The Accident and Artist
In 2000, Jared dove into the Rio Grande while on a camping trip in Big Bend. After coming down from the Chisos Mountains, he and a friend crossed the border at Boquillas and were going to spend the night in town. That evening, after a plate of enchiladas, Jared dove in at the Hot Springs, hit a sand bar and broke his neck. After surviving the initial injury, thanks to his friend, he then fought for his life in the hospital, enduring over a month in ICU. Overcoming pneumonia, serious skin breakdown, and over a dozen surgeries, he survived. Unable to move from the neck down, he began using his mouth to paint and found some peace. In 2005, he was awarded a student scholarship by the MFPA (Mouth & Foot Painting Artists) in Lichtenstein. Jared’s mission is to, "paint himself out of the wheelchair" as an advocate for research. He has faith that anything is possible. His story evolves and a belief in a cure grows. Jared sees going into wine with his art as a way to connect with more people through his story of struggle, healing, and ultimately invites everyone to overcome. He met his wife, Kim, in 2003 and also continues to write for GSD&M, an advertising agency in Austin, Texas. It’s a full life with his wife, twin sons and a team committed to seeing his mission through.
Keep Going
We continue moving forward. Sometimes it’s minute to minute and sometimes we can put a few days together and feel like we’re, “normal”. On the good days we are able to focus on the love we have toward one another. On the tough days we can look out and find there is love all around us. We try to laugh at ourselves everyday. One of our son’s is quick to say, “we have fun here.” With good and bad days it’s the laughter, the tears, the hope and the love that do in fact make us normal.
What better way to use the art and wine than to help people connect, while spreading the word about a cause and the mission behind the art. It was the moment where an obvious synergy between art, wine, and a purpose was born.