A Vernon man is seeking the public鈥檚 support, after a motorcycle crash last week changed his life.
On Mother鈥檚 Day, Jake Suttling was heading to Lumby to see his mother, Gen Acton, when he was struck down by a pick up truck on Hwy 6 at the School Rd intersection in Lavington.
According to Acton, Jake was then airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital, where a team of trauma surgeons 鈥渉ave been working hard to save his legs.鈥�
鈥淪o far, he has undergone 11 hours of complex surgeries on his lower body; pelvis, hips, knees, femur, bilateral lower legs, both wrists are fractured as well as internal injuries,鈥� Acton said in a GoFundMe post. 鈥淗e also needs extensive dental repairs.鈥�
Suttling鈥檚 road to recovery is going to be long and onerous, according to his mother, as he will need to relocate from his home to a wheelchair accessible home that will allow for the special equipment required for rehabilitation.
Suttling works as a Tile setter, and will likely need a new career upon recovery, due to the physical demands of his work.
鈥淲hile there are many losses here, we are thankful to still have Jake with us,鈥� said Acton. 鈥淚f not for the conscientious of his personal safety with protective clothing it could have been a very different story. The strength, resilience and compassion for the driver who hit him that he has shown already is truly remarkable.鈥�
Despite the grim news, Acton was thankful for the quick work of the all who assisted following the incident.
鈥淚 will be forever grateful to all of the first responders and caring citizens who stopped to help my son that day.鈥�
If you are interested in financially supporting Suttling鈥檚 road to recovery, the GoFundMe. So far, close to $4,000 has been raised, with a $30,000 goal set.
Acton also listed out three other options for support:
1. Share the road. Be alert and aware of motorbikes
2. An account has been set up at Chasers and Interior Bottle Depot under Jake Suttling
4. Stay tuned for a September fundraiser; details to follow
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bowen.assman@vernonmorningstar.com
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