MANITOWOC – In the latest update from Jason and Tina Prigge, who were in a serious motorcycle crash earlier this month, Jason said he knows "everyone is looking for updates on Tina and I."
Grow It Forward CEO Amber Daugs shared his words in an update on the GoFundMe page she created for the Manitowoc couple, which has now reached $194,979 of a $250,000 goal.
Jason wrote: "This is a recurring nightmare that I wake up to every day. We are healing and heading in the right direction. The road is long, the path forward is traveled best by leaning on our love for each other. I appreciate all the love from this amazing community. The sun also rises. We will prevail. I love you all."
The couple were severely injured in a motorcycle crash July 6 when a vehicle swerved into the lane where the two were riding. The crash happened near the town of Cecil in Shawano County while the couple were on their way to a vacation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Tina lost both of her limbs on her left side. Daugs shared she is now out of the Intensive Care Unit, but remains in the hospital. She has also had multiple surgeries related to skin grafting.
Jason's leg was crushed in the crash. Daugs said in the update he is beginning physical therapy this week, but complicated breaks in his foot are making recovery challenging.
"Jason's main priority is to get himself well so he can be there for Tina," Daugs wrote. "He shares that this has been the longest they've been apart, and the emotional toll this is taking on both he and Tina is so much at times, yet hearing her voice means everything."
Daugs said she will continue sharing messages from Jason and Tina as they navigate their recovery, but also asked the public to respect the couple's privacy as they "process the enormity of this situation."
A candlelight vigil was held for the couple July 13 at First Presbyterian Church.
"Their lives, and yes, our lives, have been changed forever by that tragic accident just one week ago," Pastor Matt Sauer said during the vigil. "... I'm here tonight because, like you, Tina and Jason are friends of mine. People that I have shared not only laughter and love with, but also investment into this community and times where we worked side by side to help make this community an even better place."
Tina and Jason are well known for running Coolest Coast, a media effort to promote Wisconsin coastal cities, and Vagabond Creative Studio. They also donate their time to a myriad of local organizations like Grow It Forward and the Manitowoc Public Library.
On top of the donations from individuals through the GoFundMe page, area businesses have also been contributing. Digger Dave's hosted a fundraiser for the couple July 11. Two Rivers Clothing Company, Cool City Brewing and Tapped on the Lakeshore donated a portion of their sales last week, and Time Out Sports Bar and Grill donated 10% of sales generated July 18 and will matched all donations received up to $3,000. LaDeDa Books, Linda Loves Cheesecake and Harmony Cafe each have a collection jar for cash donations.
Broken Plate Catering has promised to donate 20% of sales at the diner throughout July.
Ways to donate:
- GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tina-and-jason-prigge-recover-from-a-tragic-accident
- In person: Grow It Forward, 1501 Marshall St., Manitowoc; Harmony Cafe, 921 S. Eighth St., Manitowoc; or Nicolet Bank, 860 N. Rapids Road, Manitowoc
- Send checks: To Grow It Forward, Inc., P.O. Box 562, Manitowoc, WI 54221.
If writing a check, make payable to Grow It Forward Inc. FBO Jason and Tina Prigge, and write in the memo line, Restricted in benefit of Jason and Tina Prigge.
Alisa M. Schafer is a reporter for the Herald Times Reporter in Manitowoc. She can be reached by email at aschafer@gannett.com.
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