Join Hands

My best friend, lover, adventurer in arms, Joyce, suffered a traumatic accident yesterday while climbing in the Sierra Nevada mountains. She was attempting the Northeast Ridge of Giraud Peak in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon Wilderness with a group of friends as part of the Sierra Challenge. A rock pulled off on the ridge and she lost her purchase, falling 300 feet down a combination of steep rock and snow.

Fortunately, the others weren't too far off and were able to come to her aid. A runner was sent for help and Search and Rescue (SAR) dispatched a helicopter to the scene. She was evacuated to the nearest hospital later that evening, suffering from numerous broken bones and significant head trauma.

It is truly a blessing that Joyce is alive and well, considering the magnitude of the fall she endured. My friend Bob Burd updated me on her treatment and recovery:

"The doctor expects she will need six weeks to recover, but acknowledges it could be very quickly considering the fortitude Joyce exhibited during her treatments last night. She asked for no pain medication, never complained, never flinched through hours of treatment and dressing. He claimed she was the most amazing patient he's ever seen in this regard. She will need to see doctors in LA (orthopedic, plastic surgeon, and opthamologist) to be reevaluated and have some additional work done as she recovers, but the prognosis is quite good."

My deepest, heartfelt thanks go out to all the wonderful individuals involved in the rescue, especially Bob Burd and his amazing team of climbers, including Ron, Ryan, Eric, Glenn, Tom, Monique, Robert, the SAR team, the folks at the hospital, and anyone else I may have not heard of. You are all true heroes! My best wishes for the rest of the Sierra Challenge to all the climbers.

I know Joyce will return from this experience stronger and bolder. She has an amazing drive and a beautiful spirit that never ceases to amaze me.

I'd also like to join hands and remind all my friends, near and far, to please be safe out there in whatever adventures you're pursuing, whether climbing high peaks, driving through city streets, biking across miles of open road, or confronting personal challenges of your own.

Please send prayers, words of encouragement and warm wishes for a speedy recovery to Joyce at jazamoo@gmail.com

For those who might prefer to send cards or visit her, she'll be recuperating at her parent's home in Glendora, CA.

In ending, and to highlight Joyce's true spirit, I've quoted below her eloquent manifesto for living. She never ceases to be a wellspring of inspiration, endurance, and strength for me. Thank you, Joyce - I love you.

"Fearlessly live each day as an adventurous experience, one day at a time, each day to the fullest, accomplishing one small step towards achieving my goals and positively changing the world. Exude happiness, energy, and optimism, exploring unexplored regions both physically and mentally, expanding others’ perceptions of the world through my photographic vision, while inspiring others to go out and experience nature’s beauty and conserve our earth’s resources through sustainable living."

Rock on, girl!

Much love to all,
Jeff