In a testament to resilience and community support, North Idaho trail runner Christie Boss was airlifted to safety after a fall on Chilco Mountain left her with a broken femur. Boss, an avid runner and cancer survivor, was enjoying the scenic beauty of the mountain when she tripped over a rock, leading to a serious injury.

Accident on the Trail

Boss was running with her group on a Saturday morning when she decided to head back down the mountain alone, expecting her friends to follow shortly. Distracted by the breathtaking views, she lost her footing and fell off the trail. “It was really just an amazing view. I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going,” Boss recounted.

After the fall, Boss realized the severity of her injury when her leg “folded over like a wet pancake.” Despite the pain, she managed to locate her phone and call 911, even with limited cell service. Firefighters from Timberlake Fire hiked four and a half miles to reach her, and a specialized search and rescue helicopter from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office airlifted her to safety.

A Story of Survival

Boss’s story is one of survival and determination. Diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in 2018, she fought through years of treatment and has been cancer-free since 2021. Her journey into trail running began as a way to embrace life and its fleeting moments. “After that, I just decided, like, hey, life is really short,” she said.

While her injury delays her return to the trails, Boss remains optimistic. She looks forward to the day she can once again experience the peace and joy that trail running brings her. “After some time it will be, it’ll bring me those same feelings of peace that I had before,” she expressed.

This incident highlights not only the risks of outdoor adventures but also the strength of community and emergency services in ensuring safety and recovery.

Original reporting: KREM Spokane — read the source article.