For Jim Hancock

Jim Hancock, a good friend and a truly talented member of this community, recently went through a terrifying, life-altering medical emergency. On August 24th, while driving from Floyd to the Veterans Administration hospital in Salem, VA because he was feeling unwell, Jim stopped behind a state trooper on the side of the road. After Jim told the trooper he felt poorly, the trooper quickly got him on the ground and began chest compressions, likely saving Jim’s life. EMTs arrived soon after, and when Jim’s heart and breathing stopped, they revived him and transported him by helicopter to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Jim woke up in the hospital five days later and was later transferred to Skyline Rehabilitation Center in Floyd, VA, where he is continuing treatment and working hard toward recovery.

Because of this emergency, Jim is unable to fulfill his contract with the Pennsylvania Renaissance Festival and will likely also miss the Texas Renaissance Festival, leaving him without income for at least the next several months. Support for Jim will help with day-to-day living expenses, hospital bills, and the ongoing cost of treatment, physical therapy, and occupational therapy as he heals. This GoFundMe has been posted with Jim’s reluctant but appreciative approval. Everyone who knows Jim knows how strong and proud he is, and even he admits that this time he could use the help of his friends. Jim knows this will be a long road back, but he is looking forward to a complete recovery. In Jim’s own words, “With your help, I can weather the financial storm as well as the mental and physical storms.” Right now, Jim’s condition is keeping him from responding directly to most calls and messages, but Fran and Brett are staying in close contact with Jim’s family and can help relay updates and messages of support. If you’re able, please support Jim and share this fundraiser. As Jim says, “Thank y’all for all your expressions of love and support. They mean the world to me.”