Dan does not remember the accident, although he was later told they found his truck down a steep ravine wrapped around a tree.
He has a fuzzy recollection of the ride in the helicopter. But he does not remember the EMT folks who saved his life at the scene by inserting a tube into his collapsed lung. Nor does he remember the emergency surgery at the hospital to repair his shattered hip, save his damaged eye, and set his broken hand.
In fact, he does not remember much of those first days while his family anxiously waited to find out if he would survive. But Dan’s a fighter, and a lot of folks were praying for Dan that Thanksgiving week.
Dan Rockwell aka @LeadershipFreak writes a daily blog Leadership Freak on leadership and life lessons. His blog is inspiring, though-provoking and often confronts my assumptions. I like that. I had reached out to Dan about a year ago when I first discovered it. I liked his pithy, to-the-point approach, and wanted to find out more about who this person was. Over the past year, I have developed a deepening respect and appreciation for Dan, and I look forward to his daily post showing up in my email.
Dan’s journey to recovery will be long and hard. And making it harder, are his mounting medical expenses. As anyone who is self-employed knows, there is no paid sick-leave.
Dan’s out-of-pocket medical expenses are likely to exceed $30,000.
The Opportunity for Transformation
The opportunity for transformation is not for Dan. He’s pretty amazing already. The opportunity is for his community.
Dan’s accident has created an opportunity for those who have been touched by him to move beyond a professional network to become a community that supports each other in the full range of their lives.
Has Dan touched you in some way? Have you read his blog? If so, you are part of his community.
Even if you are not part of Dan’s community, I hope you will consider helping out a man who has given so much to so many.
For more information on how to help Dan Rockwell, please click on the box below:
Also, anything you can do to help spread the word is greatly appreciated.
A special thanks and warm wishes for the holidays.
Healing thoughts are with you. I appreciate your posts and look forward to them. In fact I just told our superintendent about your FB posts! Stay strong, stay focused, stomp out negativism and rejoice over every small step toward improvement.
Blessings,
Jennifer Kraft
Hi Jennifer,
You are a source of positive influence, thank you! Also, thanks for passing the word to others.
Cheers,
Dan
Beautiful, Jesse!
Grateful to join in this effort with you!
Thanks for all you are doing, Becky. You inspire me. I’m amazed at the support that is arising. It says a lot about Dan, but also about the amazing people and connections.
I got to know Dan Rockwell through Twitter and we’ve talked a couple of times on the phone. He’s truly a man of fortitude and inpiration. I’m delighted to participate in “a chance to give back.” I ask that those of you who read this blog do the same. As Jesse Lyn Stoner rightly points out, “it is better to give than receive.”
Hi Jesse,
I’m with Becky. You are amazing Jesse. You know how to fill another’s cup.
Thanks for all you are doing for me.
Best,
Dan
Jesse,
Your words touched my soul. Dan’s story touched my heart.
You and Becky are the kindest and the most generous women I know.
Honored to be part of the effort to help Dan out!
Thanks for all that you do …every day for everyone.
Lolly
Thank you, Lolly. I am grateful to join with you and Becky. Together we are making a difference.
Dan! When did this happen? You’ve kept blogging. OMG. Prayers for a strong recovery and patience to tolerate the journey to you. I LOVE your blogs, tweets, FB page and all things Leadershipfreak. I’ll be passing the word along to as many as I can reach. Please know that you make a difference in my attitude – you keep me from spiraling down into my own self-pity during tough times, and inspire me to keep tweeting about subjects I love. Thanks for not giving up.
Jessie, thanks for your message to us. It’s going to be a great boon for everyone.
Valerie
Hi Valerie,
Dan did miss blogging over a week while he was mostly unconscious. But as soon as he became more alert, he began to think about communicating with his readers. He has asked some colleagues to make guest posts to keep his blog going. He has also been writing himself – sharing his realizations about his experience. How he’s typing is beyond me, because as you can see, one hand is in a very large cast. He said the “hunt and peck” method is for the birds. 🙂
I see you’ve jumped in and have joined the growing group that is getting the word out. Glad to have you join us, Valerie. Dan needs us all.
Warm regards, Jesse
I am so sorry to hear about Dan’s misfortune. I know that he’s in good spirits and hope he has a swift recovery.
I will keep him and his family in my prayers.
Philipians 4:7- “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Amen!
He is rare, truly an inspiration and I am grateful to learn from him daily.
Will spread the word and be part of this effort.
God Bless!
Best Regards,
Celia
Having founded and run start-up companies, so much of what Dan has published is not just on point and relevant, but truly the essential foundation of real leadership. I have shared his blog with friends who have also been amazed at the wisdom and experience that Dan imparts in a few short words. I have a file where I save, print and bind so many of his blog posts to revisit weekly as a reminder of how I should lead my team.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be the body of Christ in a time where it’s needed for Dan and his family. I would encourage Dan and his friends/family to not hesitate to share needs on any level so that others may come alongside. This is scriptural in its very nature and allows everyone to grow closer to the Creator of the Universe. We are not called to be independent, but to be the arms, legs, eyes, etc. We all heal spiritually when we give of our resources and gifts!
Dan, you are truly an inspiration and you will only someday come to know the number of lives you have touched and in a profound way. I pray that peace overcomes your soul and the joy of Jesus lives in your heart, as your body heals.
Many thanks and may THIS Christmas be among your most special ever,
Michael
Michael, your words are inspiring not only for Dan but for all of us. I saw your message at the donation site. Thank you so much! Blessings. ~Jesse
Jessie, I’m just beginning to know Dan more and am thankful for the story of this accident that you share because it brings out the depth of who Dan is.
Today I RT’d a quote Dan shared in Twitter: “The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” – C. S. Lewis”
Jessie, Dan is truly blessed to be in your circle!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Robyn. I love that C.S. Lewis quote. I try to hang out in the circles of wise people, and am feeling gratitude for having stumbled into a circle that includes you. Warm wishes for the new year. ~Jesse