Help Me Afford a New Triathlon Bike

Hi, my name is Luca Hokaj, a 20-year-old junior pre-physical therapy student at Gannon University in Erie, PA. I am a full-time triathlete meaning I train swimming, cycling, and running 15-20 hours a week outside of classes towards the goal of competing in races in the summers. On 4/19/23 I was struck by a vehicle going the opposite direction on a one-way street in downtown Erie hitting my bike and causing me to roll twice and slide about 10 feet away from my bike into oncoming traffic. I was sent to the ER with no fractures but a mild concussion and severe sprains and bruising, I was heavily layered and wore my helmet (as all true cyclists do). The accident was a hit-and-run and I filed a police report.

Triathlon and cycling let alone is the most expensive sport I've ever competed in. I have saved money since high school to be able to afford my bike which is now severely damaged. It is tough enough to afford college expenses for myself and funding my swim, biking, and running gear and race entry fees for this sport all on my own. I have poured a lot of time, blood, sweat, and tears into this sport I am so passionate about. I still plan to compete in Ironman 70.3 Musselman this summer and now have no bike to train or compete with. I will use any of the funds raised for a new bike and to replace the equipment I was wearing that was all torn in halves, I will also purchase a new helmet and other proper safety equipment.