[NLRS] Fwd: Update on Terry W8ZN of Directive Systems

[Barry Malowanchuk]

GA All, 

Note how this happened…. 

Best 73 
Barry VE4MA 


Subject: [VHFcontesting] W8ZN injury update 

Hi All, 

Please forward this to any other VHF reflectors if you desire. 

On May 15th, I was putting the finishing touches on my new 4 bay array for 
2m which is on a 10' roof top tower, being at 2400' ASL has it's 
advantages! I didn't notice the back side of my metal roof was covered with 
pollen and when I stepped on it my feet went out from under me and I 
slid 20' and then fell 19' onto the ground. It knocked the wind out of my 
but I never got knocked out. Once I got my breathe back I verified all body 
parts were there and pointing in the right direction and began to assess 
the damage. My left side was numb but my leg and feet worked so I didn't 
think I injured my spine but I kept motionless until EMS arrived. 

I had horrible lower back pain right at my tailbone. At the hospital I go 
the news of a shattered L1 vertebrae with shards causing spinal cord fluid 
to leak, two broken ribs, fractured sternum and abdominal bleeding. Had a 
7 hour operation to install metal rods in the back and now in rehab. 

Margie and I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of offers to help 
and we thank everyone. My brother is heading in to town to help, my roving 
partner K1RA and I've called on K1WHS to assist so we will be back going 
soon. 

Me, K8GP, K8GP/R along with Directive Systems will be back 100%, we just 
need some time. 

I've climbed for 55 years, been to 1800 feet on a tower, NEVER had a 
mishap. As with K2DRH, leave it to a damn ladder or a roof to mess you up!! 

73 and thanks to all 

Terry Price - W8ZN 
Directive Systems and Engineering 
703-754-3876