I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of my brother, Wieslaw Jerry Olechiw, to help with his medical expenses as a result of a mountain bike accident that occurred on November 2, 2024. (Jerry is wearing the red helmet in the cover picture.)

Jerry and I started riding the Iceman Cometh mountain bike race in 2009 in Michigan as a "brother therapy" event. Despite living in New Jersey, and now North Carolina, Jerry returned every year since 2009 so we could race together. This was our 15th consecutive Iceman. About 8 miles into this year's 30-mile race, Jerry had a severe crash which resulted in an incomplete quadriplegic spinal cord injury. The effects of Jerry's injury are nothing less than devastating for a person that is recently retired and loves to ride his bike.

This GoFundMe will be used to transport Jerry back to his home in Hendersonville, NC, and to offset the many expected medical expenses associated with his recovery and this type of injury. Your gift is greatly appreciated, and we are grateful for your thoughts and prayers.

Please note: Eileen Stoegbauer is Jerry’s partner and is managing the distribution of the funds.