A Fundraiser in Support of Felix Snow

10 Feb A Fundraiser in Support of Felix Snow

A fundraising event for FELIX SNOW, hosted by Friends in Need, a nonprofit organization (not yet tax exempt) started by Dr. Susannah Smith, to be held this THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, SHERIDAN BAR, 5-9 p.m. 

Felix Snow

Felix Snow used to work in the film industry. His story would be tough to invent and features all the elements of a classic action flick: macho drive, intense emotions, sports bravado, and unparalleled bravery.

Felix’s life changed dramatically on August 27, 1995, while driving back to Telluride for the Film Festival from a construction job in Petaluma, California.

“I planned to meet a favorite uncle who was returning from Europe after 13 years. I had already driven six or seven hours from San Francisco to Battle Mountain, Nevada when we stopped for gas. When I saw that my passenger had consumed several Vicaden followed by Southern Comfort, I thought better of letting him take over the wheel. My new plan was to get us as far as Elko and rest. Back on the road, I was trying to tune in a radio station when I drifted off the right side. When I hit the shoulder, I overcorrected to the left. My cruise control had been set at 80 and I never touched the brakes. My car shot across the lanes into the median, which was sand, and rolled eight times. I was conscious for the first roll – then I blacked out. By the last roll I regained consciousness and remember thinking: ‘Thank God I am alive.’ I turned to apologize to my companion, who also had been seriously injured. He said simply: ‘Shit happens.’”

Having worked on several action films, Felix’s imagination went wild:

“I thought the vehicle would explode. They always do following an accident in a movie. But I could not move my legs. I scratched my thigh – nothing. I felt my spine and found an abnormality: I knew then I had broken my back and was paralyzed. My thoughts turned to who I knew in a wheelchair and my mind returned to film: there was ‘The Other Side of the Mountain,’ the Jill Kinmont Booth story about the downhill racer who had broken her neck, also ‘Coming Home’ and ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ The thread running through all three features is that each of the protagonists had life-altering injuries, endured years of pain and angst, but ultimately went on to lead a normal life. Having processed the films, I felt lighter. I knew I would be okay.”

And things have been ok, relatively speaking, including competing on a mono-ski in the X Games, cheered on by his many Telluride friends and admirers.

And then…

Felix recently suffered a series of serious medical challenges, causing him to be hospitalized for many months over the past year. As a result, he suffered financial hardships and other associated problems. A nonprofit was established on Felix’s behalf to be able to solicit and disseminate items, services, and funds to him, as well as to other individuals, families, and/or animals in severe distress, who had exhausted all other means of help. All funds currently being raised will go to Friends in Need and are for Felix.

The big event, a fundraiser for Felix, takes place Thursday, February 12, 2015, at the Sheridan Bar, 5-9 p.m. Silent auction items include dinners, hotel stays, vacations, massage, physical therapy…. for a complete list, go here and click “more.” There is also a Facebook Page up right now with details of the event.

“Please come and help our friend, Felix,” said Susannah Smith. “We are raising money to buy him a car; for ancillary costs, such as registration, taxes, insurance; for home health care that he needs prior to his next surgery; medications not covered by his insurance; and for relieving the debt burden that he has incurred due to his inability to work during this past year. Our target is $20,000.  If we go beyond our target, we will either save the money for the next serious friend in need, or for an additional reserve should Felix need help in the future. That will be decided by the Board of Directors, as well as by the wishes of those who donate.”

On Felix’s behalf, Susannah Smith wants to thank all those who have helped:

“Thank you for your support. So many people have jumped in to make Felix’s fundraiser possible. Special thanks go to Kerry Bolger, Abby Dix, Dan Houlihan, Stephanie Warner, and Amy Russell, who have worked so hard.”