On Saturday, September 24, 2022, a tragic motocross accident changed the lives of the Fox family forever. While riding with others, 15-year-old Christian Fox lost control going over a jump. As he lay on the track, unable to move, other riders—unaware of what had happened—continued over the jump and landed on him. In a heroic attempt to save his son, Dave Fox ran into the danger zone to shield Christian. Both were struck by incoming bikes.
Christian’s helmet had come off during the crash, leaving his head exposed to further trauma. He was flown by Flight for Life to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, where doctors immediately removed part of his skull to alleviate the brain swelling. Christian was in a coma. His father, Dave, despite sustaining injuries himself, refused to leave his son’s side to seek his own medical treatment. The Fox family’s strength and devotion has been nothing short of incredible.
After months of intensive care, Christian came home on February 28, 2023. Still unable to eat, talk, or walk, he now requires 24/7 care from his family, friends, and a full-time nurse. Their love and faith have carried them through, but the financial burden has been crushing. Dave and Lori are now caught in an insurance-disability approval loop, with no income and escalating care costs. They have exhausted their savings and begun selling personal belongings just to continue giving Christian the care he desperately needs.
Our community has rallied in beautiful ways, but the Fox family still needs help.
At the Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness (ASMMW), we recognized the importance of giving back. On March 20, Massage Makes Me Healthy and Happy Day, we donated $1,000 from our student clinic proceeds to support Christian’s care. I reached out to Jill and Eddie Lopez, generous franchisee owners of Massage Envy, who have long supported our school and the massage therapy profession. They stepped up immediately with an incredible $5,000 donation to help the Fox family.
In addition, I’ve personally committed to offering a free massage each week to Christian and his family to provide some measure of relief and connection through therapeutic touch. Massage therapy isn’t just luxury—it’s necessity. For people like Christian, it can aid in circulation, prevent bedsores, stimulate the nervous system, and even help with basic functions like bowel movements.
Seeing this family’s needs first-hand inspired me to create a sister nonprofit, the Medical Massage Access and Wellness Initiative (MMAWI)—a 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping individuals like Christian gain access to therapeutic touch and medical massage when they need it most. Coming Soon!
You can support the Fox family in multiple ways:
- Donate directly through the GoFundMe page
- Support their event fundraiser: Christian’s Ride
- Follow their journey on Facebook
And finally, please share this post to spread awareness. If you’re part of the wellness, fitness, or medical community—or just someone who believes in doing good—consider making a difference. Every dollar, every massage, every kind word matters.
We’re proud to be part of a community that shows up for each other. Let’s continue that legacy—for Christian, for the Fox family, and for the many others in need. #TeamChristian
With gratitude and hope,
Tammy Roecker
Owner, Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness
Founder, Medical Massage Access and Wellness Initiative (MMAWI) Coming Soon!
