Benefit held for Park Rapids man recovering from spinal cord injury

FARGO — A show of support for a man known by some as "Uncle Colin." This summer, WDAY told you about the recovery efforts for Colin Bales, a Park Rapids man who suffered a complete C-3 spinal cord injury after jumping into water from his dock on July 4. On Thursday night, Oct. 22, his extended family arranged a benefit at Brewhalla to help cover his medical expenses, expected to reach $1 million. Bales remains in a Colorado hospital, but as of this week, he is now up to 12 hours of breathing on his own. Family and community members gather at Brewhalla in Fargo on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, for a benefit to help cover medical expenses for Colin Bales. Sam Weber / WDAY Family members say the support the community has shown has been immeasurable. "One thing that Colin always took for granted was the small things in life: a back scratch, a hug. We want to make sure everyone at home tonight, make sure you hug that loved one just one more time because you just n