On May 27th 2025, on behalf of AVSAR, Will Murphy (President) accepted a service award from the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado. This award was given for an AVSAR-involved rescue on Mt Madison, which occurred on Sept 21st, 2024.
The patient had been section hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT) through New Hampshire and was beginning his descent from Mt Madison when he stumbled forward and suffered a serious compound fracture of the lower leg. What ensued was an overnight ~5 mile carryout. You can hear his story on this YouTube video from the patient’s perspective. Will is encouraging everyone to take a moment and watch the video.
The patient presented a check to AVSAR for $2100. He raised the funds through a “GoFundMe” campaign, much of which was raised through the Aurora Police Department. The presentation event was hosted by the Aurora PD Wellness Department who helped with the patient’s rehabilitation — both physically and emotionally. The patient’s wife expressed her gratitude and thankfulness for our team’s effort in securing her husband’s well-being.
The patient, undeterred, has adjusted his timeline and now expects to finish his triple crown (AT plus the Continental Divide and Pacific Crest Trails) in 2027. He plans to get back out to Pinkham Notch in September, 2025 to continue where he left off.
As some background information, the patient was two-years removed from a rare bone marrow cancer diagnosis. He was able to detect something wrong in his body based on his reduced ability to acclimatize. His red blood cell production was faltering and acclimatization was less than previous. Based on that, he got tested early enough that his treatment was successful and the cancer in remission.
Will noted to the team that it take all of us!
It should be noted: A medical student who was hiking came across the patient first and provided care for him by removing his boot and getting his bones put back in his leg. If you watch the video linked above, you will hear about her.
