The Story of the WILS Foundation
Outdoor adventure was always a priority for our family and Wil was the family leader in this regard. We came to Park City in 2011 as a young family, drawn to the nearby mountains, trails and rivers. His infectious passion for the outdoors, high energy and encouragement sustained countless adventures throughout Utah and his native Colorado. Wil loved blazing trails, watching his kids grow into tough, mountain athletes, and bringing others along to enjoy the experience. As a family, we were super lucky to be living a life that took us so many amazing places.
Our life and family dynamics changed in an instant on July 2, 2021, when our adventurous family leader and cheerleader suffered a traumatic fatal head injury while on his electric skateboard. Unfortunately, he did not have his helmet or protective gear on. As we navigated through the rough waters, trying to find our new normal, our family and close friends decided to start up a foundation to honor Wil. WILS Foundation, Wilderness Instruction for outdoor Life Skills, encompasses everything that he appreciated about life - playing outdoors and encouraging others along the way.
With a focus on safety and outdoor enjoyment, WILS Foundation offers wilderness medical training, helmet education and advocacy. Jen’s background as an emergency room nurse meant our groups always had the peace of mind that comes with having a trained medical care provider with us at all times. With WILS Foundation, we want to bring these opportunities to coaches and other outdoor youth leaders. With courses in basic to advanced wilderness medical skills, our students will be able to help a fellow outdoor enthusiast in their time of need. In doing so, they will honor our family and the memory of our “Willy Wilz.”
Thank you for reading our story. – The Lundberg Family (Jen, Addz and Tre)
Our WILS Foundation Team
Our teaching team includes physicians, nurses, medical students, and firefighters with a wide variety of practical medical knowledge to share. Team leader Jen has been in healthcare for 28 years, 15 of those years in the emergency department. During her years in the emergency department, Jen was involved in teaching required certification classes for emergency nurses in trauma-receiving facilities. She has integrated those teaching styles into the foundation courses, giving enrollees the opportunity to take away valuable skills and tools according to their learning style. The WILS Foundation team is beyond grateful to have the opportunity to share their medical knowledge with students enrolled in their courses, so that individuals may bring this live-saving care to others. Thank you for your support.
Take Action - are you a Registered Donor?
Over the years, Wil and Jen had many open discussions about the benefits of being an organ donor should a tragic situation arise. After Wil’s accident, the neurosurgeon informed his family of the significance of his injury and the expected outcome. The choice to become an organ donor, and the reality of a loved one actually donating their organs, is a humbling decision that comes with a mixed bag of emotions. Sadness and pain at the loss of a loved one join with pride and gratefulness that someone will receive a second chance of life because of the gift from their body.
Have you and your loved ones discussed the possibility of becoming an organ donor?
DonorConnect is a federally designated nonprofit, 501(c)3, organ procurement organization (OPO) that serves Utah, southeastern Idaho, and portions of Wyoming and Nevada. DonorConnect saves and heals lives by facilitating organ, eye, and tissue donation, honoring donors and their families by providing compassionate care, and inspiring communities through education and awareness. For more information or to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit donorconnect.life.