Help Josh Killingsworth Stay Mobile!

Josh Killingsworth, our fabulous friend and music teacher/director beloved by the many kids and young adults he's coached over the years, NEEDS OUR HELP!

About 12 years ago, Josh was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis -- a debilitating disease which causes the body to attack itself and sever nerve connections. The disease has caused escalating weakness, cognitive issues and blurred vision, and has diminished Josh’s ability to walk more than a block or two before becoming exhausted and stumbling. Multiple Sclerosis has no cure.

Due to the effects of the disease, Josh’s mobility has been negatively impacted in a major way. He used to ride his bike 30-50 miles a day as his primary exercise and recreation; now, worsening balance issues make a regular bike impossible to board and too unsafe for him to ride. His final two-wheeled bike ride resulted in exhaustion so severe that he crashed into bushes. Needless to say, it was a depressing turn of events, and one that's resulted in a harsh blow to his fitness and his quality of life.

The solution that will get Josh back in the saddle and maintain his mobility: A recumbent tricycle with motorized pedal assist. The wide wheel base of this vehicle will help him keep his balance, the low seat enables him to get into and out of the bike, and the pedal assist will kick in to get him home when his legs become too weak to pedal.

In their efforts to track down such a bike, Josh and Laura went through a disappointing experience... they found a bike online that looked perfect and, with a stretch, was affordable -- but turned out to be a scam. After doing more research, Josh found Recumbent PDX  in Portland and has been test-riding different trikes. Getting out on the road on these vehicles has made him and his legs feel alive again.

The bike we hope to fund for Josh -- including pedal-assist and all necessary safety accessories -- will cost approximately $7000. Here's Josh with his Dream Pony!

I know Josh has built great good will wherever he's lived and worked, and is a friend to so many. I believe that with all of us chipping in, we can put this life-changing, strength-building, spirit-lifting purchase within reach, hopefully this fall before the weather turns.

 Thank you for contributing whatever you can to get this phenomenal fella back on wheels!