Charlie Owens' Story
On Friday, June 18th, 2004 Charlie Owen was one of a group of motorcyclists from Roadway Express Portland Oregon who were in route to Canada via the coast Hwy. At one point a rider threw a chain off of his bike, so he, Charlie, and a third rider stopped to effect repairs. At this point they fell several miles behind the main group. While traveling North Bound on Hwy 112, between Hwy 101 and Port Townsend Washington, at mile post 42 a car drifted across the center line nearly hitting a full sized pickup truck. The truck swerved violently to avoid a collision. Charlie was following immediately behind the pickup and also tried to evade the car. But despite all his efforts, was stuck nearly head on, severing his left leg instantly near the hip. Charlie was unconscious only a few moments. When he recovered consciousness, he and a fellow rider immediately placed a tourniquet on what was left of his leg. He was then transported to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle by helicopter. Since his arrival at the Hospital, he underwent 5 surgeries to clean up the amputation.
He was released from the Hospital on July 7th, and allowed to go home. Upon his return to Harbor View on the 20th of July for his first post surgical visit, it was discovered he had an infection in the stump. At this point, he underwent a 6th surgery in an attempt to clean out the infection. He also voluntarily agreed to a Colostomy in an attempt to prevent future bacterial contamination. Sense his surgery, he has been having a very difficult time with nausea, pain, and the infection isn’t dissipating, and he is now trying to fight off depression.
As you may have already realized, Charlie’s life as a professional driver has been radically altered. We are trying to find any and all support for Charlie and his wife Carol in an attempt to help them through this devastating injury. We are sure they will, in time, regroup and bounce back. But they are going to need help making it to that point. Charlie has something in common with all of us. He is a fellow Teamster to some, a fellow motorcyclist to some, and a fellow truck driver to some, and one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Donation and contact information will be provided at the end of this post.
Also it should be known that Charlie’s wife has been very ill for some time now, and is very dependant on our insurance coverage for her medical care. When the insurance lapses, it is not clear at this time what their options will be.
Please, PLEASE, help in any way you can. Charlie is a warm, caring, loving family man that needs all our help. He can be contacted at his home in Vancouver Washington at:
Charlie Owen
10004 NE 77th Circle
Vancouver, Washington 98662
Please help in any way you can. You could send a card or letter of support, or a financial contribution if possible. Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Also, contributions can be made at any branch of US Bank. Just have it deposited into the "Charlie Owen Recovery Fund."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE UPDATES ON CHARLIE (UPDATED AS OFTEN AS WE GET INFO)