As many of you know, our daughter, Frances, was hit by a car on February 20th, 2026 in Durham, North Carolina. Frances was finishing a 20-mile bike ride with a close friend and fellow Duke Law student when she was struck at speed, resulting in extensive cuts and bruising, surgeries on both legs due to a fracture and severe puncture wound, and spinal surgery on her upper back and neck.

We are grateful that her helmet protected her from brain injury, but the severity of the wounds she suffered means that after her 8-day hospital stay, our runner/cyclist/triathlete daughter will remain in a collar and upper body brace for 3 months and have her right leg in a cast for 6 weeks. This pain-filled detour in the joyful life she has built is tragic and deeply saddens all who love her. She is determined to complete her semester in law school, though that path is still being forged, but her treasured work as a concert violinist (solo and with Duke Symphony) is finished for the year and, according to her spinal surgeon, perhaps indefinitely.

Frances is grateful for the outpourings of love and encouragement she continues to receive. Many people have asked what they can do to help, and this fund is set up in response to those generous offers. Insurance covered much of the hospital stay and procedures, and her parents are prepared to take on extra costs, but we would all appreciate help with the mounting costs of recovery. Those include:

A short term rental for 5 weeks with 2 bedrooms to accommodate Frances and her carers. Her own apartment has 3 flights of stairs -- no elevator, no wheelchair access, no accessibility features of any kind. The Airbnb has a ground floor bedroom, walk-in shower, and parking right by the front door, allowing for easy transport and access to the outdoors, which she misses so much. This is our biggest and most unexpected expense.

Equipment for mobility.

Frances’s bike, a Specialized Roubaix, was snapped in half. It was the first thing she asked about after being hit--apart from her violin, it was her most prized possession and we would like to replace it.

Airfare for her mom who needs to return to Colorado briefly for other work during the recovery period, and airfare for family to cover the break in care for her and to visit.

Clothing and other accessories to accommodate cast, collar and brace.

Loss of income as Katherine cares for Frances, pausing short term rentals and other small business work and paying for work on business already booked; local transport.

Food for Frances and Katherine during and after hospital stay, pet daycare and numerous other extra expenses the family has been covering during this crisis.

Future care expenses.

Words of love and support, flowers, cards, calls and visits have helped Frances more than we can say. Her friends are key to her recovery, and none of you who have supported her in any of these ways should feel any obligation to offer financial support as well, especially if it would be a strain on your own resources. But if you can help in this way we would be most grateful.

--Steve and Katherine (Frances's parents)