A Ledgeview firefighter and dairy farmer gave his first television interview to NBC26 following an accident that almost took his life. 37-year-old Jason Pansier was given just a 1% chance of survival, and while life will never be the same, the fact he's here and now wants to help others in similar situations, is nothing short of a miracle.
The 37-year-old was building a manure pit on his farm this past July, when the 40,000 pound tractor he was driving flipped over and pinned him inside.
Pansier says, "I was staying conscious and talking to my dad because for some reason right in my head, I knew if I didn't stay conscious that I was gone."
Crews worked two hours to free him from the crushed cab.
"I said, 'You've got about 30 seconds to get me out of here, either that, or you're going to have to bury me because the blood is just pouring out.'"
Pansier barely survived the helicopter ride to the hospital.
"There was a flight crew from Milwaukee, it was Linda, pouring blood in me she said as fast as she could open them."
It took 300 units of blood to save his life, but doctors had to amputate his left leg to stop an aggressive infection. After 26 surgeries and two months in the hospital, Pansier finally returned home to a community parade in his honor. And now, they're coming together again. First, for a blood drive at the Ledgeview Fire Department. Pansier says it's an opportunity for him to pay it forward.
"Knowing that you can give back to the community by getting more people to donate blood to help other people, that's kind of a little miracle in itself."
The second event is a benefit that's being put together by Pansier's sister, Holly Schlag.
"It's a celebration of Jake's life. Yes, it's going to be for a great cause but it's also to have fun with the friends and family that have gotten us this far," she explains.
With auction items and T-shirt sales, the money raised will help pay Jason's numerous medical bills and allow him to travel out of state to receive a special prosthetic leg.
Pansier's fiancee is a therapist who's working with him everyday to eventually get him out of his wheelchair and walking again on his own.
Schlag says, "He's one of the most strongest men I know. He still is. He fights every day, and he's getting stronger."
And with all that he's had to endure, Pansier remains as optimistic and humble as ever.
"I don't think I'm the miracle. I think all the people that helped me are actually the miracle," he said.
And he's grateful for their efforts to give him a second chance at life.
The Ledgeview Fire Department blood drive is happening Friday, November 27th from 9:00am-3:00pm at the station on 3700 Dickinson Road.
The benefit for Pansier will be held Saturday, December 5th at Beverly Gardens in Denmark. Doors open at 4:00pm.
A Go Fund Me page has also been created to help with medical expenses.
