A fund has been established for a longtime employee of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Ames Laboratory who was critically injured March 27.

While examining a smoke detector located near a fan that was five feet in diameter, Ron Foderberg’s clothing became entangled in the shaft of the fan, which was still spinning after being turned off.

Foderberg, 56, did not sustain injury from the fan’s blades, but he was thrown into the housing of the fan and knocked unconscious.

He has been in critical condition at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines ever since.

According to a press release from the Ames Laboratory, “in response to the outpouring of support for Ron and his family, a fund has been established on his behalf.”

Donations can be sent to: Ames City Employees Credit Union, 212 E. Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010.

Checks can be made out to: “For the Benefit of Ron Foderberg.”

Although Foderberg cannot receive flowers at this time, cards are accepted by writing: Ron Foderberg, c/o Mercy Hospital Medical Center, 400 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50314.