The Tangeman Family

Hi, I’m Mary Goldsmith and along with some of Melissa and Rob’s closest friends, Dallas and I are fundraising to support The Tangeman Family in this extremely challenging time. If you’re here, you know that their only son, Ethan, suffered a debilitating and very unexpected medical event at the end of February. This situation was made more dire as it overlapped with our recent snow storms, which closed our roads and suspended transportation up and down the hill. This resulted in Ethan being airlifted out of our valley, down to Redlands during a major storm. His diagnosis was acute Guillain-Barre syndrome, and Ethan was paralyzed from the waist down. While he initially made some improvements, his condition has worsened into complete paralysis. Clearly, his road to recovery will be extensive. Ethan will have to relearn everything that has always come naturally to him: breathing, moving his fingers and toes, turning his head and eventually, talking, walking, and fishing. It is an exhausting and emotional toll on Melissa and Rob, and especially Ethan.

Melissa and Rob were among the first friends I made when Dallas first “imported” me to Big Bear and that friendship has endured through the years. That is in no small part due to Melissa and Rob’s undying love and loyalty for their friends and family. For Dallas and I specifically, that has meant being a part of some of the most important days of our lives, some of the most fun days, and some of the toughest days. If you’re here, I’m sure that the love and spirited energy they both exude has also had a positive impact on you and your family. And if you don’t know Melissa, Rob or Ethan personally, I guarantee one of them has contributed to your Big Bear experience. Over the years Melissa has worked at Goldsmith’s (of course!), Thelma’s, Sweet Basil, Nottingham’s, Wyatt’s, Oktoberfest (2018 Queen!), and currently, at Big Bear Mountain Resort. Rob may have paved your home or business driveway (more than once!), your patio, or just stopped to help you if you’re stuck by the side of the road. You may know Ethan from him serving as your Captain for the Marina boat tour, or because he’s one of the very few skiers found in “The Park” at Bear. He’s also one of the finest bass fisherman and loves to spend all his free time fishing.

That love and loyalty has inspired us to start this fundraiser. As mentioned, Ethan’s recovery will not be easy. Twenty-five days and counting in the ICU so far, with an expected minimum of six months of aggressive acute physical therapy to follow. We expect his medical expenses to be significant, even despite insurance support. We’ve set an initial target of $30,000 in coordination with Melissa and Rob and will adjust as necessary as time progresses. The Tangemans have contributed so much to our community over the years, and we look forward to how our community will reach out to contribute back to them. Thank you in advance and please feel free to contact us if you have questions or concerns.

The Goldsmith, Clays and Krause families