Central Albertans rally behind Red Deer soldier critically injured in fire at CFB Wainwright

As of Thursday morning, total funds raised over $32,000, with a goal of $100,000.

“Liam’s dedication, strength, and service are evident to everyone who knows him, but he now faces an extraordinarily long and challenging road to recovery,” organizers wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Rebuilding his life after such severe injuries will require extensive surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and continuous medical support.”

An update was provided by his mother, Cheryl, on Oct. 26, who said Ramage remains in critical condition and in the specialized ICU on a ventilator.

She explained that he went into surgery on Oct. 23 for a four-hour surgery that turned into eight when his blood did not clot, and a life-threatening situation arose.

However, he fought through it.

He also had some skin grafts done all over his body, including his eyelids, and they were notified that even his feet have burns, meaning the fire went right through his combat boots.

“They are slowly trying to wake him now,” she wrote. “I cannot imagine how scary it must be to wake up in excruciating pain, not be able to see or talk. For the time being, he is experiencing what they call locked-in syndrome, where they believe his mind is well but cannot communicate in any way. So it’s time to talk, tell stories, play music, etc., so he will not be alone in the dark with his own thoughts all the time.”

Ramage also recently had three strokes, which left him paralyzed on his left side.

“We are devastated,” she added. “The physicians believe there is hope to recover some movement given his age, so we are trying to stay positive. He is so strong; we are in awe. He is able to move his right arm now and his tongue and lips. He tried to mouth words, but we are having such a hard time figuring out what he is trying to say. But that is still a positive. We are so proud of Liam.

“We are so grateful for all the support from everyone, including his military family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We appreciate every word of encouragement, and we write it down so we can tell Liam as he wakes just how many people are in his corner. Thank you.”

His mother shared with rdnewsNOW that Ramage was born and raised in Red Deer and was very involved with the 1390 Army Cadets program when he was younger.

He also loves to play hockey, is an avid bagpipe player, and was a member of the Innisfail Legion pipe band.

by Ian Gustafson

Central Albertans rally behind Red Deer soldier critically injured in fire at CFB Wainwright

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