Feb 24

< Newer | Older > Wed, 02/24/2010 - 20:39 — pps

DATE: Feb. 24 LOCATION: Safari, Lake Manyara, Karatu Post summit adventure. 2 days ago, 1,000 feet below the summit, Damaroo tripped and broke his leg. We had just summited and he was at the end of the group. There were myself, 2 climbers and 2 Africans there. We were in snow, possible rain to come, very miniumal gear due to summit bid. We splinted what turned out to be a complete tibia and fibia fracture. Unless you have been at high altitude it is hard to explain the complications this situation entailed. We made a splint out of trekking poles, cut up stuff sacks, shoelaces, clothing...It was not possible with the few people to carry him in the steep snowy terrain. So we put him on a sleeping pad and dragged him down the mt. until 12 porters could climb up to help carry him. From the base camp it was a 2 day stretcher carry with him duct taped to the stretcher. The other porters in the group had to carry double since now 12 people were dedicated to the evac. 3 miracles at least here. Damaroo's injury could have and should of produced severe pain. He was very tough and amazing. The strength and care of the africans was unbelievable. The injury given the challenges of the evacuation could have produced severe complications. The weather held. Now Damaroo is flying home tonight with his good friend Yogi, a radiologist on the climb. His leg is in a cast until he can get surgery in the states. We were very lucky. The rest of us are on safari and meeting up with the orphanage volunteers. Tomorrow update on the orphanage. Afterwards safari updates. We will keep you posted. Rick

Messages

Soha - Cheers onward

Sona — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 20:51

Soha,
Please thank Rick for the information on Damaroo Mama's fall. I know the information was conveyed by phone back home, but it was so comforting to read the details and answer some of the questions running through the brain. Sounds like you definitely had the right team there is place and we as a family are incredibly lucky for DamarooMama's good health to see him through this.

Now you girl, let "us" take over the care from you - you try and enjoy your safari - I know you'll be thinking of us all, but you also know everyone back home as it covered. So, stay focused, stay in your place and live the moment for all of us!

P.S. - Meeting with State Department tomorrow (Thursday) - Cross your fingers for me, Cuba might finally come through!

THANK YOU!!

shahruch — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 22:54

Words truly cannot express how much it means to our family that Dad was surrounded by such wonderful people! To know that the level of care he received was second to none at such high altitudes is amazing..
THANK YOU RICK, YUSUF and the entire team for helping ensure his safety.
Now I cannot WAIT to see the pictures of Dad duct taped to a stretcher!
We will definitely update you all via Soha or by post of his recovery after he gets home! So far we know his flights are on time!

Sister rister - Have an AWESOME time on the safari and by the way - the plural is hippopotami or hippopotamuses! Don't worry about anything here at home - like Sonaben said - we've got it covered!! :) Awesome talking to you today...

Love,
Ruchi

to rick , it was very

jyoti — Wed, 02/24/2010 - 23:52

to rick , it was very pleasant ot read your detailed information. even if u tell us in detail it willbe hard to understand for us since we r not in that situation. i was so happy that he is surrounded with very loving and caring people. we r very fortunate people. it was his dream and he reached his goal that is fabulous.it would have been good if it would not had happen but i am thinkng other way that nothing serious has happened. so rick my daughter has written very well and i have to agree with her 100%. pleasse convey our gratitude to each and everyone who has helped him i od not know anybody's name other wise i would like to thanks individually. words cannot express our gratitude. but we thank you all from the bottom of our heart. we r waiting for him to come. u will know that since soha is with u. hope u have good time at safari. and have a safe trip back home. with good feeling jyoti soha ruchi keeps me inform everything just enjoy and do not worry about here . ruchi is working hard of course kaka and dipak too. lots of people know and asking how dad doing. i am sure he will be fine since he is a brave person. looks like u r enjoying safari. will enjoy when i show us pictures. with love mom.

Tib/Fib Fracture

mpkorn2 — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 00:30

WELL DONE, with the available materials and personnel at 18,000 feet!!!!!!!!
Getting him down without creating a compound fracture or injury to any of you was a great feat. We read between the lines. He has to be one tough hombre', as are each of you!!!
Marty K.

We are still with you Nicky

wendiz1087 — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 01:25

We wish a speedy recovery to Damaroo,and kudos to his rescuers. Enjoy your safari and know that I have been singing ( I want a hippopotomus for Christmas) for two days. Hope you now enjoy my ear worm. Can't stop thinking of you all and the memories you are making. Nicky I thought you might like to know you can stop worrying about being a brides maid for jenna. Love you Mom

Elizabeth

ixvfms — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 01:26

Wow I just read an account from Rick what happened, a few days ago. You have some very special people on this journey. Truely the human spirit in so powerfull and so uplifting. Thinking about you all the time, still telling folks and evertime I'm overwheimed with pride and joy. Have a great day Elizabeth, my feet have'nt touched the ground yet, you are so special, a BIG HUG, LOVE SO SO MUCH!! Dad

Dara

pastime26 — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 01:52

Amazing account of Damaroo's mountain rescue. Very impressive. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile I'm wondering if you are seeing many birds on your safari? I'm sure big game is the most sought after but you know me and birds. Of course, it's harder to get birds to pose for pictures too. Still, I envy you.
Take care. Have fun.
Love you.

Thank you

GP — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 03:44

Rick: Thank you. I am Damaroo's sister, our family has already written so will not write again and again but truly appreciate.
Soha and Rajubhai enjoy Safari. Do not worry.

Alex

SteveB — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 15:47

Best wishes to Damaroo for a quick recovery. Great job Rick on the incredible evacuation.
Alex, the safari must be terrific. Hope you're able to bring a "souvenir" home. Enjoy. Love you.

Grizzly Dad...

shahruch — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 16:17

How is it that Yagnesh uncle looks like he just came home from the office and Dad looks like a mountain man?! Ha ha...

We can tell he was in GREAT company and everyone was having a good time by the enormous smiles on their faces!

Thank you for posting this pic!

Meg

rookeynl — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 16:55

I think you are all amazing. It's just incredible what you all have done. What a wonderful bunch of people. Hope all is well. Say hi to Elizabeth for me. Love you.

Damaroo and beyond..

rick — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 18:34

Thanks for your support from the home team Ohio. It is truly awesome to have the honor of knowing people like Damaroo and others that are on this journey. It is hard for me to believe what happened and feel fortunate.

Spent great time with orphanage, local school, distant Bulati school people while everyone else was on safari. They saw a cheetah. Special, more tomorrow. Not likely to be on a computer here again but will keep up the post from the satellite phone as we have been. Hugs to all in the Damaroo family, he will be home very soon.
Rick

soha i show rick'smessage

jyoti — Thu, 02/25/2010 - 19:40

soha i show rick'smessage .and u r haveing a good time there so it is good. 2.35pm at our time dad has not called yet. hopefully pretty soon. we r fine. will keep u posted after he comes home. say hello to all and rick too. with love mom

rick, yogi and i reached

jyoti — Sat, 02/27/2010 - 02:00

rick, yogi and i reached home safely. flying was slightly inconvinent but many wornderful at airports were helpful to make my travel comfortable. it is nice to be at home loving family memebers i will always cherish th etime i spent with u all during the killi hike. hope the safari is enjoyable. wish u all safe and pleasant travel back to home . million thanks for the support and help each one of u provided to me after the mishap on the way from the summit. pl. say my special regards to yusuf. damaroo. i have seen the orthopedic surgeon this morning and will have necessary procesure monday morning . damaroo.