| OCR Text |
Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, January 9-11, 2019 B-7 The Park Record Ski instructors rally for colleague Rare infection threatens Vail worker’s life SEAN NAYLOR Vail Daily VAIL, Colo. – Dec. 23 was a normal day on the mountain for Vail ski instructor Brendan Kerr. He was walking around the resort area when he spotted a pair of skis wobbling and sliding, ready to tumble off a nearby rack. A good Samaritan who has seen his share of ski rack fails, Kerr quickly swept into action, catching the skis and placing them back on the rack. The skis were left unscathed, though Brendan suffered a minor cut to his hand after the selfless gesture. Unphased by the small cut, Brendan continued on with the rest of his day. It wasn’t until the early hours of Christmas Eve that Kerr discovered his injury was more than just a cut. He woke to pain and swelling in his hand so severe that rushing to the hospital was the only logical choice, and in this case, the one choice that would eventually save his life. He was immediately administered antibiotics, and then underwent a number of tests throughout the day as his doctors worked tirelessly to find a diagnosis. On Christmas morning, Kerr was officially diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a rare infection that involves a flesh-eating bacteria which spreads aggressively and can be fatal if not treated right away. According to WebMD, 25 percent to 30 percent of cases in the United States have resulted in death. For the survivors of this disease, the road to recovery is arduous at best. Amputations, blood transfusions and, in Kerr’s case, surgery are among the most common treatments; though, none of those options come with guarantees. By the time of diagnosis, the infection had spread up through his fingers, and into his chest. After 12 days and six surgeries, Kerr is still hospitalized. Insurance, if applicable, only covers so much of the costs; with Kerr out of work, those costs have undoubtedly racked up. Luckily, he is part of a community of ski instructors who not only empathize with injury but also don’t hesitate to help their own. Also, to his luck, Kerr’s girlfriend’s family really likes him. They created a GoFundMe campaign to help provide financial relief throughout this difficult time. The response, from his family, friends and fellow blue jackets, has been immense. Donations and shares on social media poured in from all angles, including from many who’ve never met Kerr. It has been a little over a week since the campaign launched, and the hundreds of donations, mostly modest in nature, have totaled above $34,000. Most ski instructors apply for the job with little expectation of financial return; they do it to have fun and to share their passion and joy with others. Though it may seem like there is no safety net in such an occupation, Kerr’s case proves that his wealth, and his family, are greater than what meets the eye. If you’d like to donate to Kerr’s campaign, visit gofundme.com/brendan-kerr-support-fund. Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Get your subscription to The Park Record! Mail or Home delivery within Summit County (Includes a free Sunday Tribune and e-Edition subscription) 1 Year $56 2 Years $98 Mail delivery outside of Summit County (Includes a free e-Edition subscription) 1 Year $80 2 Years $138 Home Delivery within Salt Lake, Utah, Davis, Wasatch Counties (Includes a free e-Edition subscription) 1 Year $80 2 Years $138 Heifer Jane Killian Mama Heifer is a playful 4-year-old Lab mix! He’s eager to learn and needs an owner who is dog- savvy. He should be the only pet in his home and can be a bit wary of strangers, so he needs a loving family that will help him be the best he can be! Jane is a 2-year-old cattle dog mix. She is very sweet and loves affection. She is a little shy at first but walks nicely on leash, doesn’t jump, and really wants to please. She’s been in a home with cats and did well, but has chased kitties outside. She also loves treats! Meet Killian, an 8-month-old cattle dog mix. This handsome boy loves to run and play. He is good around cats and other dogs. He walks great on leash and has a soft mouth. Killian would love to find a forever home with a playful and active family! Mama is a happy-go-lucky Lab mix. She has a great temperament, walks well on a leash, and doesn’t jump up. She doesn’t seem to mind cats but can be a bit selective about her canine friends. Mama loves people and would love a family that likes to spend lots of quality time together. Bashful Bubbles Emma Fargo Bashful is a 5-year-old Domestic Longhair with a majestic buff tabby coat. This handsome gentleman is a relaxed and mellow guy who enjoys the company of people who like to snuggle and curl up on the couch together. Bashful will be a loving companion for years to come. Bubbles is a playful and spunky teenager. This black and white Domestic Shorthair is about a year old, and she loves to play and explore! Bubbles gets along well with other cats and loves people! She’s sure to bring lots of fun to her forever home! Emma is a gentle and friendly senior lady who has lots of love to give. This beautiful 9-yearold Domestic Shorthair has a soft black coat and green eyes that are full of wisdom. She is looking for a loving home where she can bask in the sun and relax with her people. Fargo is a handsome 2-yearold white and tabby Domestic Shorthair. He’s an easygoing guy who loves to spend his days lounging and watching the world go by. Fargo is an affectionate cat who would be a wonderful addition to a loving home. WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ Ready to make a difference in the lives of local students? The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is looking for a few interested (and interesting) adult volunteers to support students in grades 2-12 with homework at our quirky, free after-school tutoring program. Hours are flexible. Tutoring happens MonThurs after school until 5pm at 435 Swede Alley. Learn more by calling Stacey at 435-655-8252 or emailing ssayers@parkcityinstitute.org. Orientation and training required. Join us in this fun and fulfilling work. Find us on Facebook. The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is a project of the Park City Institute. National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities, which will take place Saturday, Aug. 27. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit: SummitChallenge100.org/volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed, Mondays-Saturdays. Email volunteer@discovernac.org to get started. Nuzzles & Co. Nuzzles & Co. is looking for volunteers to help furry friends waiting for adoption. This local nonprofit needs people to walk dogs, socialize with the animals, and assist with pet care and cleanup. Shifts are available at the Tanger Outlets adoption center from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and at the Rescue & Rehab Ranch from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information contact Nuzzles & Co. at 649-5441 or visit nuzzlesandco.org. Park City Medical Center Park City Medical Center needs volunteers 14 to 114 years old who want to work in a welcoming environment, stay busy with a variety of tasks, and have fun on the job. If you’d like to put your talents and skills to good use and help out a valuable community resource, please contact the volunteer manager at lisa. graham@imail.org. Park City Museum Do you love history and Park City? Are you interested in furthering your involvement in the community? The Park City Museum needs volunteers to help install and take down traveling exhibits, catalog and process collection items, assist in the Research Library, lead both adult tours and school group programs, and assist as gallery guides. Please contact Jenette Purdy at the Park City Museum for more information: 435-6497457 or education@parkcityhistory.org. Park City READS Park City READS (Recognizing, Educating and Advocating for Dyslexic Students) promotes elevating literacy through early identification of struggling readers, effective reading interventions, and appropriate classroom accommodations. Park City READS helps people navigate through diagnostic testing, school interventions, tutoring, and technology resources. Membership is free and open to the public. For information about volunteer opportunities, contact ParkCityREADS@gmail.com or search for PC READS on Facebook. Park Silly Sunday Market Join the Park Silly Family this year and be a part of Utah’s first zero waste, free street festival every Sunday from June 3rd – September 23rd. Volunteer for one Sunday or more, stay for the morning or stay all day. Bring a buddy, a grandchild, or a neighbor and qualify for fun prizes and a free lunch while you serve your community and make new friends. It’s the best volunteer gig in town! Call Beth at 435-649-5151 or sign up at www.parksillysundaymarket.com/apply/volunteers. PCCAPS Mentors PCCAPS, the successful business and education collaboration for Park City High School juniors and seniors, is seeking mentors with skills in software and web development, business, digital design, and engineering for highly motivated students completing real projects for local and international businesses such as RAMP, Rockwell-Collins, Adobe, Skull Candy and many more. Help develop students for success in the 21st century global workforce. Participate once, weekly, or monthly, your choice. Visit parkcitycaps.com, contact lyanderson@pcschools.us or call 435-659-4847. PCSD Good Neighbors Program Park City School District needs volunteers to help adult English language learners or adults with limited literacy develop skills and confidence to live and thrive in our community. Tutor conversational English, English grammar, reading and/or writing. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend sessions are available and the time commitment is approximately 3-4 hours per week. For more information contact Judy Tukuafu at 435-6150216 or jtukuafu@pcschools.us. For a full list of volunteer opportunities, visit parkrecord.com/ volunteers Call us today and ask for Lacy 435.649.9014 |
