Marty Karabin accident, Etc.

I created this account solely to respond to the comments made by RSClimb. Let me respond to each comment individually:

• As far as your comment about “who climbs for 20+ years without insurance?”: Do you even know Marty? How do you know why he didn’t have insurance? You don’t, but you don’t care, you really are only just trying to make the guy look bad.
• To your comments about him “begging for money”: look at the names on these posts. Marty isn’t begging anyone. Everyone is stepping up for a friend. In one comment you said you’d understand if people wanted to help him with money while he’s out of work, but can’t understand helping him with the medical bills. What difference does it make? Either way he’d be receiving money. Would you prefer it if he said he’d pay for the medical bills? Then everyone would fundraise to help him with bills while he’s out of work.
• All of this really comes down to this, “I guess I let my dislike for the dude get in my way”. What I don’t understand is what horrible thing Marty could’ve said or done to you to upset you so much. I mean I can’t imagine how someone could be so heartless as yourself just based on not liking someone. Get over it or tell the guy why you feel the way you do. How can he change if you don’t give him a chance to even know what he did wrong?
• What I think is really sad is I’ve always liked climbers because, for the most part, they are so nice, laid-back and supportive of one another. I mean there aren’t that many sports that you see opponents genuinely cheering one another on at competitions. I would not categorize you as a “real” climber for this reason. Maybe that’s why you don’t like Marty, because he IS one of those climbers.
• I also would encourage you to read your comments again. I don’t know you, but I would have to assume that you are a very hateful, homophobic person: “like running around in tights that scream "I'm queer." But I guess that's why I've never been your fan”. You have a problem with him wearing tights? Oh, well that makes sense. He should probably burn in hell for that then, huh? What kind of nasty person uses sexuality to insult a person? P.S. I don’t think he ever asked you to be his fan.
• I particularly like this comment: “the run-ins I've had with you at the gym. You seem to think you are a god of climbing and treat people like a jerk sometimes. Maybe that's why I decided to be one.” Geez, he’s confident AND can be a jerk “sometimes”. Wow, well, now that you put it that way… I guess it’s a good thing that you were a good enough person to lower yourself to Marty’s supposed level of being a jerk. That makes a lot of sense (to a 3-year old…maybe). “Well he’s a jerk and wears funny tights, so I don’t like him and I will show that by acting like a jerk, also.” It’s also funny that you admitted to trying to be a jerk after posting earlier that “I’m not trying to be a jerk”….
• And what is up with the comment at the end of the last post “see you at the gym”? Is that supposed to be threatening or something? I think it was probably actually just words or encouragement. Clearly you also are looking forward to Marty’s speedy recovery so he can get back to work and set more routes for you to climb. Maybe there is something human about you after all!
• Really, this all comes down to you having some major pent up anger over something Marty said to you and instead of telling him how you felt about it, you thought it would be better to try to bash his character and insult him while he’s down. Even after all the nasty things you’ve said, he still apologized for whatever it was he did or said to you (thank you Marty for showing how real climbers treat one another).

Have lurked to this point...but am moved to say a couple things.

First and foremost, Godspeed Marty! I don't know you but I wish anybody a smooth recovery from such a nasty accident. Empathetically, the wish is stronger for a fellow climber. Appreciatively, it's stronger still for a dude who sinks time and treasure into putting up routes for others to have adventure and joy. Get well fast. Don't hurt too much in the mean time!

Second, I agree this is not the place for a troll lecture about insurance and personal responsibility.

But third, since people are commenting about health care, insurance, the "system" and public policy, I want to point out something that strikes me as a bright spot: It appears Marty *without insurance* received prompt, world class medical treatment. (Sorry about the nursing horror stories--don't know what to say about that; and I have a file of even worse stories from other national systems.) I'm talking about the surgery, technology, and hardware--the essential repair and preservation of your bone, your mobility, and your freedom to climb. Isn't it wonderful?!

I bet most observers, hearing the facts up to the time of your hospital admission, and then asked what will happen next, would predict you'd be stabilized and dumped; transferred to a lesser facility, casted and left to rot; or something comparably horrifying. That ain't what happened.

I'm grateful our system has as many specialists as it does. I'm grateful there was someone there to see and treat you when it was needed. I'm grateful the necessary devices and prosthetic parts were in stock and ready to implant. And I'm grateful that for as brutal and Darwinian as our system is reputed to be, all those resources were martialed and focused on you!

I hope, that as we search for reforms to improve a stressed and costly system, to improve access and contain costs, we don't make decisions that will make all those good things less likely for future Marty Karabins!

Get well,

Shawn

Best wishes to Marty--I don't know him but I feel for him and as someone who gets out climbing, in my own humble way, pretty often, I understand we can all be close to dealing with Marty is, maybe not as bad, maybe even worse. I hope I don't get slandered by an anonymous jerk if that happens, but what can you do.

To the preceding comment by Sahwn Mitchell--can you identify any proposed changes to the health care system that would treat someone in Marty's situation worse than they are now? I'm not an expert on health care but follow the debate to some extent, and I just can't think of any proposal by either party or any faction that wold cause health care to degrade for people who currently don't have insurance. Seems he's the prototype for the class of person who is expected to benefit from the changes. Others may suffer, that's a different issue.

Good follow up. I wasn't precise.

I fear--with some empirical basis, looking around at other system--that subjecting health care finance to greater political control, with cost containment and implicit rationing by budget caps, shortage, and waiting lists, will degrade care for all of us, not the uninsured in particular.

EDIT: And if it does cause the degradation I fear, then future uninsureds may, on paper, be better covered than they are, on paper, today. But when they are seriously injured, I worry it will be a less equipped, staffed, and stocked system that responds...

That would hurt future Marty K's.

Hey all,
As many of you have referenced the economy sucks right about now and being able to cover all of your expenses seems daunting let alone donating to help Marty. That is why we are scheduling a few smaller fundraisers rather than one big to-do. Hopefully we, as a community, can pitch in and help him with whatever we can. So here is a quick overview on what we are doing to help a fellow climber who has done so much for the sport.

The first of these fun filled events will be held at Climbmax on Thursday, August 13th, at about 7:30pm. I am sure that Mike is getting a few exciting events together, in addition to the slide show presented by Jim Waugh.
The second will be held at Boulders on Broadway on August 30th. The details for this event are still getting hammered out and will be posted in the few days, but you all can expect a few friendly competitions, great food, and amazing company.
The third will be held at the Phoenix Rock gym in mid September. This will include an art auction and raffle. If you have any contributions you would like to make to the raffle/ art auction please bring them to Phoenix Rock Gym.

You are always welcome to bring any donations to the PRG at any time in addition to the existing account established for donations at Wells Fargo. This information can be found on the end of the post.

Wells Fargo Account Information:
Marty Karabin Recovery Fund
Wells Fargo Acct Number: 9613232793

• ** When donating (online or in person) the primary name on the account is Robert Olson. If you use just Marty Karabin the name won't match and your transaction may be rejected

Marty:

You can climb in a kilt for all I care. Just wear briefs! You've done plenty for the climbing community here in AZ, as expressed in an earlier post. I've always had a positive experience when around Marty. RS, you are a total douche-bag.

I climbed for many years without health insurance, so please take your rant and go crawl off somewhere like hell. I have it now, but 18 months ago I separated my shoulder and still am fighting the hospital for double charges they are shafting me with.

Marty, don't forget that therapy is important. Heal fast Brother!

Really Guys the point of the forum is not to gang up on the guy that doesn’t agree granted he is an ass. We are all here to show Marty support and love while he is working on getting back into his tights. (Right now the closest he is getting to putting those things on is the zebra stripes on his walker) so lets stop the attacks on our nameless descendant and help our friend, as we know he would be doing, as has done, for all of us.

Marty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What is up big man!!! First of I did not know until last night of what had happend to you. Robert told me all about it, and Luis said he spoke to you. They are trying to do a fundraising, I am passing ur story in facebook and telling everyone about Marty the valiant and his great story. My prayers are with you my friend and hope that you heal fast, I am very distrought to have read what happend to you in the hospital. But glad to know that you are doing good. I sent you all my love from the bottom of my heart, and is the good kind of love u know :D Well Marty Again I will be trying to do my best and I will be seeing you soon. Take care my friend and we will be praying for you :D amognst other things.

Mucho love

Victor Motta

Hey Marty,

How's the leg? Hope its starting to feel better. With all that sitting around you must be going crazy. How many pull ups is it now - 100, 200 or more? I'm sure that you'll be running around the gym in no time.

I'm looking forward to the changes with AZCLIFFHANGER. It will be good to see new, fresh product up there in the next few months. Let me know if you need any help ordering stuff or harassing Jeremy - I'm pretty good at that.

To all others reading this.
Please try your best to make it to any and all of the fundraisers being held for Marty. This guy has put more than 20 years into the climbing community, and we need to help him out. Whether you agree with the insurance crap or not, the dude's not working because he's hurt...lets help him out. Anyone who knows Marty shouldn't have any doubt that he would help out if you were injured.

Peace MK, heal fast.

-Justin

Marty,

So sorry to hear of your mishap. I know you're a strong gutsy guy so you will triumph over this setback. Keep a happy attitude and you'll win in the end.

Best wishes on your recovery.

JOhn Keedy

Marty!!! Wow...the title of Erik's email really scared me but it did say "Help Marty" so I knew the worst had not happened.

Get better soon!

I have used tons of your guidebooks and climbed many of your routes (both in the gym and on the rock). Just want to say thanks for all the years of hard work and service you have given to the rock climbing community.

Rest...speedy recovery...donation on the way.

Oh, and you could climb in a zebra thong for all I care. You still are one bad-ass climbing dude.

Donna Gaudet

It's pronounced Frawnkenshteeeen!

Hey there Marty! Just bought some shoes from ya and I'll donate too. Even with the donation, it won't make up for all the good deals you've given me at your shop! Not to mention the frequent fun talks at the PRG.

Take care and look forward to seeing you at the gym or outdoors again,

Tall long-haired Marc

we like what martin has been doing for this sport in az, I have been enjoy nature more since i star climbing because of what Marty has done and the challenge that his routes offer, it is time to give back, we are with you brother.

luis,

Marty~ i'm very sorry to hear about your accident but glad your ok - as per your (and Erik's) request, I am posting here

I'll miss your benefit but will be down the following Friday to continue efforts toward preserving your awesome contributions in the Queen Creek area. Here's to hoping someday, your pain (and all of the other pains in the asses) will be gone & we can be free to climb QC the way things used to be

Sincere wishes for a complete & speedy recovery, take care Marty Mr. Sticker Man (: >~ hope to see you again someday soon..!

kirra

Marty, Captain Kryptonite here! I just heard from the So Ill Family that they are behind you 110%!

Does anyone else remember the route 5.9+ Big Trouble in Funland??? It may be one of the best routes ever put in plastic! The course setters had time trials on it, and no one ever beat Marty's 11 second time. For those of you who don't remember, it was an overhanging route! I think I got it down to 14 seconds. -Also keep in mind that the fastest time on the rope climb at the Thrash and Dangle fest was 8.1 seconds. That's Fast!

Oh yeah for everyone else: I went to visit Marty, and he is getting out of bed on his own, and recovering very quickly. The flying Zebra is grounded, but never out.

-Captain Kryptonite
"Chancho, one day when you are a man, you can wear stretchy pants, its for fun!"

Marty,

I was really shocked when I heard about your accident; even more shocked when I read your story. I can't understand why this stuff happens to the most undeserving people. Every time we've talked you've been more than nice and have gone out of your way to help. I wish nothing but a speedy recovery to the man, the legend, the King of AZ climbing.

-Corey

For those of you that were as confused as I was and have a Wells Fargo account, here is how to donate online.

1. Login to WF
2. Click on "Transfers"
3. Click on "Transfer to Another Customer"
4. Type in the required information (you'll need your PIN for
identification)

Wells Fargo Acct. Number:
9613232793
Acct. Name:
Robert Olson

5. Done!!

Now, those of you with Wells Fargo accounts can give back effortlessly to a guy who's always cheerful and willing to help!

Here's to a speedy (low-cost) recovery!

Tall long-haired Marc

~whistle~ now that's a sexy scar!! ;-) It's a bummer that the cool scars often hurt a lot. I hope your back to tip top shape super quick!! :-D Perhaps I will see you manana at Climbmax?

BIG HUG
~p

moosesox wrote:For those of you that were as confused as I was and have a Wells Fargo account, here is how to donate online. 1. Login to WF 2. Click on "Transfers" 3. Click on "Transfer to Another Customer" 4. Type in the required information (you'll need your PIN for identification) Wells Fargo Acct. Number: 9613232793 Acct. Name: Robert Olson 5. Done!! Now, those of you with Wells Fargo accounts can give back effortlessly to a guy who's always cheerful and willing to help! Here's to a speedy (low-cost) recovery! Tall long-haired Marc

Marty and his new best friend Mr Tong. He is shown here practicing for setting traverse routes. His stitches are out and he doing well except that he is developing butt callouses from sitting in his wheel chair all day.