Snowbird, Utah (Ski Press)-This a personal note from Matt Long, whose father Frank is a dear friend of Ski Press World and of skiers everywhere. Any and all contributions - prior to or after the fundraiser are greatly appreciated. Matt's e-mail address is at the bottom of the note:

On September 4, 2009, father, husband, avid skier, and Little Cottonwood Canyon local Frank Long suffered a terrible accident in Valle Nevado, Chile. On the last run of the day Frank suffered a brutal crash that compressed his C3, C4, and C5 vertebrae. The accident has left Frank without feeling through much of his body.

Dust on crust, poor visibility, and an unmarked cat track sent Frank over a 4-5 foot drop where his upper body and face took most of the impact on a cement-like road. After ski patrol responded he was airlifted to a hospital in Santiago where he underwent emergency surgery. A difficult week at the Chilean hospital followed before Frank was placed on a medevac flight to Miami.

Frank will return to Utah on January 14, 2010 to continue his fight to take back control of his life. Help us get Frank back in the mountains where he belongs and doing what he loves with his friends and family.

The Tram Club is hosting a fundraiser on February 20, 2010 at 5pm to help Frank with his ongoing recovery and medical expenses. We are asking for items or services to be donated for a raffle and silent auction. Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. To make a donation please contact Matt Long 774-994-0145 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Nancy Pinnell 801-455-5177 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or Brian Van Steenkiste 734-626-0311 - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo credit:  Matt Long