The 18th annual Estero River Canoe & Kayak Regatta, and an inaugural fund raiser, will be held later this month at Estero River Outfitters in Estero.

All proceeds from the new two-day Flea Market fund raiser will help Josh Stuller, an Estero man who suffered critical injuries in a motorcycle accident. The money raised will help obtain rehabilitation equipment for his home, as his goal is to be independent and walk eventually; and to purchase a van for his transportation needs.

REGATTA INFO:

DATE: Sunday, Jan. 22

LOCATION: Estero River Outfitters, Estero

TIME: noon check-in, 1 p.m. start

ENTRY FEE: $20 per person -Includes: T-Shirt, Lunch $ 25 day of race.

COURSE: 4 mile recreational or 10 mile competitive

* Includes Paddling on The Great Calusa Blueway

*Competition class will paddle to Mound Key, tides permitting.

DIRECTIONS: From I-75, take exit 123, Corkscrew Rd. to 41. Go north 1/2 mile to Estero River Outfitters.

Our famous end-of-series picnic lunch included!

New this year, 3 paddleboard classes- A two mile recreational stand up paddle board class, and 4 mile mens and womens elite, Estero River outfitters is offering free canoe or kayak use for the first 20 pre-registered racers who want to give this exciting event a try, call Estero River Outfitters and mention that you will be needing to use a boat for the race when you are pre registering. @ 239 992 4050.

FLEA MARKET SALE INFORMATION

DATE: Jan. 20-22, 2012

LOCATION: Estero River Outfitters, Estero

20991 S. Tamiami Trail, Estero, Fl. 33928

TIME: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. each day

New for 2012 The Flea Market sale will have many different items from household goods to outdoors oriented goods including padding and fishing items. The sale will be held in conjunction with the 18th Annual Estero River Regatta. This event is a fundraiser to benefit Josh Stuller.

The History: Please Help Josh

Tragedy struck 18 year old Josh Stuller on Dec. 3, 2004.

He fell from a motorcycle onto hard pavement in the San Carlos Park area. For 33 days he was in Lee Memorial Hospital’s intensive care unit on a respirator, which became a part of him for the next eight months. He suffered severe neck and spinal cord injuries; had collapsed lungs and pneumonia; and was induced into a coma to aid in his treatment. Josh is paralyzed.

On Jan. 5 he went to the east coast where he spent another three weeks in the ICU at Browerd Medical Hospital. He was transferred to the Kindred Hospital to help get him off the ventilator.

Josh was air lifted to the Shepard Center in Atlanta in July 06, where they successfully removed him from the ventilator in two days – a miracle. He went though extensive therapy for the next four months.

Josh was a senior at Estero High School and had been working in the family business- Estero River Tackle and Canoe Outfitters on U.S. 41 at the Estero River. He is both an avid paddler and an avid fisherman including; day and night fishing from canoes, kayaks, and boats both here around Estero Bay and in the Florida Keys. Josh spent many hours fishing from the dock at Estero River Outfitters.

Josh returned home Nov 05. He received his electric wheel chair for Thanksgiving!

He lives in the family home in Estero and is surrounded by his friends and family.

The latest news, Josh was in the Shepard Center for three weeks in July. He learned many new things to help strengthen him for even more therapy next year in July.

Josh’s twin brother Jeff, his older brother Justin, and his mother Paula sincerely appreciate everyone’s concern and compassion. Josh is excited over his improved situation and loves to receive notes and cards.

To help with the cost of the long-term care and rehabilitation an account has been established. Donations can be made at any BB&T Bank office. Please make checks payable to/specify that funds are to be deposited to: Josh B. Stuller, trust account.

Source: Estero River Outfitters