Sam Jackenthal, Team Park City United Athlete, In Critical Condition after Ski Accident
Family and Friends Seek Support for the Jackenthals Through an Ongoing Fundraiser
CANBERRA, Australia, Sept. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- While training in Australia on September 8th, Sam Jackenthal was in a devastating ski accident which has left him in critical condition. Half a world away from his home, Sam now fights for his life, with his mother, father and sister by his side. Jennifer, Ron and Skylar have traveled across the ocean to be with him. In the few days since the accident, it is clear that the emotional and financial cost of this journey will not be easy. In response to the incredible outpouring of support from family, friends and community, the Sam Jackenthal Fund has been established as a way to assist Sam and the Jackenthal family.
It has been difficult to set a dollar amount for this funding effort. At this point, no one can really get his or her arms around what lies ahead, but all acknowledge it will be difficult and costly. It is known that medical bills alone begin at $5,000 per day, just for the ICU hospitalization. Add physicians, tests, medication and other medical costs, as well as Ron, Jennifer and Skylar taking up temporary residence in a foreign country, and one quickly arrives at a very large sum that doesn't include anything but their immediate reality. With this in mind, the initial target has been set at $150,000, in what is sure to be a fluid effort.
The Jackenthal family is directing support towards the below site: http://www.gofundme.com/samjackenthal
Watch Sam in action on the slopes to learn more about his incredible talents and see below for his inspiring story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=596S_IL0J-0
More about Sam Jackenthal:
By the tender age of 3, Sam was already donning skis and swooshing down slopes in his hometown of Park City, UT. Smart and determined, in 2013, Sam earned a slot in Winter Sport School in Park City, a unique opportunity for qualified athletes and academics, to train and compete on the national and international ski circuit in the winter, while schooling in the summer. Fast-forward to this March 2015, Sam won the Overall Combined Men's First Place at USSA Junior National following an outstanding finish in Slopestyle, Big Air and Half pipe. The kid's on fire!
Sam, now 16, continues to rip up the slopes, rails and jumps to fly high - flipping and twisting in the air - with Axis Freeride. His intense passion for life and achievement is always on full display. When the winter snow melts, Sam hones his slick, sassy skills on inline skates at Camp Woodward, the leader in aggressive inline skating instruction. This hardworking, focused, fun-seeking kid is always going full throttle.
Training and competing is not a solo sport. Sam's dad Ron is a fixture on the slopes shooting photos and videos and his mom Jen is the Energizer Bunny, cheering him on and keeping things on schedule. While, his super star soccer player sister, Skylar, 14, is his number one fan and best friend. As is his pooch "Flip!"
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150914/266215
SOURCE The Jackenthal Family
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