Its been 19 days since Ron Svetlik was seriously burned after an engine he was working on in his shop exploded and caught on fire. The 57-year-old South Lake Tahoe man has been in the U.C. Davis Burn Center since being transported by helicopter April 25 with third degree burns over 30 percent of his body, including his scalp, face, eyes, lips, hands, palms, arms and legs.
“He is still unable to walk in his own but he is sitting for an hour at a time in a chair and out of the hospital bed which is good,” wife Jakki told South Tahoe Now. “At this moment future surgeries are unknown, but, the doctors are hopeful that he may not have to have any others, but, again the future is completely unknown and dependent on how Ron’s body heals.”
Due to mounting hospital bills, and expenses for Jakki (and son Harley Wells) to stay with him, there has been an outpouring of financial support from the community and an all-day fundraiser is planned for Thursday, May 17.
Svetlik had had one surgery, and the skin grafts done there seem to be taking, according to Jakki.
Even if things continue to go well, the recovery for Ron is not a short one. The doctors have told the couple he’ll be in ICU at least another two weeks. Then, if all goes well with the skin grafts, he will be moved to a regular medical unit and then to a rehabilitation facility after that.
“He is very motivated to come home,” said Jakki.
Thursday’s fundraiser will be at Casey’s – An American Cantina in the Round Hill Center next to Safeway. All day long, chili will be served for $3 a bowl with a portion of proceeds going directly to Ron and Jakki.
Besides the chili, people can donate via GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/5h32gc0, via paypal without fees by going to paypal and sending to jaxcottage17@gmail.com, or on the Caring Bridge https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ronsvetlik. Updates on Ron’s condition will also be posted there.
“This community has made me strong!” said Jakki. “Our gratitude is unmeasurable and I often find myself at a loss for words.”