Welcome to Shad's CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
Many of you know Shad was a Pediatric Physical Therapist for years, what you may not know is that Shad had returned to school recently in hopes of becoming a teacher. This spring, amidst the closure of Montana schools, he was able to complete his student teaching and was excited to begin applying for positions. Although shortly after schools closed, he was diagnosed with the Coronavirus and had spent two-weeks in mandatory quarantine. With this behind him he was working several part-time jobs until he could secure a teaching position. On the morning of May 13th Shad was traveling home from his job and was in a serious car accident that left him with injuries outside the capabilities of local facilities. He was air-lifted from Bozeman to the Neuroscience Center in Billings, Montana. He remains in the ICU where he has not yet regained consciousness due to swelling on the brain. In addition to the trauma on his brain he also obtained multiple broken bones, including his pelvis, tailbone and ribs that punctured both lungs.
Unfortunately, due to his circumstances he had not accumulated enough hours to qualify for medical coverage. He carried only basic car insurance which is not sufficient to cover something as extensive as this. Doctors have explained that Shad will have a long road to recovery. Incurring costs of therapy, in-home care, and other medical supplies and services are going to mount. We have been made aware that the life flight by itself is somewhere in the range of $50,000.00 and not covered by insurance. Costs will soar way beyond his means. This fund has been set up to help with his medical needs.
There is also a Shad James Trust Fund that has been set up through Valor Law Group , PO Box 637, Pateros, WA 98846. This fund will be used to help pay daily expenses Shad will have as he recovers (rent, utilities, etc).
Shad has been an inspiration to so many through the years. Whether it was his patience and knowledge as a therapist, his remarkable skill as a wrestling coach or his endurance through his battles with Lyme Disease he has remained a model of faith in his church, endurance and vitality in the gym and a father of six who has ingrained a sense of humility and sincerity within his children. He has always been there for us with his indelible wit, infectious smile and a word or two of encouragement.
We are very grateful for everyone's PRAYERS (please keep them coming) and for your financial contributions. Let's help Shad as he takes on this next chapter of his life and surround him with a gift that will allow him to focus on his recovery. And with that I say let's support #SHAD STRONG!!
Shad is being the typical rock star we know him to be. He has been sitting up, engaging in short conversations and even eating puree on his own. His parents and sister will be visiting him next week. He seemed excited to hear that when they told him. Doctors continue to be impressed with his recovery.
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