UPDATE 4
Dear Members of the First Mile Club!
Doug is making incredible progress and wants to share some holiday cheer with all of you who are cheering him and enabling him to get the therapies he needs to return to the trails and open roads in 2023. In the video you’ll get to see Doug in action and meet some of the professionals who are helping Doug to be strong on his feet and a few of the friends, like you, who are helping to keep his spirits high.
The word “Gratitude” only captures a tiny bit of what Doug and Kathy, Judy and I feel for all of you, but we offer it to you wrapped in love and tied with a smile.
UPDATE 3
Dear Members of the First Mile Club!
As promised, here is an update from Doug. Now six months into his rehab, progress is clearly measurable and his spirits are high… all because of you.
Enjoy this video shot by his long-time friend and colleague, Carl Bidleman, outside his favorite coffee shop in Corte Madera plus a few photos of recent visitors. The smiles are huge and the gratitude even larger.
The photos below confirm that Doug thrives on frequent walks with family and friends and taking time to support one of his many favorite nonprofits, BayWood Artists.
Doug enjoys walking in the neighborhood with his son Nicolas, granddaughters Coraline (age 6) and Noelle (age 4) plus Ruthie (yep, named after RBG), his ever-faithful rescue dog from Iran.
Rob Badger and Nita Winter joined Doug at his favorite coffee shop Café Verde followed by a walk in the Corte Madera town park. Like Doug, they are champions for the environment as evidenced by their latest book Beauty and the Beast – California wildflowers and climate change.
Surrounded by the BayWood artists, Doug was all smiles the opening reception of their 25th annual event – especially knowing that profits from this year’s exhibition would support One Tam.
PS: Between trips to therapists, daily exercises, workouts with his personal trainer, and time with good friends, Doug and his extraordinary team still managed to complete the 2022 season of Open Road on NBC, including a one-hour special celebrating the 50th anniversary of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District that will air in December. He is looking forward to the 2023 season.
UPDATE 2
Dear Members of the First Mile Club!
We did it! Doug was able to return to his own home early last week, thanks to the ramps, home modifications and the in-home care that your generosity made possible. In addition to basic Physical and Occupational therapies covered by Medicare, Doug is now getting the special outpatient therapy and targeted post-stroke treatments multiple times a week that he needs to continue to progress on his road to recovery.
Doug’s son Nicolas shot some quick video as he was helping his Dad cross the threshold into their beloved home for the first time in over 2 months. Doug’s excitement is a joy to see; your love and support has filled him with hope and inspiration and happiness. Here is a link, so you can share in the special moment that you helped to bring about.
A personal message from Doug
Doug may still be reliant on a wheelchair, but his spirit is soaring. With help he is able to use a specialized walker and is determined to fly solo on his walker soon.
He wishes he could send you all a thank you note, but his fine motor skills are not there yet. He wants you to know he is working hard and sends you the following message.

how can you help
All funds raised will go directly to Doug and Kathy to pay for the medical facilities, therapies, assistive devices, and home modifications necessary.
Please join the First Mile Club and make a gift to Doug’s Road to Recovery.
You have two options:
Give by check. Send a check payable to Doug McConnell to Doug’s Road to Recovery, 708 Gravenstein Highway Box 29, Sebastopol CA 95472 or you can deposit the check directly at any branch of Redwood Credit Union.
Give online. Click on the button below which will take you to a private GoFundMe page for Doug.
Gifts are not tax deductible.
Who is involved
A group of Doug’s friends and colleagues have come together, with Doug and Kathy’s blessing, to reach out to the vast community of people who have been fortunate to know and work with Doug over the years. Together we can provide the financial support Doug will need over the coming year.
We will routinely update this website with news on Doug’s progress and about the impact of your support. For questions or additional information, please contact Sally Bolger or Judy Scotchmoor.