Broken Barker Bash Photos

Welcome to the Broken Barker Blog, where we’re all about celebrating Jeff Barker, a dear friend, gifted designer and an all-around-great guy, who was involved in a near-fatal motorcycle accident on October 2, 2008.

The Accident

While taking a ride in Kuna on his 2004 Yamaha Roadstar Silverado that warm fall evening, Jeff was struck by an impaired driver who was fleeing the police at speeds up to 70 MPH. The driver of the car walked away from the scene. Jeff, on the other hand, was thrown 30 feet from his motorcycle. When the police found Jeff on the side of the road, he had no pulse. He was resuscitated on the scene, but while being airlifted to the hospital, was resuscitated three more times.

The Hospital

Jeff spent a total of 4.5 weeks in the hospital as a result of this accident, where he relied on a ventilator to breathe for the first week in the ICU — a result of the puncture to his lung. Jeff also sustained multiple broken bones, including 10 ribs, three vertebrae, collarbone, shoulder blade, left leg and elbow. Jeff also suffered from severe contusions across his body, and his front teeth and his jaw were broken, as well.

The Road To Recovery

Jeff was released from the hospital on November 5th, and since then, he’s been in his father’s care at his childhood home in Fruitland, ID. His road to recovery will be long, and at times, arduous. Right now, Jeff is able to take a few steps to get from room-to-room, but after that small bit of activity, Jeff’s body is overcome with physical exhaustion and pain. It will take one full year of physical therapy — if not more — for Jeff’s body to be able to handle the physical requirements of normal daily activity. We know that Jeff’s brilliant sense of humor, his positive demeanor and perseverance will see him through, but he needs your help, too.

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:



Wednesday, October 22, 2008

A message from Sara Mitton, Wirestone copywriter, on behalf of Jeff

Hello everyone,

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
Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

It was my first full day with my jaw wired shut and the first time I was able to sit on the side of the bed. Big things are afoot and agiant 10mm syringe form of liquified eating has been developed. Ifanyone wants to see it please come on up!!

- Jeff
Posted by at

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Hey everyone. I just wanted to say hello and that yeah, I'm alive. MyiPhone is keeping me up to date but it's tedious type with. Today isthe first afternoon where I don't have something or feel like…

More to come. Got interrupted.

- Jeff
Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)