Geoff Patterson was celebrating his 24 th birthday on the evening of Sept. 27 when the railing on his Nordic balcony gave way. He fell approximately 10 metres to the ground, and a friend fell on top of him.
The friend injured his ribs, kidneys and head, but at this time it looks like he will make a recovery.
Patterson crushed his T-12 vertebrae, which is located mid-back, in the fall and will be in a back brace for the next three months. His other injuries are relatively minor in comparison.
After the three months is over he is looking at several more months of rehabilitation and physiotherapy before he will be able to work again. The upcoming ski season is already a complete write-off.
Staying in Whistler "is going to be tight," he said, and he will likely have to secure a loan or a line of credit to pay bills until he is able to work again.
Both of his parents are in town taking care of him, and are racking up some bills of their own. His mother Donna plans to stay for the long-term, and is looking for a place to stay in town.
Patterson’s co-workers at Nicklaus North Golf Course are holding a few coffee days to help Patterson raise money for his recovery, and his friend Jennifer Lacroix at the North Shore Credit Union has set up a fund where people can donate money. The account number is #355115, Branch #5.
Other fundraising activities are being planned in the future, and will be announced when they are finalized.
