Farmer critically injured in Uxbridge tractor accident, GoFundMe established

A farmer and young father of two was severely injured in a tractor accident sparking rapid support from the Uxbridge community.

The farmer and mechanic, Ryan Fawns, 31, lives up in Udora in Uxbridge’s northern reaches with his wife Casie and two children (4 and two months old respectively). Last week Fawns was run over by a tractor and sustained multiple life-changing injuries.

According to a GoFundMe set up in his name, he remains in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Micheal’s Hospital in Toronto.

“He has received devastating news that due to the seriousness of his injuries, he has many long months of rehabilitation and therapy and will not walk again until there are major advancements in spinal cord injuries,” wrote GoFundMe organizer Deanne Sweet, “The young family’s dreams have been shattered and life as they know it has been forever changed.

Sweet set up the fundraiser on July 28 to support the family through “the magnitude of trips for family to and from the hospital, medical care, medical equipment, transportation, and renovations to the house for accessibility” which she described as “overwhelming.”

After less than a day active, the GoFundMe has already reached more than $26,000 of its $50,000 goal from 160 donations.

Mayor Dave Barton called on the community to support the fundraiser and the Fawns family saying, “A devastating farming accident took place last week that has changed this young family’s life forever. The Fawns are a multi-generational farm family who need our support.”

“I have known Ryan since he was born and his wife Casie is a lovely person I got to know best as a children’s dance instructor while teaching my daughter and her friends,” Barton continued, “If you are able please help either through this “Go Fund Me” or by supporting the live auction being put on by Dick Ott.”