Update July 10th

Yesterday Honza had a swallowing test which he passed and can now slowly start eating solid food. He's also able to talk now. He has been accepted into Santa Clara but unfortunately he has developed a bed sore and is unable to be transferred to Santa Clara until it goes away.

Also for those who eat at the Mary's Pizza Shack in Windsor this Monday July 13th and bring a flier, Mary's will donate 20% of the bill toward The recovery fund. For the flier and more information contact jennifermazzoli@yahoo.com

Update July 3

Honza had some difficulties, but is doing better now. Yesterday his neck was hurting and the staples from his neck came out. He is getting sore and uncomfortable laying in the bed, but he will finally be transfered on Monday. Lets hope that happens. Usually he just watches TV and sleeps. He enjoyed all the visits so far. More fundraisers are coming together such as the golf tournament, Large Pizzas for Honza at La Pizza, and Membership for Healdsburg gym for the whole month go to Honza as well.

New Articles

New articles on Honza's progress.

Press Democrat

Healdsburg Tribune

New site

A new website has been created, you san view it here

Update June 21st

Honza is able to feel down to his hands and his stomach. The next step is for him to try to start moving bit by bit. If things keep going the way they are he'll be taken off the respirator and moved as soon as next week.

Message to all Paypal donators

Due to a problem, none of the donations made through Paypal have gone through. This problem has recently been fixed and no one's money has been lost. If you had previously donated and would like to re-donate it would be much appreciated. We are sorry for this inconvenience.

Honza in the News

Honza's story made it into the Press Democrat

You can read it here.

He was also featured in the Healdsburg Tribune here

Update, June 18

Honza is able to feel sensation down to about his elbows in his arms and his mid chest area. He has been able to breath with out the ventilator for about 2 hours this morning which us up from 10 minutes yesterday. Other than that he had some headaches today and stuff but looks a little better.

Honza Ripa Photo Gallery

It has been requested that we post some pictures of Honza before the accident, so here they are!

 

Update

Today Honza has been put through a lot of CATscans and other tests. I haven't seen him yet today, but my mom has. There is no change in his physical state. I'm not sure when he can have visitors yet.

How it happened

Honza was at the Russian River with some of his best friends. He jumped into the water either from the bank of the river or the shallow end. He hit his head and from then on couldn't feel or move anything from neck down. He started drowning, but luckily his friends were there to quickly drag him out of the water and call 9-1-1. Shortly after, the helicopter came to rescue him, and flew him to Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa, where he is staying now. He had to have a surgery done to correct his spine and vertebrae, and now he has a tube down his throat and is on all kinds of medications, IVs, sleeping doses and so on. He still can't feel his legs or arms, but he can nod his head and see, hear, think and whatnot. That's pretty much it so far, and I would appreciate your help, which at this point is donations and spreading the word. Thanks

Thank you for helping Honza!

Hi everyone, this is Vojta Ripa, and this blog is for my brother to try to get as many people together so everyone can hear the real story about what happened to Honza, and to try to get a feedback from people if they have any questions or comments. But mainly, we want to tell people what they can do for Honza, and that is to contribute to a fund we have set up for him.
Surgery went ok; he still can't feel his arms or legs, hopefully this will change within the next week to 6 months, but no one knows yet.
So far, Honza shouldn't have any visitors, but I will let everyone know as soon as he can. He will be in Memorial Hospital for a week, and then they want to send him to Santa Clara, but that will only be possible with a lot of financial help, and that's where you come in! Every penny counts, so don't be shy to just donate change! Use the PayPal donation button at the right to donate to the Exchange Bank fund.
You can also call this number to make a donation: 707-473-2662 (the Exchange Bank address is 1031 Vine Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448, and the website is http://www.exchangebank.com/)
THANKS! AND SPREAD THE WORD!