Broken Barker Bash Photos
The Accident
The Hospital
The Road To Recovery
How You Can Help
Your positive thoughts, prayers and undying support are critical to Jeff’s recovery, so feel free to post words of encouragement to Jeff right here on this site by adding comments to his postings below.
You can also help raise money to assist with Jeff’s significant medical expenses. As of mid-November, the estimated cost for Jeff’s hospital stay was up to $150,000, which doesn’t include any of the costs for surgeries, doctors’ fees or emergency charges. With least two more surgeries ahead, plus the need to continue with formal physical therapy, you can see how Jeff’s expenses will quickly add up.
Buy tickets for the Broken Barker Bash
Join Wirestone and friends as we toast Jeff’s new lease on life with a great night of music, a silent auction and tons of fun.
When: Friday January 23, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM – ?
Where: The Linen Building, 1402 W Grove St, Boise, ID
Cost: $10
Live music starting at 8:00 PM, featuring:
Bill Coffey & Ned Evett
Travis Ward and Hillfolk Noir
Soft Gong
DJs from the Vinyl Preservation Society
All proceeds from the Broken Barker Bash and the Silent Auction will help pay for Jeff’s medical expenses.
A SPECIAL THANK-YOU
The Broken Barker efforts are only possible because of thoughtful contributions from people like you, including:
- David Hale for his generous donation of The Linen Building for the Broken Barker Bash. http://www.thelinenbuilding.com/
- The members of Soft Gong: Bill Coffey, Ned Evett, John Warfel and Tim Willis http://www.myspace.com/softgong
- The members of Hillfolk Noir, including Travis Ward, Sam Merrick, Alison Ward and Mike Waite http://www.petometz.com/
- The Vinyl Preservation Society http://www.vpsidaho.org/index.html
- Steve Fulton, for his magical sound engineering http://www.myspace.com/stevefultonmusic
- The Modern Hotel http://www.themodernhotel.com/
- Wirestone, LLC http://www.wirestone.com/
Friday, December 12, 2008
Beards: The End of Days
I’ve had a pretty shitty two and a half months, more than I’d wish on my worst enemy, and I know that it’s not over but anything that lightens the day and makes me chuckle I appreciate more than you know. And this has more than done it. You guys are true friends and I won’t forget this.
Now onto the finals! I don’t know who is going to be able to pull it off or if anyone needs to, but I’d love to see someone try to nail the look of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. You know, Members Only jacket, eyes that are a bit to close together, unbuttoned button down shirt, mangy mustache and the utter animalistic lust to wipe Israel and anything Jewish off the face of the planet. Who’s got the jacket to pull it off!
Ok, have fun guys and may the best/worst/longest/shaggiest/mangiest beard win! And thank you so much!
Jeff
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
Jeff
Friday, November 21, 2008
Broken Barker Bash
- Jeff
Thursday, November 6, 2008
At Dad's
I really want to thank everyone for all of the support and good thoughts. I got a lot of love for a lot of people and this company right now. I couldn't have done this without all of the visits and help I've received. It really does blow my mind how good people are.
Once I can walk again and can stand to be out of bed more than an hour or so I'm going to try to visit. That might be more than a few weeks though. They still won't let me put any weight on my foot and it will be a few weeks before they will.
So right now I'm just here recuperating and trying to do long emails on my iPhone. No need to reply unless you want to but I just wanted to say hi to everyone and let you know my status and to say the first of many thank you's and I love you's to come.
Be good to everyone. Have fun. And I'll see you soon.
Love, Jeff
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A message from Sara Mitton, Wirestone copywriter, on behalf of Jeff
Since it is particularly difficult for Jeff to type (or anything) right now, Jeff asked me to write an email on his behalf.
First, he wants to say a huge thanks for all the kind words, messages, cards, notes, emails, prayers, etc. that everyone has been sending. He has really been blown away and touched by all of it. He said he really can’t believe the support Wirestone as a company, and as a family, has given him so far. He always knew we were a family but this has really shown him! He is really missing everything about Wirestone—talking and visiting with you all, and the work.
Though the scariest part is behind him, the hardest part is just beginning—recovery. So, Jeff is going to need you to keep those well-wishes and prayers coming. They are slowly weaning him off of oxygen and the physical therapists are getting him moving a little more each day. Yesterday he walked to the door of his room, with a special walker, which is a big breakthrough. Of course moving is horribly miserable right now with all the broken bones, and walking is especially hard.
With a broken jaw that is wired shut he has a hard time talking and a REALLY hard time eating. All of his liquids and foods (also liquids) are transferred into a syringe and then sucked through a rubber straw. Not fun. In fact Jeff said something like, in addition to the beard contest, everyone in the office should try eating like I do for just two days.
Even though everything Jeff does just to make it through the day is extremely taxing and painful and uncomfortable, he still has an amazing attitude and is as kind and courteous as ever. He has managed to stay positive somehow. Unbelievable. It truly shows you what a remarkable person he is!
He said to feel free to visit as you’d like. The medication and therapy schedule have him pretty tired. So he may doze in and out. He is really looking forward to seeing people and will especially be looking for visits as he gets feeling a little better and can move around a little more.
Please keep the support coming! A very hard road is ahead, and he is going to need it! We will keep you updated on ways to support Jeff. And please let me know if you have any ideas.
- Sara