I am Eric Laser and a good friend and cycling buddy of Brian Shifflett, from Weyer's Cave, VA.  Earlier this week, after he left our weekly group ride to cycle home, Brian was involved in a serious accident with an automobile. Brian spent many hours in surgery initially and has had to undergo several more. Once released from the hospital, he will need to go to rehab for awhile. Brian will need a wheelchair for a few months and will be out of work for an undetermined period of time. He has a lovely wife and three sons, one who just started college. As you know, medical expenses can be tremendous and loss of income certain in these cases. We have an incredible cycling community locally in the Augusta, Rockingham, Rockbridge, and Albemarle County areas. I am fortunate to be part of all of them and all have been reaching out to me, asking if there is some way to assist Brian or his family. With such uncertainty with future expenses, our community can at least rally at this point to assist financially and mitigate some of those worries. I have been in touch with Brian's wife, who told me, as a strong supporter of the Weyers Cave Volunteer Fire Department (the First Responders for Brian - actually an off-duty fireman who rendered initial aid), any unneeded funds will be directed their way.