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Around midnight (Sunday, August 13th) last night near the Nevada state line, John Bachar, Steve Karafa (President of Acopa) and John's girlfriend Anastasia were involved in a car accident on their way home from the trade show. Sadly Steve Karafa died and John Bachar was hospitilised.
http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/
http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Very sad news. Can only hope Steve's family are coping okay.
Very sad news. Can only hope Steve's family are coping okay.
In reply to A Longleat Boulderer:
Update from Climbing magazine:
On monday, August 14, John Bachar, his girlfriend Anastasia, and Acopa president Steve Karafa were involved in a car accident returning home from the 25th annual Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City. Karafa died at the scene. Emergency response airlifted Bachar to a hospital where doctors diagnosed four fractured vertebrae on the renowned Southern California climber. He remains in stable condition. Kafar’s girlfriend, Anatasia, sustained minor injuries.
Steve will be cremated on friday. He leaves behind a fiancé, Sara, his mother, father, and sister.
Bachar unfortunately is without insurance and will be facing tremendous medical expenses. If you’d like to help John, a fund has been set up (checks or money orders, please):
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
("John Bachar Fund")
PO BOX 2297
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Update from Climbing magazine:
On monday, August 14, John Bachar, his girlfriend Anastasia, and Acopa president Steve Karafa were involved in a car accident returning home from the 25th annual Outdoor Retailer Trade Show in Salt Lake City. Karafa died at the scene. Emergency response airlifted Bachar to a hospital where doctors diagnosed four fractured vertebrae on the renowned Southern California climber. He remains in stable condition. Kafar’s girlfriend, Anatasia, sustained minor injuries.
Steve will be cremated on friday. He leaves behind a fiancé, Sara, his mother, father, and sister.
Bachar unfortunately is without insurance and will be facing tremendous medical expenses. If you’d like to help John, a fund has been set up (checks or money orders, please):
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
("John Bachar Fund")
PO BOX 2297
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Sad news - somebody on that side of the pond should set up a Paypal donation page. He is known around the world and that would make it far easier to receive donations.
Sad news - somebody on that side of the pond should set up a Paypal donation page. He is known around the world and that would make it far easier to receive donations.
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Email Dave Talsky <dave@mammothgear.com>. Dave is organising the fund.
I have also emailed him
Email Dave Talsky <dave@mammothgear.com>. Dave is organising the fund.
I have also emailed him
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com: Thats very sad, give all concerned that our thoughts are with them.
In reply to Al Evans:
You can do better than that Al.
The American Alpine Club has set up a donation fund for John Bachar.
Donations can be made to the American Alpine Club for the John Bachar Fund. People can either mail checks to us at:
American Alpine Club
710 10th St. Suite 100
Golden CO 80401
Or donate online at www.americanalpineclub.org. Click on “support us” and take it from there.
In either case we need to know in the memo line on a check or a note or the comment field in the online option that this is for John Bachar.
Anyone in Mammoth Lakes can still drop off donations at Mammoth Mountaineering and the Acopa shoe offer is still on. Although out of town people may do better to buy straight from Acopa. Wear Acopa.
Peter Croft has volunteered his time and a slide show!!! Date and place to be determined. Think about September 8 ish.
> (In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com) Thats very sad, give all concerned that our thoughts are with them.
You can do better than that Al.
The American Alpine Club has set up a donation fund for John Bachar.
Donations can be made to the American Alpine Club for the John Bachar Fund. People can either mail checks to us at:
American Alpine Club
710 10th St. Suite 100
Golden CO 80401
Or donate online at www.americanalpineclub.org. Click on “support us” and take it from there.
In either case we need to know in the memo line on a check or a note or the comment field in the online option that this is for John Bachar.
Anyone in Mammoth Lakes can still drop off donations at Mammoth Mountaineering and the Acopa shoe offer is still on. Although out of town people may do better to buy straight from Acopa. Wear Acopa.
Peter Croft has volunteered his time and a slide show!!! Date and place to be determined. Think about September 8 ish.
No paypal as of yet but here is an address to send donations to...
Dave and Autumn Talsky of Mammoth Mountaineering Supply are taking immediate donations for John and his ensuing Medical Bills. They are also working on some "Local Fund Raiser's" for our local Hero and Legend. If you all care to, you can send what you can (Check's or MO's preferred) to:
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
("John Bachar Fund")
PO BOX 2297
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Dave and Autumn Talsky of Mammoth Mountaineering Supply are taking immediate donations for John and his ensuing Medical Bills. They are also working on some "Local Fund Raiser's" for our local Hero and Legend. If you all care to, you can send what you can (Check's or MO's preferred) to:
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
("John Bachar Fund")
PO BOX 2297
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
paypal account has been set up. My apologies for not posting here sooner. Please go to www.mammothgear.com
John is doing ok. He will need to fuse C4/C5 to relieve some pressure on a nerve causing weakness in his arm. He will be wearing a rigid cervical collar for a few months too.
A good way to support John and Steves family is to buy and wear some of the best shoes made by them. Steves sister and Dad are at the www.AcopaUSA.com offices and are shipping overseas.
I would be interested to know what John would be going through in Britian in regards to the medical industry. Would he be seeing good doctors in a timely manner without the threat of leveraging his house?
thanks for the help
paypal account has been set up. My apologies for not posting here sooner. Please go to www.mammothgear.com
John is doing ok. He will need to fuse C4/C5 to relieve some pressure on a nerve causing weakness in his arm. He will be wearing a rigid cervical collar for a few months too.
A good way to support John and Steves family is to buy and wear some of the best shoes made by them. Steves sister and Dad are at the www.AcopaUSA.com offices and are shipping overseas.
I would be interested to know what John would be going through in Britian in regards to the medical industry. Would he be seeing good doctors in a timely manner without the threat of leveraging his house?
thanks for the help
In reply to owenthedog:
'Would he be seeing good doctors in a timely manner without the threat of leveraging his house?'
Really? Christ thats harsh, just the job for a speedy recovery
'Would he be seeing good doctors in a timely manner without the threat of leveraging his house?'
Really? Christ thats harsh, just the job for a speedy recovery
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Very sad.
But why? Oh why? Don't people take out insurance? A salutary lesson to us all.
Very sad.
But why? Oh why? Don't people take out insurance? A salutary lesson to us all.
In reply to Trangia:
John was, I believe, a partner in the climbing shoe manufacturer http://www.acopausa.com/ which had not been going very long. Business start-ups are usually pretty tight financially. Health insurance costs a fortune in the USA. I guess it was a gamble.
John is hardly alone, 45 million Americans have no health insurance of any kind. Insurance bureaucracy and profits (one third of the entire US health budget) would be more than enough to provide health coverage to all of them, but that would be “socialised medicine” and so A Bad Thing.
In reply to emo:
A cervical fusion might be in the region of $30-50 000 if you walked in to hospital. It will probably cost John a lot more as he's been in an accident and it sounds like he'll be in hospital for several weeks. Mick quotes $100 000 in the other thread.
Even if he had been insured, John might still be having problems: Medical problems and bills are the leading cause of business failure and personal bankruptcy in the USA: 750 000 people a year are bankrupted by medical costs and illness-related loss of earnings. Most are middle-class and had insurance when their illness or injury started but exclusion clauses meant they had little cover when a serious or long-lasting problem occurred.
John was, I believe, a partner in the climbing shoe manufacturer http://www.acopausa.com/ which had not been going very long. Business start-ups are usually pretty tight financially. Health insurance costs a fortune in the USA. I guess it was a gamble.
John is hardly alone, 45 million Americans have no health insurance of any kind. Insurance bureaucracy and profits (one third of the entire US health budget) would be more than enough to provide health coverage to all of them, but that would be “socialised medicine” and so A Bad Thing.
In reply to emo:
A cervical fusion might be in the region of $30-50 000 if you walked in to hospital. It will probably cost John a lot more as he's been in an accident and it sounds like he'll be in hospital for several weeks. Mick quotes $100 000 in the other thread.
Even if he had been insured, John might still be having problems: Medical problems and bills are the leading cause of business failure and personal bankruptcy in the USA: 750 000 people a year are bankrupted by medical costs and illness-related loss of earnings. Most are middle-class and had insurance when their illness or injury started but exclusion clauses meant they had little cover when a serious or long-lasting problem occurred.
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com: I will be sending a donation Mick.
In reply to duncan:
Perhaps we should set up a fund to support all of them?
> John is hardly alone, 45 million Americans have no health insurance of any kind.
Perhaps we should set up a fund to support all of them?
In reply to Witkacy:
Fair point, but we feel a special kinship with other climbers, don't we? Rightly or wrongly.
> (In reply to duncan)
>
> [...]
>
> Perhaps we should set up a fund to support all of them?
>
> [...]
>
> Perhaps we should set up a fund to support all of them?
Fair point, but we feel a special kinship with other climbers, don't we? Rightly or wrongly.
In reply to duncan:
That is an alarming stat. If all those people could be persuaded (or compelled?) to take out insurance surely that would bring down the premiums substantially? A chicken and egg situation seems to have evolved here. At least in the UK where contributions are compulsory for basic NHS care there is a degree of cover regardless of it's faults.
Do people in the USA get free basic life saving assistence following an accident? Surely the paramedics don't just stand there if they find the victim is uninsured?
> (In reply to Trangia)
>
>
> John is hardly alone, 45 million Americans have no health insurance of any kind. Insurance bureaucracy and profits (one third of the entire US health budget) would be more than enough to provide health coverage to all of them, but that would be “socialised medicine” and so A Bad Thing.
>
>
> John is hardly alone, 45 million Americans have no health insurance of any kind. Insurance bureaucracy and profits (one third of the entire US health budget) would be more than enough to provide health coverage to all of them, but that would be “socialised medicine” and so A Bad Thing.
That is an alarming stat. If all those people could be persuaded (or compelled?) to take out insurance surely that would bring down the premiums substantially? A chicken and egg situation seems to have evolved here. At least in the UK where contributions are compulsory for basic NHS care there is a degree of cover regardless of it's faults.
Do people in the USA get free basic life saving assistence following an accident? Surely the paramedics don't just stand there if they find the victim is uninsured?
In reply to owenthedog:
Bill
> (In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com)
>
> >
> A good way to support John and Steves family is to buy and wear some of the best shoes made by them. Steves sister and Dad are at the www.AcopaUSA.com offices and are shipping overseas.
>
>
I can recommend these shoes, my daughter has used many makes & thinks these are the best she has tried! A good way of continued support I think.
>
> >
> A good way to support John and Steves family is to buy and wear some of the best shoes made by them. Steves sister and Dad are at the www.AcopaUSA.com offices and are shipping overseas.
>
>
Bill
In reply to Steve Parker:
I sympathise that he bust 4 vertebrae - I just can't believe we're being asked to fund a wealthy American's medical expenses. Is this same the guy who offered a "$10,000 reward for anyone who can follow me for one full day"?
> Fair point, but we feel a special kinship with other climbers, don't we?
I sympathise that he bust 4 vertebrae - I just can't believe we're being asked to fund a wealthy American's medical expenses. Is this same the guy who offered a "$10,000 reward for anyone who can follow me for one full day"?
In reply to Trangia:
Ha! You reckon. The vast percentage of your insurance goes to men in dark suites with ever expanding bank accounts.
The USA health system is severely broken. You stand more chance of dying actually getting treatment than not. That isn't a joke.
> (In reply to duncan)
> [...]
>
>
> That is an alarming stat. If all those people could be persuaded (or compelled?) to take out insurance surely that would bring down the premiums substantially?
> [...]
>
>
> That is an alarming stat. If all those people could be persuaded (or compelled?) to take out insurance surely that would bring down the premiums substantially?
Ha! You reckon. The vast percentage of your insurance goes to men in dark suites with ever expanding bank accounts.
The USA health system is severely broken. You stand more chance of dying actually getting treatment than not. That isn't a joke.
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Small example....my son when he was 2 got kicked by a horse - $30,000 was the cost. We were between jobs and not insured.
My daughter at age 3 got a burn from some hot tea. Flown down to LA, week in a burns unit...$80,000....we were insured. The doctors at the burns unit exageratted her burn to 3rd degree (from second) so that the insurance would pay. They did eventually.
The whole system from Pharmaceutical companies to HMO's to local hospitals is corrupt....the poor doctors are in the middle - 50 million people uninsured, the standard of care is shite for the majority. Malpractice is rife.
Small example....my son when he was 2 got kicked by a horse - $30,000 was the cost. We were between jobs and not insured.
My daughter at age 3 got a burn from some hot tea. Flown down to LA, week in a burns unit...$80,000....we were insured. The doctors at the burns unit exageratted her burn to 3rd degree (from second) so that the insurance would pay. They did eventually.
The whole system from Pharmaceutical companies to HMO's to local hospitals is corrupt....the poor doctors are in the middle - 50 million people uninsured, the standard of care is shite for the majority. Malpractice is rife.
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
is part of the problem the fact that so much US health care is "gold plated"
do you think?
is part of the problem the fact that so much US health care is "gold plated"
do you think?
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com: Just imagine if they raised the tax on gas (petrol) by $2 a gallon. They could fund healthcare and lower emmisions at the same time. The World's most powerful democracy just needs to do its duty at the ballot box. 45 million uninsured people could get any party they liked voted in which promised free health care.
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Seems the only thing scarier than a huge US medical bill is the though of being reincarnated as one of Mick Ryan's kids !
Seems the only thing scarier than a huge US medical bill is the though of being reincarnated as one of Mick Ryan's kids !
In reply to Dr.Strangeglove:
Exactly....money, money, money..
> (In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com)
> is part of the problem the fact that so much US health care is "gold plated"
> do you think?
> is part of the problem the fact that so much US health care is "gold plated"
> do you think?
Exactly....money, money, money..
In reply to Witkacy:
I agree. Its like being asked to donate towards dan osmans daughters college fund, because the guy didn't bother to take out life insurance.
Im sorry, but there are far more important places to give your money to. I hope he recovers well i really do, but when torn between giving money to a relatively well off, privileged (in the scheme of things) american who has enjoyed a good life, or a kid somewhere who cannot eat because they were born into a bad situation, i know where my money would go. Think about it.
I agree. Its like being asked to donate towards dan osmans daughters college fund, because the guy didn't bother to take out life insurance.
Im sorry, but there are far more important places to give your money to. I hope he recovers well i really do, but when torn between giving money to a relatively well off, privileged (in the scheme of things) american who has enjoyed a good life, or a kid somewhere who cannot eat because they were born into a bad situation, i know where my money would go. Think about it.
Dear Friends and Donators,
I am very happy to say John does have a “catastrophic” insurance policy from Blue Cross. As many of you know I posted that John did not have insurance.
When I heard of this, today, I was both elated and very distraught. When the terrible news surfaced about the accident I made some phone calls and offered to help if fund raising was needed. It was needed, and is needed. However, I misunderstood and John does have some health insurance.
I sincerely regret misleading anyone and saying untruths about John’s insurance status. I will learn from this mistake. I will gladly honor any donations made. Please contact me at 760 937 1492 and I will make right.
I was asking John about his car insurance and discovered he did not know I had posted any information about his insurance status. Since people have asked, his car insurance was liability only.
John does still need our support and help.
Discussion has begun about a Steve Karafa memorial fund or scholarship. John has pledged all unused money raised will go to this effort or another non-profit charity.
Please continue to support John’s cause, despite my error. It goes beyond money.
David J. Talsky
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
MammothGear.com
I am very happy to say John does have a “catastrophic” insurance policy from Blue Cross. As many of you know I posted that John did not have insurance.
When I heard of this, today, I was both elated and very distraught. When the terrible news surfaced about the accident I made some phone calls and offered to help if fund raising was needed. It was needed, and is needed. However, I misunderstood and John does have some health insurance.
I sincerely regret misleading anyone and saying untruths about John’s insurance status. I will learn from this mistake. I will gladly honor any donations made. Please contact me at 760 937 1492 and I will make right.
I was asking John about his car insurance and discovered he did not know I had posted any information about his insurance status. Since people have asked, his car insurance was liability only.
John does still need our support and help.
Discussion has begun about a Steve Karafa memorial fund or scholarship. John has pledged all unused money raised will go to this effort or another non-profit charity.
Please continue to support John’s cause, despite my error. It goes beyond money.
David J. Talsky
Mammoth Mountaineering Supply
MammothGear.com
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Phew! Thank gawd for that.
> Dear Friends and Donators,
>
> I am very happy to say John does have a “catastrophic” insurance policy from Blue Cross. As many of you know I posted that John did not have insurance.
>
> I am very happy to say John does have a “catastrophic” insurance policy from Blue Cross. As many of you know I posted that John did not have insurance.
Phew! Thank gawd for that.
In reply to boo radley:
Good point Boo. In this case it was neighbours being neighbourly. Don't think there is much wrong with that.
Mick
Good point Boo. In this case it was neighbours being neighbourly. Don't think there is much wrong with that.
Mick
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
Glad to hear that he has insurance and wish him a speedy recovery. I do think it's rubbish that the most powerful country in the world fails to look after its own (highlighted on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina). The really scary thing is that UK governments (regardless of political party) are trying to turn our NHS into a more US system. Utter madness. It's at times like these when we realise just how good, for it's many faults, the NHS is.
Glad to hear that he has insurance and wish him a speedy recovery. I do think it's rubbish that the most powerful country in the world fails to look after its own (highlighted on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina). The really scary thing is that UK governments (regardless of political party) are trying to turn our NHS into a more US system. Utter madness. It's at times like these when we realise just how good, for it's many faults, the NHS is.
In reply to Mick Ryan - UKClimbing.com:
John really does need all of us. He might have medical insurance, but it only covers his expenses partially. He also just lost his partner/best friend and is greatly injured on multiple levels.
Nothing can replace Steve, but we can help John make a full recovery. I think by reaching out to him we can all help ease his burdens. I am very grateful for everyones response so far, it has already made a difference. Plus, any funds that are not used for John's medical recovery will go into Steve's memorial fund.
The fact is that we are all just trying to recover from this horrible event. One of the biggest things that has helped me from falling apart is all of you.
Thank you for giving me something positive to think about during my time of stress.
Best Regards,
Anastasia Frangos
John really does need all of us. He might have medical insurance, but it only covers his expenses partially. He also just lost his partner/best friend and is greatly injured on multiple levels.
Nothing can replace Steve, but we can help John make a full recovery. I think by reaching out to him we can all help ease his burdens. I am very grateful for everyones response so far, it has already made a difference. Plus, any funds that are not used for John's medical recovery will go into Steve's memorial fund.
The fact is that we are all just trying to recover from this horrible event. One of the biggest things that has helped me from falling apart is all of you.
Thank you for giving me something positive to think about during my time of stress.
Best Regards,
Anastasia Frangos
In reply to owenthedog:
The emergency care, intensive care and high dependency care would probably compare to what you'd expect in the US. And, of course, it would be free. Essential high-priority surgery would be done in a timely manner and would, of course, be free, as would all inpatient and outpatient aftercare. One would have to pay a small charge towards any medications used once discharged from the hospital (£6 or something to pick up a prescription from the local pharmacist).
If the surgery is not so urgent, however, then I imagine you might be surprised at how long it would take to get done here. Of course, it'd still be free, but it might involve waiting a few months. And with it being free, your options for "shopping round" for a good specialist are a lot more limited than one would get if paying for it.
Best wishes to John.
>
> I would be interested to know what John would be going through in Britian in regards to the medical industry. Would he be seeing good doctors in a timely manner without the threat of leveraging his house?
> I would be interested to know what John would be going through in Britian in regards to the medical industry. Would he be seeing good doctors in a timely manner without the threat of leveraging his house?
The emergency care, intensive care and high dependency care would probably compare to what you'd expect in the US. And, of course, it would be free. Essential high-priority surgery would be done in a timely manner and would, of course, be free, as would all inpatient and outpatient aftercare. One would have to pay a small charge towards any medications used once discharged from the hospital (£6 or something to pick up a prescription from the local pharmacist).
If the surgery is not so urgent, however, then I imagine you might be surprised at how long it would take to get done here. Of course, it'd still be free, but it might involve waiting a few months. And with it being free, your options for "shopping round" for a good specialist are a lot more limited than one would get if paying for it.
Best wishes to John.
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