The Sidney Elks Lodge will host a benefit on Saturday, September 28 for former Sidney resident Jason Jacobson who was severely injured in a car accident in 2015. All proceeds will go towards purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle to increase Jason’s mobility and quality of life.
A free will offering brisket and pulled pork dinner by Moe’s Smokin’ Grill will start at 5 p.m., followed by silent and live auctions beginning at 7 p.m. For more information, contact Steve Geiser at 406-480-4755 or Kathy Nicholson at 406-480-9032.
Jason explains it this way:
“It has been a little over four years that I have been on this journey of living life from a seat. The hardships that I, and the ones I love, have endured are countless. However, the lessons I’ve learned are innumerable and the blessings I’ve experienced are infinite. I was given a second chance at life on May 15, 2015 and because of that I am a changed man that continues and strives to better myself each and every day, not only for myself but for my amazing family and friends. I have found a passion with woodworking and started my own small business, Lazy Legs Woodworking. I have a wonderful fiancé, two silly and smart boys and a fur kid that are my world.
Unfortunately, over the last four years, I have had seven surgeries, six of those surgeries were for pressure ulcers and bone infections. These surgeries started eight months after being out of the hospital after my car accident and the last was on June 15, 2019. Being a paraplegic, I rely on my wheelchair as my new “legs” but that means that I have more skin that is compromised to pressure wounds/sores. Unlike most people who can feel and adjust their body when it is uncomfortable or “asleep” I cannot, so I need to be seated on specialized cushions to help relieve that pressure. Another cause for my wounds is having to transfer in and out of our vehicle with a transfer board which causes friction to my skin and compromises its integrity.
Because of all my surgeries and hospital stays, we will be paying off hospital bills for years to come and simply cannot afford a vehicle for myself but being able to have my own accessible vehicle would not only do amazing things for my physical health but even more so for my mental health. Right now I rely on my fiancé to take me to appointments, shop for our family, take our kids to school, school functions, and so much more, I have had to miss out on too many events and special moments in my kids’ and family’s lives because I need to use my power chair to comfortably and safely be involved. If I were able to have a vehicle that I could drive while staying in my power chair and not have to transfer, it would drastically improve not only my life but my family’s as well. I could be more involved wit my boys’ school, get them into sports and not only watch but take them to practices and games. I can go to my appointments on my own, go to the grocery store unassisted, take my fiancé on proper dates, take my dog to the dog park, take a drive and enjoy what our beautiful world has to offer and so much more without the worry of damaging my body and missing out on even more.
My family and I are truly grateful and appreciative of everyone’s support.”
The Elks Lodge will also be holding their annual Wanna Be An Elk 4 Person Scramble golf tournament that day. Registration takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with tee off at 11 a.m. Cost is $50 per golfer and does not include a cart. For more information, contact Ryan Laqua at 406-480-9052 or the Lodge at 406-433-2406.
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