KAMIAH, Idaho – . He is now able to feed and dress himself and is getting closer to walking independently. He will continue his recovery in Omaha.
was injured while firefighting in the Salmon River Ranger District and was initially flown to Lewiston. After a brief stay in Spokane, he was transferred to Craig Hospital in where he began relearning how to walk, eat and speak.
He is now feeding and dressing himself and is working on improving the clarity and strength of his speech. Although he cannot yet walk on his own, he is making progress every day.
“He has undergone three cranioplasties due to infection or other complications. Despite these setbacks, he has pushed himself each day to improve and continues to strive for independence,” Shaw’s parents said.
According to a letter from the family, Justin is now medically stable and will continue therapy at QLI in Omaha, where he is expected to stay for three months.
“This journey is long and difficult, but Justin has been working extremely hard with the support of his family and friends. Thank you to the Forest Service team from the Arapaho/Roosevelt Forest that helped our family while we were in Denver. A special thank you to Mike Brennan, the Wildland Firefighter Association and the Colorado Department of Fire Prevention for all the work into organizing the flight to Omaha. Thank you to everyone who has sent a card, email, gift, contributed to his GoFundMe and especially your prayers,” the letter said.
For those wishing to send cards or letters of encouragement, please use the following addresses:
Justin Shaw
5365 Wangaratta Way
Littleton, Colorado 80130
Or
ATTN: Justin Shaw
Slate Creek Ranger Station
304 Slate Creek Road
White Bird, Idaho 83554
Or via email: Justinshawrecovery@gmail.com
