GoFundMe Campaign Launched for Juneau Man Injured on Douglas Bridge

On July 20, Christopher Houston, a 36-year-old resident of Juneau, suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car while skateboarding across the Douglas Bridge. The accident left Houston with a severely damaged pelvis and led to further complications, including a stroke that caused paralysis on his left side. Following the accident, Houston was airlifted from Juneau to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he underwent four surgeries to treat his injuries.

Fundraiser Campaign Organized by Family

In response to mounting medical expenses related to his extensive care and recovery, Houston's grandmother, Alyce Houston, has organized a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser was created to support Christopher's ongoing treatment costs as he remains immobilized and faces significant challenges during his injury recovery. Alyce stated that Houston requires continued rehabilitation, but no rehabilitation facilities in Alaska are able to accept his case, further complicating his path forward.

Challenges with Alaska Healthcare and Rehabilitation Options

According to Alyce Houston, Christopher’s case manager was able to find a rehabilitation facility in Idaho that is willing to work with Alaska Medicaid. She described this as a critical step, as Christopher's insurance only covers medical care within Alaska, and the costs associated with care outside the state are not included. Notably, ambulance transport—whether by ground or air—from Seattle to Idaho is not covered, leaving an urgent financial gap.

Ambulance Transport and Medical Decisions

Christopher and his family are currently waiting for a medical decision on whether he can be transported by ground or will require an air ambulance to Idaho. The outcome will have significant implications for both logistics and costs. The GoFundMe aims to help cover these specific uncovered expenses, in addition to other medical needs that may arise throughout his recovery journey.

Community Support and Personal Reflections

Alyce expressed gratitude for the support the family has already received and called for continued prayers, well-wishes, and donations. She emphasized that any contribution—financial or through sharing the fundraiser—can help ease the burden.

"Any donation, no matter the amount, will help ease this burden and support him on the long road ahead — if you’re not able to give, sharing this fundraiser would also mean so much to our family," she said. "He is very thankful for all the prayers and well wishes from all over the country and said he still needs them all and to please keep coming." Alyce also noted with affection that she hoped Christopher's skateboarding days might be over, to which he responded with a smile.

Testimony from a Close Friend

Michael Haase, a close friend of Christopher Houston, described meeting him eight years ago during a challenging period in his own life. Haase recounted their instant connection and mutual support, recalling how he always kept his door open to Houston. "Sometimes he needed help, sometimes I did. When I got an apartment during that summer, my door was always open to him," Haase said. He also shared optimism and commended Christopher as a positive member of the community, asserting that contributions to the fundraiser campaign would help "a good guy with a good heart."

Ongoing Needs and Community Response

The immediate priority for Houston and his family is to access the hospital rehabilitation he needs for recovery from his pelvis injury and managing ongoing stroke paralysis. The Juneau community has been called upon to support Christopher, either through donations or by sharing the fundraiser, as he continues his difficult journey toward recovery.

Source: juneauempire.com.