WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A GoFundMe account has been set up for a Solarus employee who sustained a serious back injury while cleaning up after Saturday’s storms in Wisconsin Rapids.
Brian Ortner was clearing debris from a telephone line when a tree limb swung and hit him in the back, according to his wife.
As of Monday Ortner was to undergo a risky procedure to stabilize his spine.
His wife says it’s likely he will be paralyzed from the chest down but will still have use of his arms. In addition to the costs of the surgery, the family will also have to relocate from their current home because it has three levels and doors that would be too narrow for a wheelchair.
The original goal of the GoFundMe page was $50,000. As of Tuesday afternoon, that was lifted to $100,000. Over $64,000 has been raised so far.
Donations can be made here.
