The family of 15-year-old Ryan Wheat is raising money after a snow machine crash resulted in a 30-foot fall, breaking the teen’s back. (KTUU)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The family of 15-year-old Ryan Wheat is telling his story and raising awareness following a snowmachine crash that resulted in a 30-foot fall, breaking the teen’s back.

“Me and my dad and my buddy, we were up snowmachining, and we were having a fun time, and I was climbing over a hill,” Ryan said.

“I was planning to let off and coast down the other side of it, and when I got to the top of it, my track caught on a stump, and it launched me about 15 foot up over the hill, and I fell about 35, 40 feet.”

Ryan’s mother Amber said that he has been snowmachining since he was around 5 years old.

“I was in front and looked back and I just kind of saw him stump and fall off the edge of the machine,” said Mike, Ryan’s father.

“I didn’t know how bad he was hurt. I was just hoping he kind of had the air knocked out of him. I probably gave it about 10 minutes and realized it was a little more severe.”

Mike said that he and Ryan had to wait three hours before rescuers were able to airlift him to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

“We knew we’d take a helicopter because with the possible, we suspected broken back then, and he actually himself told me his back was broke.”

“When I got the phone call, it was one of those phone calls that no mom ever wants to get,” Amber said.

“I called my friend to run me up to Anchorage and dropped everything I was doing, and she ran me up and I was in contact with Alaska [Medical Center].”

The Wheats said that Ryan had to undergo surgery to have 14 screws and 2 rods put into his back.

“He’s got a pretty substantial incision back there. He’s got a pretty long road to recovery,” Amber said.

“He has been able to get up so far and walk to the chair that’s in the room here and sit down. It’s going to be slow and gradual, and we’re hoping that he gets out of the hospital here by Friday.”

To help cover medical costs for the Wheats, a GoFundMe was started with a goal of $2,000. So far, over $1,500 has been raised.

“It’s been great,” Amber said.

“All the support we’ve got from everyone and all the emails and texts and prayers. So thankful. We’re thankful for having him with us here today.”

“We’re just grateful for any help,” Mike said.

“We don’t know what all is going to come of it, but we’re very appreciative.”

And as for Ryan’s love for snowmachining?

“I’m ready to go as soon as they let me out of here,” he said.