Neal Gaalswyk Papa Neal

On Saturday evening, February 20, 2021 at around 6 p.m. Neal had a mishap while working on a skidsteer loader in our workshop. It came off its blocks and jackstands suddenly, struck him and sent him flying. After getting his bearings he was able to shut off the machine, find his phone and then go back onto the ground. I (Kathy) was in the house when he called and asked me to come and help him. At first he was too overwhelmed with pain to talk, but we were able to do a quick assessment and realize we needed to get help. I called Dave and Jen (Gaalswyk) and asked them to come and we called 911 for an ambulance. Neal was taken to the hospital in Brainerd where he is receiving great care. He has a broken left leg (just above the ankle), an injured knee, an injured arm (which amazingly is not broken), and several fractures in his back. No surgeries are needed at this point and the doctor is confident the various breaks will heal within about six weeks. We are so thankful that the Lord spared Neal's life and that the injuries aren't more serious given the circumstances. We are also overwhelmed by the love and support of so many family and friends. Thank you!


Note: About 10 days after the accident we discovered that Neal's right foot is also broken.