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Messages 1 - 132 of total 132 in this topic |
jbaker
Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
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Topic Author's Original Post - Sep 15, 2018 - 10:18am PT
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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.
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Sep 15, 2018 - 10:22am PT
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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.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Sep 15, 2018 - 11:05am PT
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Holy sh**t, bad news. My daughter is busy donating as I write this.
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Sep 15, 2018 - 11:42am PT
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Oh my!
Very sorry to hear this.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Sep 15, 2018 - 01:26pm PT
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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.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Sep 15, 2018 - 01:36pm PT
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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.
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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Sep 15, 2018 - 01:45pm PT
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Thank you for getting the word out. I'm very sorry to hear this.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Sep 15, 2018 - 06:31pm PT
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My heart is heavy. So sorry to hear this. Anyway I can help , let me know.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 15, 2018 - 07:38pm PT
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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...
:(
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jstan
climber
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Sep 15, 2018 - 08:39pm PT
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This is terrible! We all have suffered serious injury.
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Hoser
climber
Vancouver,Rome
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Sep 15, 2018 - 11:50pm PT
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How did your country get so f*#ked up...wow...what a shame
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Sep 16, 2018 - 12:05am PT
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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.
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onyourleft
climber
So Oregon
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Sep 16, 2018 - 12:19am PT
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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.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Sep 16, 2018 - 08:31am PT
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Can anyone give a report on her current status?
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jstan
climber
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Sep 16, 2018 - 10:02am PT
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Thank you for the information on her condition, Everything that can help Bernadette needs to be done.
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jstan
climber
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Sep 16, 2018 - 07:03pm PT
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bump
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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Sep 16, 2018 - 08:52pm PT
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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.
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Mungeclimber
Trad climber
Nothing creative to say
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Sep 16, 2018 - 10:20pm PT
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Heal fast!
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jstan
climber
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Sep 16, 2018 - 10:51pm PT
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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,
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jbaker
Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
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Topic Author's Reply - Sep 17, 2018 - 08:48am PT
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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.
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Sep 17, 2018 - 02:26pm PT
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Let's help get her back on her feet
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i'm gumby dammit
Sport climber
da ow
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Sep 17, 2018 - 03:15pm PT
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Cross posted this to mountainproject too.
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jt newgard
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Sep 17, 2018 - 03:33pm PT
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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!!
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Sep 17, 2018 - 05:09pm PT
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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.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 17, 2018 - 05:13pm PT
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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.
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Sep 17, 2018 - 05:24pm PT
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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
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Lassitude 33
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Sep 17, 2018 - 05:30pm PT
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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.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Sep 17, 2018 - 07:36pm PT
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Get better soon, Bernadette!
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Tom Patterson
Trad climber
Seattle
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Sep 18, 2018 - 06:24am PT
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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.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 18, 2018 - 10:43am PT
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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.
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ninjakait
Trad climber
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Sep 18, 2018 - 04:42pm PT
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Sending best wishes to Bernadette and family. She indeed does much for our climbing community and I am hoping for her speedy recovery!
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F10
Trad climber
Bishop
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Sep 18, 2018 - 07:23pm PT
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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 !!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 18, 2018 - 09:22pm PT
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hey there say, liz... please, let us know where we can send cards, too...
thank you for the update and infos...
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
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Sep 19, 2018 - 12:26am PT
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Go Bernadette!
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jstan
climber
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Sep 19, 2018 - 09:06am PT
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Done
More to go though in the "Jody look here thread."
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monolith
climber
state of being
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Sep 19, 2018 - 10:33am PT
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epecknold, PM's don't work here. Why they leave that button up is baffling.
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Matt's
climber
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Sep 19, 2018 - 11:21am PT
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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...
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Sep 19, 2018 - 12:51pm PT
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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.
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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Sep 19, 2018 - 01:08pm PT
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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
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cornel
climber
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
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Sep 19, 2018 - 01:14pm PT
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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...
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Sep 19, 2018 - 03:13pm PT
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Bump again for Bernadette.
Donate!!!!
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Fluoride
Trad climber
West Los Angeles, CA/Joshua Tree
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Sep 19, 2018 - 03:49pm PT
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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.
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johntp
Trad climber
Little Rock and Loving It
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Sep 19, 2018 - 06:54pm PT
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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.
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Loco de Pedra
Mountain climber
Around the World
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Sep 21, 2018 - 08:58am PT
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I met her few times while climbing at jtree. Super nice humble and open.
Best recovery Bernadette!
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Abend
Social climber
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Sep 21, 2018 - 04:57pm PT
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bumpity
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Sep 22, 2018 - 05:33am PT
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Request sent for Bernadette's mailing address.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Sep 23, 2018 - 01:35pm PT
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Anybody know if she’d like visitors?
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 23, 2018 - 02:05pm PT
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Time for an update. Anyone?
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Tan Slacks
climber
Joshua Tree
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Sep 23, 2018 - 03:20pm PT
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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.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 24, 2018 - 02:37am PT
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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...
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Sep 24, 2018 - 07:57am PT
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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
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
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Sep 24, 2018 - 09:33am PT
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So glad to read the update(s). Best wishes to Bernadette in her recovery.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 24, 2018 - 10:23am PT
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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.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Sep 24, 2018 - 10:30am PT
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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.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Sep 24, 2018 - 11:01am PT
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“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.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 24, 2018 - 12:45pm PT
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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.
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John M
climber
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Sep 24, 2018 - 02:12pm PT
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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
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John M
climber
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Sep 24, 2018 - 03:50pm PT
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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.
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bungs
Trad climber
CA
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Sep 24, 2018 - 05:53pm PT
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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.
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Sep 25, 2018 - 10:02am PT
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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.
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Sep 25, 2018 - 11:05am PT
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Still waiting e mail response to request for Bernadette’s mailing address.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Sep 25, 2018 - 11:07am PT
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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.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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Sep 25, 2018 - 12:24pm PT
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Thanks for the update on Bern.
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Lassitude 33
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Sep 25, 2018 - 02:19pm PT
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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.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
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Sep 25, 2018 - 06:33pm PT
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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
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Murf
climber
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Sep 25, 2018 - 08:28pm PT
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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
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Sep 26, 2018 - 03:49am PT
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Confirming this is right e mail address to request Bernadette's mailing address?
elizabeth.a.regan@gmail.com
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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Sep 26, 2018 - 06:05am PT
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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
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 27, 2018 - 09:13am PT
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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.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Sep 27, 2018 - 09:19am PT
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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.
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ionlyski
Trad climber
Polebridge, Montana
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Sep 27, 2018 - 09:44am PT
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Sorry Dusty,
Hope your friend manages as best as possible. Sounds like an incredible person who has touched many lives.
Arne
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Sep 27, 2018 - 10:49am PT
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"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.
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Largo
Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
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Sep 27, 2018 - 12:42pm PT
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Happy to hear Bern is making progress.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Sep 27, 2018 - 06:34pm PT
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hey there say, zip...
yep... you got it right...
i got a reply... so it is posted correctly...
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Skywonger32
Trad climber
Long Beach, Ca
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Sep 27, 2018 - 11:53pm PT
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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
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Rudder
Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
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Sep 28, 2018 - 02:20am PT
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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.
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JLP
Social climber
The internet
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Sep 28, 2018 - 09:52am PT
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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.
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Sep 28, 2018 - 09:55am PT
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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
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Sep 28, 2018 - 01:16pm PT
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Best wishes bump for Bernadette!
Send in that money, folks!
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Moof
Big Wall climber
Orygun
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Sep 28, 2018 - 03:06pm PT
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Best wishes on a long and hard road ahead!
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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Sep 28, 2018 - 07:13pm PT
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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.
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silentone
Mountain climber
wisconsin
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Sep 29, 2018 - 11:56pm PT
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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
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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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
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GDavis
Social climber
SOL CAL
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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...
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Skeptimistic
Mountain climber
La Mancha
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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!
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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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.
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mynameismud
climber
backseat
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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.
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AP
Trad climber
Calgary
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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.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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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!
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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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.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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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.
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Rudder
Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
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Just thinking about Bernadette.
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zip
Trad climber
pacific beach, ca
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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
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the museum
Trad climber
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Oct 13, 2018 - 06:04pm PT
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Bump
Best wishes to Bernadette and everyone involved.
the museum
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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Oct 13, 2018 - 06:50pm PT
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Liz...is she still at Desert Regional, or a new facility?
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Oct 13, 2018 - 09:33pm PT
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hey there say, liz...
also, please, an address for cards??
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epecknold
Sport climber
Nederland
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Oct 14, 2018 - 07:44am PT
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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.
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Rudder
Trad climber
Costa Mesa, CA
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Oct 23, 2018 - 12:20am PT
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bump
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Oct 23, 2018 - 12:27am PT
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hey there say, Rudder... thanks...
say, liz... am emailing you... for address...
still working on the quilt...
:)
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mouse from merced
Trad climber
The finger of fate, my friends, is fickle.
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Oct 23, 2018 - 02:42am PT
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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!
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Oct 23, 2018 - 01:54pm PT
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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
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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Great news all, Bern has been released to go home.
I don’t know her, but have followed closely and wish her the best!
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phylp
Trad climber
Upland, CA
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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.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
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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.
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thebravecowboy
climber
The Good Places
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hooray! happy to see progress for Ms Regan!
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Bad Climber
Trad climber
The Lawless Border Regions
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Oh, this is great news! Heal well, Bernadette.
BAd
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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That's AWESOME, Bernadette! Keep up the good work!
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cavemonkey
Ice climber
ak
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I am so happy for ur fortitude
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Wen
Trad climber
Bend, OR
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What great news to read, keep up the hard work!
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Spencer Lennard
Trad climber
Williams, Oregon
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Jan 11, 2019 - 09:18am PT
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So glad to hear that Bernadette is healing. Keep up the great progress!
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bernadette regan
climber
joshua tree, ca
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Feb 12, 2019 - 09:29am PT
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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.
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micronut
Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
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Feb 12, 2019 - 10:16am PT
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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
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steve s
Trad climber
eldo
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Feb 12, 2019 - 10:23am PT
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Heal up Bernadette. You will get better!
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Happiegrrrl2
Trad climber
|
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Feb 12, 2019 - 10:24am PT
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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!
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looking sketchy there...
Social climber
Lassitude 33
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Feb 12, 2019 - 11:23am PT
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So glad to read your post and learn of your great progress in healing.
Randy Vogel
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10b4me
Social climber
Lida Junction
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Feb 12, 2019 - 11:46am PT
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Very glad to hear you are getting better.
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apogee
climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
|
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Feb 12, 2019 - 12:56pm PT
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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.
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BG
Trad climber
JTree & Idyllwild
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Feb 12, 2019 - 01:57pm PT
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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.
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aspendougy
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Feb 12, 2019 - 02:08pm PT
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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.
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jbaker
Trad climber
Redwood City, CA
|
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 12, 2019 - 02:27pm PT
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Congratulations on your continuing recovery. My stepson, Will M-S, said you were looking much improved the last time he saw you.
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Gnome Ofthe Diabase
climber
Out Of Bed
|
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Feb 12, 2019 - 02:33pm PT
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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.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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Feb 12, 2019 - 02:43pm PT
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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...
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Ezra Ellis
Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
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Feb 12, 2019 - 02:59pm PT
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I am so happy to hear that you have mostly healed,
Thanks for sharing your experiences .
We are all pulling for you.
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Clint Cummins
Trad climber
SF Bay area, CA
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Feb 12, 2019 - 03:21pm PT
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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.
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slobmonster
Trad climber
SF (via NH & CO)
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Feb 12, 2019 - 04:46pm PT
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I am happy you are still with us, Bernadette. Godspeed in your continued recovery.
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Mighty Hiker
climber
Outside the Asylum
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Feb 13, 2019 - 01:13pm PT
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I'm very glad to hear that Bernadette is steadily recovering.
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dee ee
Mountain climber
Of THIS World (Planet Earth)
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Feb 19, 2019 - 07:35am PT
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Your footwork has definitely improved in the last month!!
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 19, 2019 - 09:57am PT
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Great progress Bernadette. Good to hear you are out and about. Thanks for the update.
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