A serious crash on Highway 99 south of Whistler in March led to "catastrophic" injuries for one tourist to the resort, and seriously injured several others.
The between Callaghan Valley Road and Brew Creek Forest Service Road injured 10 in total, two critically, and closed the highway for several hours.
According to a , Tammy and Mark Graziani face a long road to recovery.
"Tammy suffered catastrophic spinal injuries and is now in intensive rehabilitation, fighting to regain movement in her hands and legs, working tirelessly towards her goal of walking again. Mark, who also sustained serious injuries, has remained by her side every step of the way," reads the GoFundMe, which had amassed US$54,685 of a $64,000 goal as of Friday afternoon.
"As they face months, if not years, of recovery, medical costs, home and automative modifications, and time away from work, we are rallying around them to help ease the financial burden. Your support will provide critical funding for physical therapy, housing near the hospital, uncovered medical expenses, and daily essentials."
According to the fundraiser page, Mark and Tammy were heading south to YVR when their sprinter van was in a head-on collision, "seriously injuring them, Mark's parents and uncle, and their close family and friends.
"Tammy suffered the most catastrophic injuries—a broken neck and spine—and was rushed into emergency surgery and placed on life support," the page reads.
"In those first days, she couldn't breathe on her own. Doctors worked to stabilize her spine, bolt her vertebrae, and manage the immense trauma. Tammy was kept heavily sedated and in critical condition. Mark, also seriously injured with a crushed leg, a broken and dislocated jaw, and a metal plate in his skull, stayed by her side every moment. It was unclear if Tammy would survive."
Tammy is now awake and continues to improve each day—"from breathing on her own, to moving her arms, and even feeding herself," it said.
"Now stable, she was able to repatriate to Boston with Mark via air ambulance on April 1. Tammy's road to recovery will take years of physical and occupational therapy and intensive support, but her spirit is incredibly strong, and she is determined. Her infectious personality and amazing sense of humour are intact, and despite the unfair hand she's been dealt, she's rarely ever without a smile on her face."
