GoFundMe set up to help rescued hiker

Paul Hanks was rescued last week after being lost for five days at Joshua Tree National Park.

We talked exclusively with Hanks from his hospital bed this week. He’s currently recovering from multiple injuries, top to bottom, all over his body.

According to family, around when Hanks went missing, he was in a transition period working as an attorney without insurance. Even handling workers comp cases for clients, sometimes for less to nothing in return.

“Paul would often donate his legal fees, or he would give a sliding scale. Paul was always the one that was so generous in every way and for him to be in this situation, and to be so devastated both physically and financially, I couldn’t see anybody better to help,” Mary Canavan, Hanks’ cousin, said.

Canavan created a GoFundMe page sharing Hanks’ story and allowing others to help with medical and living expenses. The page has drummed up more than $3,000 within three days.

Hanks’ brother told KESQ & CBS Local 2 that he is expected to undergo physical therapy and surgery on his heel soon. Canavan said their immediate goal is $20,000 but their dream would be $100,000.

The family said they also plan on donating a portion of the proceeds to Joshua Tree Search and Rescue, to help with training, supplies, and communications.