be greatly appreciated, and please share with friends and family who may want to help Zach.

We thank you for your prayers, kindness, generosity and compassion,

The Wicka and Michaels Family