On Thursday, June 7th, 2007, BOBBY MODEL, 34, internationally known climber, mountaineer and talented photographic journalist, was riding in a car near Stellenbosch (near Cape Town), South Africa, when an unknown assailant threw a chunk of concrete about the size of a melon through the windshield, striking Bobby directly in the head. Bobby was immediately incapacitated and rushed to the near by Vergelegen Clinic where he was attended to by physicians. It was apparent he suffered a severe brain injury, had not regained consciousness, and responded minimally to stimuli at that time.

Bobby Model was born of the mountains with an adventurous spirit near Cody, Wyoming in 1973. During childhood, throughout college and then later, Bobby developed highly refined skills of rock climbing, mountaineering, a thirst for exploration and photographing new places, all of which formed key ingredients of his life. He has covered several notable mountaineering expeditions and gradually evolved keen interests in geopolitical and social issues in third world countries, especially Iran, Sudan and Kenya where he resided until this tragic accident.

Bobby’s photographic artistry has appeared in Rock & Ice, Climbing, National Geographic Magazine, the N.Y. Times and Outside Magazine. Having gained international status, he is a contributing photographer for National Geographic Adventure Magazine. He was recently (2006) selected as an ‘Emerging Explorer’ by the National Geographic Society (www.nationalgeographic.com/emerging/bmodel.html ), where it is written of Bobby that “he goes to extremes, camera in hand, he has documented mountain ascents, desert ruins, war zones and some of the world’s most isolated cultures, braving remote locations and challenging conditions on five continents”. Bobby wrote the following after his involvement in an incident in the Sudan Civil War…. “Moments like this make me realize that wherever we are, people have certain universal emotions. We’re really all the same. I hope my work in these places will have some sort of meaning, bring new awareness, and help change situations like this”.

BOBBY WAS IN A FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE!!

Bobby’s extraordinary talent and superlative personal qualities have led to the establishment of life-long friendships worldwide. We are all concerned for the health and wellbeing of this truly unique man. Bobby was moved (July 5,'07) thousands of miles back to NY City, to the Mt. Sinai Hospital where he underwent extensive neurological and neurosurgical treatment. He was then moved to Colorado's Kindred Hospital (October 16,'07) prior to entering the Brain Injury Program at Craig Hospital (Denver, March 13,'08), a center for Central Nervous System rehabilitation well-known for the highest quality of care. **NOTE: Bobby is scheduled for release on an outpatient basis on June 27,'08. He continues his recovery in Denver at this time. It is a long, arduous path, but the journey is well underway. The Chronology of this tragic, shocking event can be followed below. Words of encouragement can be sent to his loving sister FAITH MODEL at faithmodel@yahoo.com who is in constant attendance, as are other family members and close friends.

Bobby’s extraordinary work can be viewed at www.bobbymodel.com .

We continue to wish Bobby Godspeed and full recovery.

Please read on……

Posted by Skip Harper

Additional info:
Steve Bechtel, CSCS
ELEMENTAL TRAINING CENTER
134 LINCOLN ST
LANDER WY 82520
307-332-0480
www.elementaltraining.com

Dear friends;

We are on day three now (... at the Vergelegen Clinic) and Bobby remains stable, but in critical condition in ICU. The first five days are difficult and we are still waiting for any kind of prognosis. His brain will continue to swell, peaking on day five. We are hoping that the widespread inflammation will recede then.

Anne (Bobby's mother) arrived early today and was able to speak to the two doctors who operated on Bobby. She appreciated the fact that they appeared to treat the patient and not merely the statistics. She says they really seem to focus on Bobby and his individual situation and that that was what they based their decision on. She was also pleased by the caring quality of Bobby's treatment. But they also impressed upon her that Bobby's condition was extremely serious.

The attending specialists are Dr Finley and Neuro-Surgeon Dr Small-Smith. Bobby's friend and South African Dr Dave Schul, an ER physician in Salt Lake City, has been in contact with all of us and has spoken to Dr Small-Smith. He has assured us that Bobby is in exceptionally good hands. The South African medical profession is highly regarded in medical circles around the world and Bobby is in a top-notch facility, The Vergelegen Medi-Clinic.

Once again thanks so much for all your support, it is so appreciated. Please continue to do so. The fact is that we simply have no idea how long or how difficult the way forward is going to be.

FROM: Faith (Bobby’s Sister) and friends.

Vergelegen Medi-Clinic
Main Road, 7130
Sommerset West
Western Cape Province
South Africa

Tel: +27 21 850 9000
E: hospmngrverge@mediclinic.co.za

Skip,
Thanks for keeping us posted. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobby and his family.

Best wishes to Bobby for a full recovery. Curses to the cowards that hide in the shadows throwing stones.

First Todd Skinner, now Bobby...why does the worst things happen to the nicest people...that's why i'm a onery sob. God bless Bobby and his family and I wish them all the best...my prayers are with you...love from Cody, WY Chas (Dr Jamieson)

Sounds like "MORONS" live everywere around the world! Recently a "Fire Truck" in Sierra Vista Az. was responding to a 911 call only to have a Stone thrown through their windshield putting them out of service. Two Guy's were later arrested and released..... GO FIGURE WHY THEY WERE RELEASED:(
Also best wishes for a full recovery.

Monday, June 11th
Dear friends: Today was tough. Bobby had a brain scan this morning. The doctors tell us that his CONDITION HAS DETERIORATED. The contusion appears to have spread and is putting pressure on his brain stem. He is not in any pain and his vitals are being kept stable. He has NOT regained consciousness. We expect some additional procedures tomorrow and will let you know the outcome. (from Faith, Bobby's Sister)

Tuesday, June 12th
Dearest friends and family: This is Faith writing. I don't know that there are words to express how your love, support, thoughts, prayers and warmth have been gently carrying us through this time of deep pain and confusion. I'm at a loss for words other than to tell you that my brother is surrounded by your love and prayers and hope--it permeates every inch of the ICU and I find the nurses and doctors are also struck by the constant stream of loving support that surrounds my brother. YOU ARE ALL AN EXTRAORDINARY GIFT TO BOBBY AND TO US ALL. But I know especially that Bobby is deeply touched by your loving words, warm thoughts and most of all sincere hope.
There is not much news today. Little changes here and there and he has a chest infection, but they will change his antibiotics. We will keep you updated, of course.

I have known Bobby since he was 3 days old. Faith since she was 3 days old. I am heart broken This Cody girl wants to be in south Frica to give Bobby's family big hugs. I am sad, angry,confused,good people doing good things. Sarah

Thursday, June 14th
... Bobby had a TRACHEOTOMY today, which reduces the irritation in his throat and makes it easier to suction. It's also better not to have tubes invading his mouth and throat. The bruising on his face is
receding and he looks much better. He was off the ventilator and breathing on his own today, but his lungs got a bit tired and they put him back on for tonight. He does have a secondary lung
infection, but the doctors are addressing this.

Again, your deep affection, support and powerful hope have brought us all to tears and I know Bobby is touched beyond words. Thank you so much for all your messages, which we constantly pass on to Bobby.
My brother's strength is palpable, but i also see that he is resting, which is so important for the healing process.

Sending love and endless thanks to all of you from all of us,
particularly Bobby,

Faith

Hang in there, Bobby! You are still in our thoughts and prayers...my love you and your family. Dr J.

Saturday, June 16th
... Bobby IS getting your messages of comfort and Support, even if we can't respond personally to let you know. His vitals always seem to steady - as if to listen when any of us give him messages, news or even a little gossip. Bobby's face is now completely free of tubes and he looks pretty good, considering. He's tolerating his food (he has a tube in his stomach) and is breathing on his own with occasional assistance. His lung infection has also cleared for the most part.

The ICU staff have become like a small family to us and continue to be outstanding in every way.

'Jagoe' and Faith

Skip - this is A-W-E-S-O-M-E NEWS. Thanks for keeping us informed.

Hang in there Bobby..!!

Tuesday, June 19th
. . . Bobby remains stable, but still in a coma. I do want to tell you, however, that when I read him excerpts from the supertopo forum or emails received, I really feel that not only is he listening and enjoying, but that he is so deeply touched by everyone's concern, love and thoughts and he especially likes the little stories. Please keep your hopes and prayers high--higher than ever. Faith Model

**ALSO, – see latest ACCESS FUND Ezine (www.accessfund.org/pubs/en/e-news80.htm ) for more on Bobby.

Friday, June 22nd
. . . Bobby continues to rest peacefully with very stable vitals. We've been meeting with the doctors and we're information gathering at the moment as there will soon be decisions to make about possible additional procedures, where do we go from here, etc. Needless to say, the priority is to ensure that Bobby is on the best possible healing path for him. Once we have more information and clarity about all of this, we will let you know how we will proceed.

In the meantime, we send endless thanks and much love to all of you from us all, especially Bobby.

Faith

As a fellow photojournalist, and Wyoming resident, it's sad to hear about somthing like this. We always joke around our office that it'll never be the fire or lightning strike that'll get me, it'll be a poorly thrown baseball. Sadly, that's about the truth of it. On assignment, you're ready for anything...but just driving down the road...no way to be ready for that.

Glad to hear about the progress Bobby has made. Please keep us updated, and know that our prayers are with him.

Tuesday, June 26th
… Bobby's eyes now flutter a bit and he's been swallowing and moving his mouth, particularly when he's being spoken to or in response to pain. He's not at all happy with the vast array of tubes poking into his arms and he's been fighting pneumonia, which is tiring. They are trying to wean him off the ventilator completely, which will greatly reduce his risk of infection. His vitals also stabilized a little bit from yesterday. He's tough, resilient and fighting … He's extraordinary.

We are in the process of arranging for Bobby to be FLOWN BACK TO THE USA as soon as he is stable enough to fly, which could be any time.

And finally, the letters, stories and cheers are being read to Bobby twice over and I SINCERELY BELIEVE HE CAN HEAR THESE AND IS ENJOYING THEM. Thank you so much for your efforts.

Faith

Saturday, June 30th
... Bobby and I will be HEADING TO NEW YORK CITY by air ambulance early TUESDAY MORNING and arriving very early Wed morning. Bobby will then be at MT. SINAI FOR INITIAL ASSESSMENT. The schedule: the air ambulance crew will be arriving here from the states on Sunday night and need a 24 hour layover rest and time to assess the situation. Then we fly out Tuesday morning with a fuel stop in Dakar. My parents, Mariella and Joe will all be leaving Monday night/ Tue morn, but we'll all eventually be meeting up in states.

Otherwise, Bobby IS STABLE and doing so well. His "shrine" at the hospital is growing and the nurses, doctors and people at the lodge where we stay have been an incredible support and become like a small family to us over the last month. This morning we're all hiking up Table Mountain to bring crisp mountain air and sun to Bobby. Hans-Peter and Joe will climb.

Faith

Thursday, July 5th
… Bobby and I MADE IT TO NEW YORK CITY early yesterday morning and arrived at Mt. Sinai around 6:30am. It was a very difficult trip for Bobby and much too long. He is struggling with pneumonia again, so please keep your prayers and healing energies elevated as you all do so powerfully. He does have the best doctors on his case and is much more comfortable and I know relieved to be here, as am I and the rest of our family. I will update you all later with more details…
Faith

Welcome "home" Bobby! I was on the ridge behind Olive Glenn on my mountain bike...looking over at Heart Mountain, Rattlesnake, Carter, McCullough Peaks, Cedar Mountains...all mole hills compared to where you've been, but if i could only send you the spirit of a young boy striving to top his first ascent...don't give up, we are all pulling for you and despite the long road that you are traveling we have not forgotten and pray for your strength and recovery...God Bless.

Monday, July 9th
... Bobby is really battling with infections right now so please keep your healing thoughts and prayers at their most elevated. He's had incredible support from family and close friends and continues to respond to us all in various ways. We have NRP and some ambient background music during the day, Bobby's fav.

Some people have been asking for an ADDRESS TO CONTACT US, so here is the best one:

Faith Model
Elmrock
150 E. 52nd Street
8th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Please continue to pray and/or send your powerful healing vibes! We are ever
grateful.

Wednesday, July 25th
... On Saturday and Sunday morning, Bobby was showing GOOD SIGNS OF RESPONSIVENESS ... BUT LATER there was considerable involuntary 'posturing'. Because of this bobby had a CT SCAN to see why it was happening. The scans essentially show that Bobby NEEDS SURGERY - SOON! The procedure(s) is/are extensive, delicate and ones with risk. This should occur within the next 24-48 hours ..... so now more than ever please keep your prayers and positive thoughts heightened for Bobby ... but no visitors can be allowed.

We just found out SURGERY IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY AM and an update will be sent shortly thereafter…

Thank you so very much from the family for your prayers, positive thoughts, love and support!! (Helen writing for Faith)

Friday July 27th
… A heartfelt thank you to everyone for your prayers for Bobby's surgery. Just to ease everyone's minds, from a surgical standpoint, the SURGERY WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL. The doctors went in and did everything they needed to do and Bobby remained stable throughout the surgery... He is recovering now and focused on fighting some infections. Faith will continue to keep you updated on his progress.
(Helen writing for Faith)

i was in shock when i heard of the news of bobby but every update i get helps. bobby has gone threw alot in the last 2 months and he needs for us to continue to pray for him and b here for him when needed most. We all love you and want u to make a full recovery so you can be home and around family and loved ones, faith i know your being strong threw all of this and thats great, remember that im here if you need to talk. tell bobby that me and my mom are thinking about you and bobby and your family at this time. Bobby, luv you lots, dont want to lose you!

Friday August 3rd
... Bobby has been resting and healing in Bobby Model style--focus, indomitable strength and will and success. He was battling a lot of infections and at this moment is beating them all. They are in the process of TAKING HIM OFF SEDATION and he is definitely WAKING UP a bit, but also seems to be in some pain so it's a balancing act of easing him off sedation, keeping him on enough painkillers, but letting him ease into a more conscious state. In sum, the steps are forward and that's great news.

Thank you again for all the healing vibes and thoughts, they are clearly working! We are ever grateful and as always sending all of you love and thanks.
Faith

Thursday, August 9th
… I am soo happy to report that last night BOBBY WAS MOVED from the Neuro ICU to a PRIVATE ROOM in a ward!! ... the room is the Ritz: overlooks lush Central Park, Feng Shui'd (sp?), private bathroom and most importantly, it's peaceful and quiet. We were all beginning to show signs of "ICU psychosis" from all the incredible bustle, activity, beeps, alarms, voices, etc. that were unrelenting. Bobby's doctors felt he was definitely ready and we're all much happier in this new very open space with much natural light and good energy.
Faith

Friday, August 10th
...I'm writing as the bearer of GOOD NEWS! For the past day and a half Bobby has begun to show some real signs of ALERTNESS: TRACKING voices with his eyes, flexing and MOVING his right arm and fingers and at times FOLLOWING simple commands. The various doctors and specialists who saw Bobby yesterday were all very ENCOURAGED. I think the move to the private room with a view makes a significant difference in Bobby's ability to heal--even if it's just in terms of getting more peace and some space. At any rate, we are all in really high spirits and am so happy to pass this WONDERFUL NEWS on to you
all-- YOU ARE the most extraordinary support network imaginable!
Faith