Jim Greene

About Jim

I grew up in Bellevue, Washington, graduated from the University of Washington in 1995, and moved to Telluride, Colorado in 1996.  I have been a member of the Telluride Ski Patrol since December 1996.  I live with my wife, Ellie, and our three-year-old son, Cassidy in Ophir, Colorado.

Career Background

I chose my career out of a love for skiing, a love for the outdoors, and a love of helping people.  I have been a member of the Telluride Ski Patrol since 1996.  I am part of a four-person team of ski patrollers who also work in the summer maintaining our explosives program and maintaining the trails.  Some highlights of my career include training and working my avalanche dog, Jesse James, for 10 years, spending a winter in Tignes, France on ski patrol exchange, becoming a Level 3 Avalanche Forecaster, becoming a lead gunner for our Howitzer program, and becoming a Supervisor on my patrol.

Treatment Procedure and Recovery Plan

I had reconstructive surgery on my right shoulder that included a repair of a fully ruptured biceps tendon, a pectoral tendon graft to replace a ruptured subscapularis tendon, repair of a torn labrum, and a repair of the supraspinatus tendon.  It was described as a massively torn rotator cuff.  My arm was immobilized for 6 weeks.  At 6 weeks I began physical therapy.  I began strength training after 12 weeks.  I returned to work at 16 weeks.  I feel I have made a full recovery 1 year since surgery.

Testimonial

"Although I had my own insurance, the foundation covered all of my deductible and out of pocket expenses, as well as all of the surgical procedure costs that insurance didn’t cover. They also paid for my travel and lodging costs and extensive physical therapy. The foundation stepped in to help me at a time where my injury could have cost me my career yet I couldn’t afford to pay the extensive expenses on my own. I am forever grateful to the foundation for enabling me to continue ski patrolling and for the expert care I received at The Steadman Clinic from a top surgeon in his field. I was fast tracked into all of my appointments and the surgery itself. The Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation provided me with exceptional service during a difficult time in my life. Thank you to the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation!!"

- Jim Greene