J Tree Accident - GoFundMe for Bernadette

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Messages 1 - 132 of total 132 in this topic
jbaker

Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 15, 2018 - 10:18am PT
Many of you will know Bernadette Regan, the Climbing Ranger at Joshua Tree. She had a bad climbing accident on Thursday and is in critical condition.

Her sister has started a GoFundMe to help out with medical bills. I don't have any details beyond what was posted on the GoFundMe (pasted below):

https://www.gofundme.com/bernadette-regan

On Thursday, September 14, my sister Bernadette Regan, the Joshua Tree Climbing Ranger, had a climbing accident while in the park. While the details are still filtering in, the good news is that Bernadette survived. She is currently in critical condition in Palm Springs, and on Friday underwent surgery to reconstruct her arm and leg. She sustained full body injuries including two skull fractures, although the doctors are initially saying that her head and back are fine. Even with insurance, Bernadette’s medical bills will be extensive, and I’m hoping to help lighten the burden. I know she has touched many lives in our little community. Please help if you can. We will continue to post updates on her status.

Also, I'll be setting up a calendar in the near future for visitors and meals for when she is back home. If you'd like to have access to the calendar, please send me (Liz) an email.
Spider Savage

Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
Sep 15, 2018 - 10:22am PT
Thanks for posting. Sorry to hear this. Sounds like a long fall.

Glad to hear no serious brain or spine injury.

Bernadette is a great person.
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Sep 15, 2018 - 11:05am PT
Holy sh**t, bad news. My daughter is busy donating as I write this.
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Sep 15, 2018 - 11:42am PT
Oh my!
Very sorry to hear this.
susan peplow

climber
Joshua Tree, CA
Sep 15, 2018 - 12:19pm PT
Not confirmed but suspect this is the same accident. Skim over the silliness about having water and a cell phone. Hope she heads up quickly.

http://z1077fm.com/rock-climber-rescued-in-joshua-tree-national-park-thursday/
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
Sep 15, 2018 - 01:26pm PT
Oh no! I only met Bernadette once, when I was among a group of volunteers planting native vegetation and marking out trails over by Double Cross. She's one of those people who leaves a lasting impression.

This is terrible news. Everyone who cares about climbing in Joshua Tree owes her a debt of gratitude.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Sep 15, 2018 - 01:36pm PT
Very, very best wishes to this most important part of the Joshua Tree & So Cal climbing community.

Bernadette has always impressed me with her quiet professionalism and high standards for climbers who visit JTNP. She is a very strong woman who will no doubt come roaring back into her life.
phylp

Trad climber
Upland, CA
Sep 15, 2018 - 01:45pm PT
Thank you for getting the word out. I'm very sorry to hear this.
Todd Gordon

Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
Sep 15, 2018 - 06:31pm PT
My heart is heavy. So sorry to hear this. Anyway I can help , let me know.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Sep 15, 2018 - 07:38pm PT
hey there, say, all...

all my... :( very sad to hear this...

we will be in her corner, as however we can...


thanks for letting everyone know...
prayers and hopes, for her healing...


:(
jstan

climber
Sep 15, 2018 - 08:39pm PT
This is terrible! We all have suffered serious injury.
Hoser

climber
Vancouver,Rome
Sep 15, 2018 - 11:50pm PT
How did your country get so f*#ked up...wow...what a shame
Ksolem

Trad climber
Monrovia, California
Sep 16, 2018 - 12:05am PT
How did your country get so f*#ked up...wow...what a shame

wtf?

I hope Bernadette is a year 'round NPS employee? If so she has good health insurance.
onyourleft

climber
So Oregon
Sep 16, 2018 - 12:19am PT
How did your country get so f*#ked up...

It's a long story. How much time do you have?
In the meantime, please focus on Bernadette.
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Sep 16, 2018 - 08:31am PT
Can anyone give a report on her current status?
jstan

climber
Sep 16, 2018 - 10:02am PT
Thank you for the information on her condition, Everything that can help Bernadette needs to be done.
jstan

climber
Sep 16, 2018 - 07:03pm PT
bump
thebravecowboy

climber
The Good Places
Sep 16, 2018 - 08:52pm PT
she was not at work when it happened, I take it?

been thinking a ton about this happening and person lately. beaming good kind vibes. best. best. best.
Mungeclimber

Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
Sep 16, 2018 - 10:20pm PT
Heal fast!
jstan

climber
Sep 16, 2018 - 10:51pm PT
People with totally dissimilar backgrounds and requirements are now found in climbing areas. JT, drawing as it does on LA arguably the most diverse city of all, has to be one of the most diverse we have ever seen. It takes a truly stunning and sunny optimism to take on the task Bernadette set for herself. She can't be viewed simply as a person. She is a phenomenon,
jbaker

Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Sep 17, 2018 - 08:48am PT
Bernadette's sister posted this update on GoFundMe:

A quick update on my sister: Bern is stable today and is looking relatively good. They just told us that she might be moved from ICU to a trauma floor because she is stable.
GDavis

Social climber
SOL CAL
Sep 17, 2018 - 02:26pm PT
Let's help get her back on her feet

i'm gumby dammit

Sport climber
da ow
Sep 17, 2018 - 03:15pm PT
Cross posted this to mountainproject too.
jt newgard

Trad climber
San Diego, CA
Sep 17, 2018 - 03:33pm PT
I met Bernadette on a very difficult day during a YOSAR operation.

Then a few months later ran into her at Joshua Tree and she offered to climb with me.

It was the first time I felt good about climbing in a long time and will always be grateful for that.

So.......get better Bernadette and see you at Climber Coffee :)

PS. Keep the donations coming people, she deserves every penny! Knowing Bernadette we may end up with some extra barrelfuls of coffee this year!!
epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Sep 17, 2018 - 05:09pm PT
Hi all,

I am Liz, Bern's sister.

1. I am so so so so so appreciative of the kind words of the people on this forum, on the GoFundMe, on Mountain Project, and in the private messages, voicemails and text messages that my family and I have received. There have been so many people reaching out and sharing their love for my sister, that, even in this terrible situation, we all feel so warmed. DustyDreamer got it right, she will be f*cking mortified over all of this, but I can only imagine how deeply cared for she will feel once it all sinks in.

2. Bern is doing better each day. There's no doubt that she is strong and will get through this. Her injuries are extensive but she is showing improvement. I do not want to list off her injuries because I will probably get something wrong.

3. She was not on duty when she fell. The NPS and her coworkers have been phenomenal and only showed their utmost support for her healing.

4. I am also not comfortable describing what happened. Although I am a climber (Bern taught me!), I was not there.

5. Lastly, as to the legitimacy of the GoFundMe, there will be many more expenses for Bern other than just medical bills. Bern's recovery time will be long and she will need much assistance in that time.

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. I will respond as soon as I can.

Thank you again.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 17, 2018 - 05:13pm PT
Thanks for the update epecknold. When would it be appropriate for Bern to start having visitors? I know when I had a climbing fall and was in the hospital for 50 days I lived off visits of my friends.

Thanks.
epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Sep 17, 2018 - 05:24pm PT
Hi Largo,

Bern has had a steady stream of visitors since she was hospitalized but because she is in ICU, there's a limitation to how many she can see. She's also still heavily sedated. When she gets out of ICU officially, I think it would make the most sense to visit at that point. I'll keep everyone posted on when that happens.

-e
looking sketchy there...

Social climber
Lassitude 33
Sep 17, 2018 - 05:30pm PT
I am so sorry to have read this news; but am heartened to see that she is doing better. None of us are immune to a potential accident.

Bernadette is not only one of "the Tribe," but an incredibly hard working, conscientious person who has had a huge impact on the Joshua Tree climbing community. She has been particularly instrumental in helping engender excellent relationships between climbers and the Park.


Randy V.
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Sep 17, 2018 - 07:36pm PT
Get better soon, Bernadette!
Tom Patterson

Trad climber
Seattle
Sep 18, 2018 - 06:24am PT
Really happy to hear the news of some improvement. I don't know if I've ever met Bernadette, but she is clearly well-respected and embraced by the community, and in the midst of so many stories of accidents that have a worse outcome, I'm so glad to hear the most recent update. Good vibes and prayers for her continued and full recovery.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 18, 2018 - 10:43am PT
Thanks, epecknold. If she has any surgeries to fix her leg and wrist etc, she'll likely be on pain meds for a while. Just hoping for the unlikely chance that her injuries are not too severe, though anyone who takes a 30-40 foot groundfall is bound to be hurting, even Super-Bern.

Hoping for the best. As Randy pointed out, there is simply no one else to replace her, someone who so authentically bridges the once-giant gap between rangers and climbers.
ninjakait

Trad climber
Sep 18, 2018 - 04:42pm PT
Sending best wishes to Bernadette and family. She indeed does much for our climbing community and I am hoping for her speedy recovery!
F10

Trad climber
Bishop
Sep 18, 2018 - 07:23pm PT
Best wishes for a full recovery. It was ten years ago that I had a terrible accident in the park. I know the climbing community is great !!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Sep 18, 2018 - 09:22pm PT
hey there say, liz... please, let us know where we can send cards, too...


thank you for the update and infos...
ionlyski

Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
Sep 19, 2018 - 12:26am PT
Go Bernadette!
jstan

climber
Sep 19, 2018 - 09:06am PT
Done

More to go though in the "Jody look here thread."


monolith

climber
state of being
Sep 19, 2018 - 10:33am PT
epecknold, PM's don't work here. Why they leave that button up is baffling.
Matt's

climber
Sep 19, 2018 - 11:21am PT
doesn't have to be a lead climbing incident-- could have been a rappel accident, could have been a lowering miscommunication, could have tripped and fallen at the top, etc...
epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Sep 19, 2018 - 12:51pm PT
Hm... good to know about the PMs... I was trying to figure out where I would receive a message if someone responded.

Anyway, @neebee and anyone else that's interested, feel free to email me at elizabeth.a.regan@gmail.com for the mailing address for my sister. I don't feel comfortable posting it on here.

Also, it was a rappelling accident. She is still in the ICU, but has been cleared to move out once a bed opens up for her in the unit below.
GDavis

Social climber
SOL CAL
Sep 19, 2018 - 01:08pm PT
Lots of accidents in that area, something about those big beautiful tall walls and casual hang, or just coincidence. Glad to hear she is recovering, she is a super strong individual physically and mentally. I'm anxious like a lot of us to find out how long until we can hang out again and hoping that she will make a full recovery, but I think things are still in the acute phase as it were... sending good vibes
cornel

climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Sep 19, 2018 - 01:14pm PT
Bernadette No...! I am so very sorry to hear this. We climbed a couple times in TMs 3 or 4 years ago. Praying you have a complete and total recovery ASAP! You are a wonderful Important part of this Tribe, very very appreciated...
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Sep 19, 2018 - 03:13pm PT
Bump again for Bernadette.

Donate!!!!
Fluoride

Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA/Joshua Tree
Sep 19, 2018 - 03:49pm PT
SomebodyAnybody, the article said she was 100 ft up when the rescue went down so I don't think it happened on Hemingway Buttress proper, it's lower to the ground. Article just said Hemingway area. Sounds like maybe IRS Wall or Dairy Queen since those bases are higher up. I was on Lower Dairy Queen last Saturday and didn't see much evidence anyone had been up there in awhile so couldn't have been there.

Hoping for a speedy recovery for Bernadette. My heart sank when I read the KCDZ article about a ranger being injured in a climbing accident and was so hoping it wasn't her.
johntp

Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
Sep 19, 2018 - 06:54pm PT
Anyway, @neebee and anyone else that's interested, feel free to email me at elizabeth.a.regan@gmail.com

If you aren't familiar with who neebee is, do a search on this forum for "neebee appreciation" She is an angel.

Sending my best for your sister's recovery. Never met her; sounds like an amazing woman.
Loco de Pedra

Mountain climber
Around the World
Sep 21, 2018 - 08:58am PT
I met her few times while climbing at jtree. Super nice humble and open.
Best recovery Bernadette!
Abend

Social climber
Sep 21, 2018 - 04:57pm PT
bumpity
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Sep 22, 2018 - 05:33am PT
Request sent for Bernadette's mailing address.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Sep 23, 2018 - 01:35pm PT
Anybody know if she’d like visitors?
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 23, 2018 - 02:05pm PT
Time for an update. Anyone?
Tan Slacks

climber
Joshua Tree
Sep 23, 2018 - 03:20pm PT
This is from the 21st. A friend posted this on Facebook

This is what I know of Bernadette’s condition right now. She is improving, even speaking in full sentences. But, she is still in the ICU as she still requires intensive care. In about a week they expect that she will move to another room where she will not need to be cared for as frequently as in the ICU. Last Sunday was a busy day of visitors. Her family actually requested no visitors that following Monday just to give her a chance to rest. Friends are welcome to visit her again and visits have slowed down. Moving forward, I think we should avoid going on days/times when everyone else is likely to be visiting! Try going during the other mid week lonely days.
Finally, as I understand, Bernadette will be recovering in her own home with her mother’s and family help. Several people have expressed interest in getting a rotation of food delivery organized including Autumn Meadows, Erik Kramer-Webb and Tee Walsh, Kelly Nathan Corbin and Rebecca Dulatre Corbin and I’m sure there will be more! When she will be discharged is uncertain. Keep an eye on messages posted on Friends of Joshua Tree for details.
Hope this helps put some minds at ease. We have a great community here in the high desert. Let’s keep up the support in the months to come.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Sep 24, 2018 - 02:37am PT
hey there, say, tan slacks... thank you so much!!! say, also,
to bern's sister...


after i emailed you:
i thought you emailed, me, with an address, but, i can't find it (the email) ...


shall i just email you again, or, would you want to email, me...

thanks...

will check back in, tomorrow...

epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Sep 24, 2018 - 07:57am PT
Hi all,

Sorry I have been slow to reply, I was traveling the last couple days and not on my computer.

Bern is officially out of the ICU and into a trauma ward. They removed her chest tubes and she is slowly becoming more aware although she still does not remember what happened.

I am working through the many emails that I have received re: my lovely sister. I also have a visitation calendar set up and will be emailing out the link once I get things sorted out today.

Visitors are more than welcome and I am again so appreciative of everyone and anyone that has taken the time to see her.

-Liz
Happiegrrrl2

Trad climber
Sep 24, 2018 - 09:33am PT
So glad to read the update(s). Best wishes to Bernadette in her recovery.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 24, 2018 - 10:23am PT
Liz, Bern is unfortunately NOT the first climber who suffered an accident and for whom a fund was established for obvious reasons. I (and many others) have seen this cycle a dozen or more times and here are a few things worth mentioning, IME.

First, we acknowledge that at the early stages - like the first few days - specific details per injuries is not as important as alerting the community that someone in the tribe got hurt and we need to get some funding going.

However, after a week or so and the person's basic injuries are understood in a general way, it is worth disclosing these (in general terms) because THE INJURIES DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUNDING IS REQUIRED. Quite naturally, when people are guessing per the extent of the victim's injuries, they are left to guess what's an appropriate donation.

Keeping the injuries too far on the down-low - should the injuries be serious - actually works again the funding effort because the amount required to help address serious injuries IS ALMOST ALWAYS UNDERESTIMATED AT THE OUTSET.

For example, when El Cap crusher Quinn Brett was paralyzed from her fall on The Nose, a fund was set up based on injuries that nobody fully understood because details were kept on the down low. We all understand nobody wanted to declare Quinn paralyzed from the waist down, but owing to a hammered spinal cord, doctors pretty much knew as much from the outset. Once I heard this I talked to Quinn's friend and partner Libby Sauter and said that after discussing the case with my daughter (an MD), the fund goal first established for Quinn was WAY low compared to what she'd need going forward. So her injuries were declared to our little tribe, were understood, and we all ponied up what was required.

Point being, while these are all family decisions, this is not a public forum in the regular sense. It's a forum for a specific community that Bern lives in. We all know that you can't rap off the end of a rope, hit the ground from 30 or 40 feet up and not be hurting. If we all know roughly the extent of her injuries, that, for example she was facing a lot of ortho work etc., the fund goal could be adjusted accordingly - which is the whole point.

Right now, most contributors are pitching in not knowing much of anything. I do hope that Bern's injuries are less than we all imagine, but if not, we'll need to evaluate that fund goal and adjust it accordingly.

Just my 2 cents.
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Sep 24, 2018 - 10:30am PT
Is Largo's post implying that she rapped off the end of her rope?
Or did an anchor pull?
We are all keen for details because maybe the accident analysis may help prevent a repeat.

My family will be moving to J Tree for 5 months while I will spend 50% of my time down there. We are willing to help out once Bernadette gets home.
Keep us posted.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Sep 24, 2018 - 11:01am PT
“If we all know roughly the extent of her injuries, that, for example she was facing a lot of ortho work etc., the fund goal could be adjusted accordingly - which is the whole point.”

Edit to below:
So let's not guess, and for right now, be supportive of an important member of our community.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 24, 2018 - 12:45pm PT
We are all keen for details because maybe the accident analysis may help prevent a repeat.


That too. IME, it's best to do this early on because people's lives swallow them up and the issues never get addressed. Right now we're really guessing with such scant info.
John M

climber
Sep 24, 2018 - 02:12pm PT
Yes Apogee.. not guess, but instead hear a report of her injuries. Thanks Largo for posting that request.

As for how it happened. Lets not do that on this thread. Lets keep this for support. Since its not Liz's forte, perhaps she could ask someone who is a climber and knows Bernadette to post up a new thread.




Edit: sorry.. I didn't realize that Liz is a climber

VVVVVVV
John M

climber
Sep 24, 2018 - 03:50pm PT
Sorry Liz, I didn't see that you are a climber.

It's not like we have some right to know, no matter how concerned we may be or how much we feel it may be somehow benefit the community to know.

Certainly not a right, but perhaps a generally accepted duty to report the facts so that others can learn/ or just be reminded of what can happen to even the best of us. I reminded of Todd Skinners accident and how many climbers with older harnesses went out and bought new ones.
bungs

Trad climber
CA
Sep 24, 2018 - 05:53pm PT
Right now, most contributors are pitching in not knowing much of anything. I do hope that Bern's injuries are less than we all imagine, but if not, we'll need to evaluate that fund goal and adjust it accordingly.

Want to reiterate this has happened with other accident-recovery crowdfunding attempts as well.

Hopefully the community has the patience to wait until the person with an injury speaks about what is needed, knowing that the community is willing and eager to help.
epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Sep 25, 2018 - 10:02am PT
Hi all,

I hope it will suffice, for now, to say that Bern's injuries are extensive. My (Bern's too) mother, specifically, asked me to remain vague for Bern's sake until she is aware of everything that is going on. If you would like to visit her personally to show her your support and assess the damages, please do. She needs a lot more than monetary support right now, this will be a very long road.

As far as what actually happened, Bern rapped off the end of her rope on Hemingway Buttress. She fell approx 40 feet into rocks. She had a helmet on. As far as more specific details to the accident, again, I was not there and do not feel comfortable sharing specifics.

As far as the money, every one has been so generous and my family and I are so appreciative. At this point, we do not know what this will cost. There was a helicopter, over a week in the ICU, surgeries, etc. My mother is a medical professional and she seems to think that 50k is a fair amount because Bern does have insurance, but we really do not know what this will come to. We are setting up a trust so Bern can access the money when she is able. Again, the money will not just cover medical expenses, but also, the probable home modifications, in-home care, etc.

Please feel free to reach out to me privately if you would like to know more (my personal email is further up in this thread). I am floored by the support of Bern. She's a special lady and I am so proud to know that other people feel similarly.
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Sep 25, 2018 - 11:05am PT
Still waiting e mail response to request for Bernadette’s mailing address.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Sep 25, 2018 - 11:07am PT
zip, as several others have mentioned lately, if you sent it via the ST system, it's likely that it didn't go through. I tried doing the same upthread, and also got no response.
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Sep 25, 2018 - 12:24pm PT
Thanks for the update on Bern.
looking sketchy there...

Social climber
Lassitude 33
Sep 25, 2018 - 02:19pm PT
Thank you for the update.

I check this thread (and my thoughts turn to Bernadette) every day. Hope to be able to visit her in the future.
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Sep 25, 2018 - 04:19pm PT
Could be spreading false hear-say - but the info seems to correlate:

http://www.reddit.com/r/climbing/comments/9gm4ch/joshua_tree_climbing_ranger_injured_in_climbing/

Heard it from someone who knows. Was doing a single strand rap on a gri gri but accidentally rapped off the short end of the rope

Hope she heals up okay.
ionlyski

Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
Sep 25, 2018 - 06:33pm PT
Does it matter? She was in an accident and was badly injured. She needs our help. I'd like to respectfully suggest we let her tell her story when she's ready. Hashing over second- or third- hand info really doesn't accomplish much.

Oh Gawd Dusty. This is a Climber's forum. Stop wringing your hands trying to control the mob. Inquiring minds want to know. Doesn't mean they have ill intentions or disrespect.

Arne
Murf

climber
Sep 25, 2018 - 08:28pm PT
My partners and I have a saying: "If it goes South, I hope they don't talk about us on the internet".

I'm not infallible. I'm alternately cocky, tired, pedantic, an as#@&%e, a safety Nazi, and sketchy AF( as the kids might say).

Sometimes we get lucky when we blow it, and sometimes we don't. For me, I see something like this and I feel terrible for the person ( and remember, this is a person not an abstract ) and I'm not so arrogant to feel like it could never be me.

Anyway, Bernadette has always been wonderful to me, and I wish her the best through this.

Peas,

Murf
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Sep 26, 2018 - 03:49am PT
Confirming this is right e mail address to request Bernadette's mailing address?
elizabeth.a.regan@gmail.com
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
Sep 26, 2018 - 06:05am PT
Please let us know if Bern has spinal cord injuries,
I will give more money if she does.

I wish her the best in the recovery process.
Thanks
Ezra
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 27, 2018 - 09:13am PT
The last thing I would ever suggest is that knowing details of an accident isn't useful and I do hope Bernadette will feel good about sharing them at some point. But that's her choice.


Thing is, in most any other technical endeavor, the details of any accident are IMMEDIATELY depersonalized and objectified to the last detail - so far as is possible - in order to understand how "things went south." Aeronautics, SCUBA diving, industrial accidents, etc. all have professional organizations and protocols to try and get to the bottom of any accident with an eye toward future prevention.

Invading someone's personal space is one thing best left to family and those near and dear; understanding in general terms what went wrong, however, is the concern of all those engaged in the same activity, and "choosing" to withhold information defies both common sense and the common good, IMO.

That much said, the need to immediately gratify our desire to "know" can also work against sober and measured evaulations, but eventually the facts are better known than not. Fact is, someone was seriously injured here, and that has to remain our first concern. It's also, strictly speaking, nobodies business but Bern's per her exact physical condition. Her sister clarified that she is seriously injured, including a traumatic brain injury, so those donating to her fund know this is no sprained ankle we are talking about. But that, IMO, is a different affair than the technical issues surrounding her accident, the importance of which transcend any individual.

Hope to visit Bern soon.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Sep 27, 2018 - 09:19am PT
All true enough, but this is the SuperTopo Forum, where history hasn't consistently stuck to those principles. And a little more elapsed time from the event would be helpful, too.
ionlyski

Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
Sep 27, 2018 - 09:44am PT
Sorry Dusty,

Hope your friend manages as best as possible. Sounds like an incredible person who has touched many lives.

Arne
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Sep 27, 2018 - 10:49am PT
"choosing" to withhold information defies both common sense and the common good, IMO.
Agree.

However, adding up 2+2 in this case, gri gri raps are moderately complicated to set up, which is why they're not popular, nor as safe. Her partner may not have seen or understood or could with 100% certainty say what happened. With a head injury, Bern may never remember nor be able to tell either. We're left waiting to see what SAR found out. It might also be embarrassing to talk about what many may perceive as a simple error for a climbing professional to make, so those close may be withholding out of respect for her dignity before giving her a chance to say for herself.

That said, I'm going to pencil in the gri gri thing in my head for what might have happened and await a SAR report.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
Sep 27, 2018 - 12:42pm PT
Happy to hear Bern is making progress.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Sep 27, 2018 - 06:34pm PT
hey there say, zip...

yep... you got it right...

i got a reply... so it is posted correctly...
Skywonger32

Trad climber
Long Beach, Ca
Sep 27, 2018 - 11:53pm PT
Hi Liz,

Glad to hear your sister is stable. Thank you for sharing updates with our climbing community. Hoping for the best with Bernadette's recovery --she was always super pleasant to chat with at the park. We are all rooting for her!

As a healthcare professional involved in Rehab I would advocate for her to get situated at an Acute Rehab center vs. a SNF or Extended Care Facility to maximize her recovery. The two local facilities I would recommend would be:

1) Casa Colina Hospital & Centers for Healthcare - Located in Pomona, an excellent Acute Rehab Center with a Transitional Living Center on campus for patients with neurologic conditions such as TBI, SCI, etc. Incredible PT/OT/SLP Rehab teams and facilities.

2) Hoag Hospital Acute Rehab Unit - Located in Newport Beach, a brand new Rehab Unit (Summer 2018) also specializing in patients with neurological and orthopedic conditions with state of the art equipment and excellent team.

I don't post on Supertopo often so please feel free to message me if you have any questions I can help with.

Best wishes,

Laura Wong, PT, DPT, OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Rudder

Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
Sep 28, 2018 - 02:20am PT
Sometimes we get lucky when we blow it, and sometimes we don't.

So true!

I would take it a step further and say, most of the time we get lucky when we blow it. I've always thought we are oftentimes not setup for a catastrophic situations. And uplift on lead pro or anchors with trad gear. An injured partner. A fall when it would be factor 2. And, rappels, mostly rappels. Reading the north american climbing accidents for decades now, it's always rappels. They get the most climbers, for sure.
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Sep 28, 2018 - 04:48am PT
Two skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury is pretty bad;
it could yield significant disability for the rest of her life.
It will take awhile to see how much she can recover.
So sorry to see this happen to a young person with much of her life ahead of her.
https://www.brainline.org/article/what-impact-will-moderate-or-severe-tbi-have-persons-life
JLP

Social climber
The internet
Sep 28, 2018 - 09:52am PT
what-impact-will-moderate-or-severe-tbi-have-persons-life
Everyone is unique and will take a different path to a different place. I would highly recommend anyone associated with the victim to stay off Google looking for answers to the unknowable, it will create a hell of loneliness and expectation. Put the focus instead on getting evaluated by different professionals. No single one of them knows everything, none of them have ever before seen Bern's unique case. Become an expert on the common denominators. It's an individual journey.
epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Sep 28, 2018 - 09:55am PT
Hi Laura,

Thanks for the recommendations. I believe both of those acute rehab facilities are on the list and we are exploring the options as a family.

Thanks!!
-Liz
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Sep 28, 2018 - 01:16pm PT
Best wishes bump for Bernadette!
Send in that money, folks!
Moof

Big Wall climber
Orygun
Sep 28, 2018 - 03:06pm PT
Best wishes on a long and hard road ahead!
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Sep 28, 2018 - 07:13pm PT
From GoFundMe Page update.

Bern is steadily improving. The medical professionals are hoping to move her to a traumatic brain injury rehab center in the near future although she needs to pass a few tests first. We are waiting to hear more.

In the meantime, Simone from Joshua Tree is working with a media team to put together get well videos for Bernadette from friends and family around the country. Videos preferable filmed in landscapes that are about 3-20 secs long are great. The media people want to put them all together and show B. Thank for your time and effort if you choose to take part in this project.

It would be best if they could be emailed to Hannah: hannah_schwalbe@partner.nps.gov

I’m headed to Hawaii this week, and definitely gonna send a video.
silentone

Mountain climber
wisconsin
Sep 29, 2018 - 11:56pm PT
Bump for Bern......I don't know you but you sound like one of the good ones.....hoping for the best possible outcome and sending healing vibes out to you and all who know you.
Paul
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Oct 2, 2018 - 09:49am PT
10/02 Update:


Hi all,

Bern is having more surgery today to further repair her right foot. Please keep her in your thoughts.

Also, we are reviewing options of a long-term acute rehab facility that specialize in traumatic brain injuries. If anyone has advice and or thoughts, please feel free to email me.

-Liz
GDavis

Social climber
SOL CAL
Oct 2, 2018 - 03:18pm PT
I'll be in the park from the 7th to like the 15th... somewhere in hidden valley probably. I'll have a big pot of coffee for anyone that wants some. lets hang out... feeling a certain way as I'm getting ready to head there for work...
Skeptimistic

Mountain climber
La Mancha
Oct 2, 2018 - 05:07pm PT
1) Casa Colina Hospital & Centers for Healthcare - Located in Pomona, an excellent Acute Rehab Center

I also am a PT specializing in TBI. Wholly agree with Dr Wong.

Be strong & work hard! You have the support of the whole climbing community; let us know how else we can help!
thebravecowboy

climber
The Good Places
Oct 2, 2018 - 05:28pm PT
winter season JT GD?

Been thinking a bunch about Bernadette. Beaming lots of good thoughts and kind things to her and the folks (YOU) what support her. It could be any one of us.
mynameismud

climber
backseat
Oct 3, 2018 - 06:04am PT
Get well soon and the best to you and yours. Keep in mind you can surpass what the doctors tell you is your best prognosis. My brain injury can still be seen in an MRI image 35 years later and I am doing alright. It is a long road but just keep at it and read and listen to books as much as possible. The brain is a crazy thing. I suspect there a number of individuals on this forum that have far exceeded what their doctors thought possible.
AP

Trad climber
Calgary
Oct 3, 2018 - 07:17am PT
I have a friend who had a series of strokes following an aortal rupture.
The doctors fixed his heart but Trevor had to teach himself how to read, write, and play the guitar again. The funny thing is that for about a year he had no short term memory but could remember details about climbs we did together in the 80's. The brain can rewire itself to an amazing degree.
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Oct 3, 2018 - 03:28pm PT
It's a stretch, but Craig Hospital in Denver is very highly reputed for
rehab. Brain injury and more.

Hang in there, Bernadette, we're all thinking about you and sending
best wishes!
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 3, 2018 - 03:31pm PT
hey there say, all...

as to zip'a post...

yes-- here is a repeat, for any that want to be part of the video...

From GoFundMe Page update.

Bern is steadily improving. The medical professionals are hoping to move her to a traumatic brain injury rehab center in the near future although she needs to pass a few tests first. We are waiting to hear more.

In the meantime, Simone from Joshua Tree is working with a media team to put together get well videos for Bernadette from friends and family around the country. Videos preferable filmed in landscapes that are about 3-20 secs long are great. The media people want to put them all together and show B. Thank for your time and effort if you choose to take part in this project.

It would be best if they could be emailed to Hannah: hannah_schwalbe@partner.nps.gov

I’m headed to Hawaii this week, and definitely gonna send a video.

Loco de Pedra

Mountain climber
Around the World
Oct 4, 2018 - 05:06pm PT
Bump
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Oct 4, 2018 - 05:32pm PT
mynameismud wrote:
My brain injury can still be seen in an MRI image 35 years later and I am doing alright.
I can attest to this being true, as we were climbing partners for many (good) years.
As I recall, your injury was a motorcycle accident where you couldn't make a turn and hit the corner of a building with your head (maybe with no helmet).
You sometimes have difficulty with short term memory, like walking into a room and not remembering why you did
(I have the same problem sometimes but I call it old age).
There are workarounds like keeping a lab notebook to refresh your memory.
Let's hope that Bernadette can recover to the extent you did - most people would not even know you had a brain injury.
Rudder

Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
Oct 6, 2018 - 02:14am PT
Just thinking about Bernadette.
zip

Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
Oct 6, 2018 - 10:44am PT
Latest update:

Hi all,

Bern is moving facilities today. I do not yet have her room information but please reach out in a day or two if you’d like to visit.

Thanks,
Liz
the museum

Trad climber
Oct 13, 2018 - 06:04pm PT
Bump

Best wishes to Bernadette and everyone involved.

the museum
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Oct 13, 2018 - 06:50pm PT
Liz...is she still at Desert Regional, or a new facility?
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 13, 2018 - 09:33pm PT
hey there say, liz...

also, please, an address for cards??
epecknold

Sport climber
Nederland
Oct 14, 2018 - 07:44am PT
Shoot me an email if you are looking for visiting / mailing address.

Elizabeth.a.regan@gmail.com

Thank again for everyone who has been helping to support Bern. She's doing a lot better.
Rudder

Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
Oct 23, 2018 - 12:20am PT
bump
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Oct 23, 2018 - 12:27am PT
hey there say, Rudder... thanks...
say, liz... am emailing you... for address...
still working on the quilt...

:)
mouse from merced

Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
Oct 23, 2018 - 02:42am PT
I ran into Vicky and Khanom (Eric) in the BofA in Merced this aft. They're planning on coming down from Tuolumne County to visit/help out their old friend Bernadette.

Vicky owns property down there (rental income), so they've known her long-term. This is what good friends are all about.
Go Hopping Rabbits!
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Oct 23, 2018 - 01:54pm PT
Recent updates:

8. (10/14) I saw Bern for the first time yesterday since the day before the accident. I was surprised and excited to see how much she has recovered. She is determined to get better and with her grit and the continued support of this amazing community, I know we will get there. It'll still be a long road, but we are well on our way.

9. (10/17) Please reach out if you’d like to visit. Bern perks up every time someone new walks in the door. Much love to everyone. Her progress is fantastic.

10. (10/21) Friends,
Each day, as many of you have visited can see, Bern continues to make huge leaps of progress both cognitively and physically. If you do have some time this week and are in the Southern CA area, please come and show her some love. Email me for info and please just let me know what your connection is to Bern.
Thank you!
Liz

from
https://www.gofundme.com/bernadette-regan
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
Nov 3, 2018 - 10:27am PT
Great news all, Bern has been released to go home.

I don’t know her, but have followed closely and wish her the best!
phylp

Trad climber
Upland, CA
Nov 3, 2018 - 11:53am PT
I hesitate to post anything at all, since before her accident Bernadette was a stranger to me, but because she was in a rehab facility near my house, and a couple of hours away from her home and friends, I did stop by to visit her a couple of times before her release.

She did seem to me to be doing great! I'm so happy she has been able to go home to Joshua Tree to continue her recovery with the support of her family and her many local friends there.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Dec 8, 2018 - 08:09pm PT
Just got an update from GoFundMe...apparently Bernadette wrote this herself:


From Bern: I just learned that this fundraiser happened and I am full of love and gratitude for all your support. Thank you very much. The 3 month mark since my accident is soon and I am now at home in Joshua Tree continuing to rehab and heal. Thankfully I am out of the wheelchair and now hobbling around with the help of a footboot. The cast has been removed from my left arm and it is getting stronger. The rest of the broken stuff (use your imagination) is getting better as well. I am unable to drive, so I have been recruiting family and friends to get me around. Been up to the park a few times and took a few of my first 'walking" steps in Section 6. Feels good to be in the desert.

thebravecowboy

climber
The Good Places
Dec 8, 2018 - 08:54pm PT
hooray! happy to see progress for Ms Regan!
Bad Climber

Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
Dec 9, 2018 - 07:16am PT
Oh, this is great news! Heal well, Bernadette.

BAd
SteveW

Trad climber
The state of confusion
Dec 9, 2018 - 10:27am PT
That's AWESOME, Bernadette! Keep up the good work!
cavemonkey

Ice climber
ak
Dec 9, 2018 - 03:07pm PT
I am so happy for ur fortitude
Wen

Trad climber
Bend, OR
Dec 9, 2018 - 05:32pm PT
What great news to read, keep up the hard work!
Spencer Lennard

Trad climber
Williams, Oregon
Jan 11, 2019 - 09:18am PT
So glad to hear that Bernadette is healing. Keep up the great progress!
bernadette regan

climber
joshua tree, ca
Feb 12, 2019 - 09:29am PT
Well, people keep asking me what happened - so here's my version - from the rocks to the heli to the hospital to home. Thanks to everyone for all the continued support and good wishes. Be well, bernadette

It’s been about 5 months since this happened. I am better, but still healing, and I still have no memory of September 13 or the month after that. I’m going to write down what I have been told happened, but the reality of it is unclear to both me and my climbing partner. My partner and I have been climbing together inconsistently for the last 10 years - we’ve done hundreds of pitches together in Joshua Tree, Idyllwild, Eldo, and in the Valley. We hadn’t climbed together at all last season but had reunited for one day at Eldo over the summer.

I have been climbing in Joshua Tree since 2004 and have been a climbing ranger here since 2009. Since 2009, I have spent at least 8 months a year climbing in the park probably 4-5 days a week for both fun and work reasons. I’ve helped with 60+ climbing related rescues. The point of telling you this is that I am no stranger to climbing or accidents in Joshua Tree. Apparently, accidents can happen to yourself at your home crag.

Some people think I had some jet lag that may have contributed to my accident. On Sept 12 I flew from Rome to Palm Springs. My work season wasn’t going to start until the end of the month, so I had some more time to play.

This is what I've been told: On September 13 my partner and I went to Hemingway late in the afternoon. He lead Overseer and I followed. Our plan was to toprope the 2 lesser known climbs to the left of White Lightning. Since that section of the wall is about 35-40m tall, the plan was to belay from the top, climber lowering into the pitch.

After he set the anchor, we fixed the rope with a figure 9. He then rapped and climbed a pitch, then I took a turn.

Our rope was fixed to a gear anchor. One side of the rope reached the ground, the other was 40 feet shy. From what I have been told, I rappelled off the short side of the rope and then fell 40 feet onto the rocks. Nobody else was climbing at Hemingway that afternoon and partner heard something but didn’t see it happen. He then rappelled, found me, and started tending to me and getting help for a rescue.

Per usual, I was wearing a helmet. Some reports say I landed on my head, but I probably didn't. My right leg absorbed most of the fall.

2 local guides were nearby and provided me with first aid. JOSAR, NPS, and town emergency services responded. I was put in a litter, carried down the bouldery talus to the flatter sandy desert floor, wheeled to the pavement, then loaded into a helicopter. I was flown to Palm Springs hospital.

I spent the next 3+ weeks in intensive care on a lot of drugs. Thinking I was on a train in Vermont that was filled with empty beds and me choosing my own bed over and over again is my only ‘memory’ from September. I’ve been told that I was conscious and talking to people every day often asking to go home. Apparently, I was in a lot of pain and maybe swearing a little more than I usually do. The simple summary of my injuries is that I broke my right foot, tibia, fibula, and knee; my lower left arm, a bunch of ribs that punctured some stuff, and my head. My brain got knocked around pretty good. I had 3 surgeries on my limbs. More will likely happen.

My real memories start as I was loaded into an ambulance with my mom riding in the front seat. They drove me 100 miles to where I spent another month at a clinic.

I can remember all the time in this clinic, but I was confused. I needed to sort things out.

Why was I in a wheelchair with metal sticking out of my foot? Why was my leg always elevated? Why is there a cast on my right arm? There was a big scabby new scar from my knee to my foot. Every time they checked my pulse it was over 90+ - feeling my heart beat heavy like that all the time weirded me out. Noise bugged me and I always asked my friends to wheel me outside and they would. Food never seemed to interest me, until someone started bringing donuts and coffee from a local shop. People always encouraged me to sleep, but I couldn’t figure out how to with the constant noise 24 hours a day.

I believed I was there due to my broken leg and casted arm. Sometimes, I would be asked questions like, ‘say 5 words that start with the letter A’ and I would just shrug my shoulders. Then they would ask my niece and nephews names, and I could repeat some of them, but not all of them. Who’s the president? ‘I don’t want to know’ ;) I was aware I wasn’t properly answering their questions. Some things just didn’t compute, sometimes sarcasm seemed like more fun. After a week of unanswerable questions, I realized that the clinic was more for my brain than for my broken bones.

There were 65 other patients in this clinic. I have since learned this is the same place Scott Cosgrove mended at. RIP. I wanted the 3-4 hours of PT and physiologist help each day, but I didn’t want to live around the noise and heartache of 65 other broken people. I asked every day to leave, tried to persuade my friends/family to take me home. But the docs kept insisting that I stay. After 4 weeks, my mom returned. I thought for sure she was on the same page as the doctors and would keep me there forever. Thankfully, my mom was ready to get me home. Turns out with all that help I had done some healing at the clinic.

Being home in Joshua Tree the last few months, with the continued friend and family help has been rejuvenating. I can now tell you a thousand words that start with any letter of the alphabet. I haven’t lost any of my own history (minus September) either. I feel very fortunate, though the incident still puzzles me.

Doctors are making suggestions and more surgery is likely in my future. But right now, I wear 2 sneakers, keep hobbling around and do lots of PT.
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
Feb 12, 2019 - 10:16am PT
Thank you for the update Bernadette. We've never ment but I followed this thread on ST. We can all learn from a story like yours and I hope for a full recovery mentally, physically and spiritually. May the stoke of possible future endeavors and adventures and the rallying of friends and family guide you in the months and years to come.

Scott
steve s

Trad climber
eldo
Feb 12, 2019 - 10:23am PT
Heal up Bernadette. You will get better!
Happiegrrrl2

Trad climber
Feb 12, 2019 - 10:24am PT
Good to see your post and your telling what you can. Great to see that you've gotten so much of your cognitive function back!
looking sketchy there...

Social climber
Lassitude 33
Feb 12, 2019 - 11:23am PT
So glad to read your post and learn of your great progress in healing.

Randy Vogel
10b4me

Social climber
Lida Junction
Feb 12, 2019 - 11:46am PT
Very glad to hear you are getting better.
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Feb 12, 2019 - 12:56pm PT
Great to hear from you, Bernadette! Your writing style and content seems to be a good indicator of your brain being on the mend. Very, very happy to see that.

BG

Trad climber
JTree & Idyllwild
Feb 12, 2019 - 01:57pm PT
Glad to hear you're on the road to recovery and healing up well! Hope to see you out and about at Joshua Tree soon.
aspendougy

Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
Feb 12, 2019 - 02:08pm PT
Thank you Bernadette, great testimony to your resilient spirit. With all the rain, the spring should be beautiful in JT. Lots of flowers in the desert for you to enjoy.
jbaker

Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 12, 2019 - 02:27pm PT
Congratulations on your continuing recovery. My stepson, Will M-S, said you were looking much improved the last time he saw you.
Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber
Out Of Bed
Feb 12, 2019 - 02:33pm PT
A wish from me & mine for you
a prayer and a song,
I do not need to explain MORE I HOPE?
I can
BUT JUST TO SAY lOVE & LIGHT SENT YOUR WAY CONTINUE TO FEEL BETTER EVERYDAY, as much%as you canAs much as the way the two are the same, I hope you see that with time you will come to be the second oneBoth are Beautiful Both are deep and sensitive both are clear.
Be clear, if there is anything that you ever need;
if that train ride haunts you, reach out others are here for you.
neebee

Social climber
calif/texas
Feb 12, 2019 - 02:43pm PT
hey there say, bernadette... wow, thanks for sharing the update...

we DO still think of you... even those of us that do not know you...

i had a quilt for you, a small one, but, never got a newer address, so just put it aside... but, i sure tried, >:D<


keep getting well...
and we will are still all in your corner...

>:D<

edit:
say, gnome ofthe diaabase,say, THAT was a very
sweet post, there, for bernadette...
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
Feb 12, 2019 - 02:59pm PT
I am so happy to hear that you have mostly healed,
Thanks for sharing your experiences .

We are all pulling for you.
Clint Cummins

Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
Feb 12, 2019 - 03:21pm PT
Thanks for sharing your story of your recovery from such a serious accident with a very uncertain outcome.
I bet your mom has a big smile when she hugs you and you hug her back.
slobmonster

Trad climber
SF (via NH & CO)
Feb 12, 2019 - 04:46pm PT
I am happy you are still with us, Bernadette. Godspeed in your continued recovery.
Mighty Hiker

climber
Outside the Asylum
Feb 13, 2019 - 01:13pm PT
I'm very glad to hear that Bernadette is steadily recovering.
dee ee

Mountain climber
Of THIS World (Planet Earth)
Feb 19, 2019 - 07:35am PT
Your footwork has definitely improved in the last month!!
StahlBro

Trad climber
San Diego, CA
Feb 19, 2019 - 09:57am PT
Great progress Bernadette. Good to hear you are out and about. Thanks for the update.
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