Kaela Bamberger's Bike Accident Fund
** UPDATE May 5, 2020 **
Hi everyone,
Kaela here. It has been five months since I was run over by a truck on my way to work. At first I didn’t want to accept it, but this has indeed been a life changing event. I’m told that the determining factor of whether a huge physical trauma causes PTSD can be the support and affirmation of your community. I am so grateful to have that support.
While I was in the hospital, connected to so many machines I apparently kept saying, “I’m a piece of meat,” it was a scary and blurry time. I don’t actually remember a lot from my two month stay there, but I do remember an indescribable feeling of being cared for when I saw how the GoFundMe that Tracey set up for my family exploded. So many people contributed (209 in all) that the emergency flights and accommodation that my family and Sara took to be with me were able to be reimbursed and there was still money left.
That money has gone to a lot of different items you would have never thought of. When I got out of the hospital, I had to use a walker and crutches to get anywhere and we had to buy woolen crutch covers to help with the excruciating pain in my shoulders from my newfound dependence on them. We used it to purchase dietary supplements, as I had lost around 30 lbs. in the hospital. I used it to buy a bunch of rehab equipment which has been instrumental in slowly, slowly regaining strength in my left leg and hip. We used it to pay a home health aid so I could stay in my apartment and get the help and care I needed. It also paid for the installation of a stairlift in my parent's house, so I can get up and down the stairs without worrying about falling and reinjuring myself. Given that I haven’t been able to really work since the accident, it has been a HUGE help.
Recently I’ve gotten back to a more normal weight (still working on it), and have what I need to do a rehab program at home, since outpatient physical therapy is not really an option right now with COVID-19. A lot has improved. I can now function enough to make my favorite food: potato salad!
It is a huge blessing to have the support of so many people while going through the absolute hardest time of my life. When it felt like the cosmos were against me, I could feel like so many people were rooting for me too. So thank you.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
**Update April 23, 2020
Kaela is now at her home in Niskayuna, NY while continuing to recover. At this time we have suspended donations as we feel that there are enough funds to see her through the rest of her rehabilitation. Thank you all for your kind and generous donations - it truly made a difference.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaela Bamberger was hit by an 18-wheeler on December 12 while commuting to work on her bike in Washington DC. After graduating from Niskayuna High School in 2010 and Ithaca College in 2014, Kaela went on to pursue an advanced degree as a Fulbright Scholar in 2017 and now lives and works in DC as a dedicated environmental activist.
Though we are all very grateful that Kaela did not lose her life in this terrible accident, she has suffered extensive and serious injuries to her lungs, ribs, spleen, vertebrae, pelvis, hip, and legs as well as her skin from road rash. She has undergone three surgeries since the crash and is likely to face more.
Her parents, based in the Capital Region, and her brother who lives in Florida, have traveled to be with her day and night. Because they are not from Washington DC, they have had to incur travel, lodging, and food expenses. Kaela cannot be moved, and no one knows how long this will be the case, so her family is certain to continue accruing these expenses.
Kaela celebrated her 28th birthday in the hospital on December 20th, and the family will be spending Christmas and New Year's there as well.
At a time like this, the family's only concern should be Kaela's recovery from her extremely painful injuries, and not the mounting costs of their own room and board.
Let us please help this family!
Update: The funds from this campaign are listed as going to Robert Bour, Kaela's stepfather. This is at the request of Kaela's family as a whole, and everyone, including Kaela, are aware of this.
Hi everyone,
Kaela here. It has been five months since I was run over by a truck on my way to work. At first I didn’t want to accept it, but this has indeed been a life changing event. I’m told that the determining factor of whether a huge physical trauma causes PTSD can be the support and affirmation of your community. I am so grateful to have that support.
While I was in the hospital, connected to so many machines I apparently kept saying, “I’m a piece of meat,” it was a scary and blurry time. I don’t actually remember a lot from my two month stay there, but I do remember an indescribable feeling of being cared for when I saw how the GoFundMe that Tracey set up for my family exploded. So many people contributed (209 in all) that the emergency flights and accommodation that my family and Sara took to be with me were able to be reimbursed and there was still money left.
That money has gone to a lot of different items you would have never thought of. When I got out of the hospital, I had to use a walker and crutches to get anywhere and we had to buy woolen crutch covers to help with the excruciating pain in my shoulders from my newfound dependence on them. We used it to purchase dietary supplements, as I had lost around 30 lbs. in the hospital. I used it to buy a bunch of rehab equipment which has been instrumental in slowly, slowly regaining strength in my left leg and hip. We used it to pay a home health aid so I could stay in my apartment and get the help and care I needed. It also paid for the installation of a stairlift in my parent's house, so I can get up and down the stairs without worrying about falling and reinjuring myself. Given that I haven’t been able to really work since the accident, it has been a HUGE help.
Recently I’ve gotten back to a more normal weight (still working on it), and have what I need to do a rehab program at home, since outpatient physical therapy is not really an option right now with COVID-19. A lot has improved. I can now function enough to make my favorite food: potato salad!
It is a huge blessing to have the support of so many people while going through the absolute hardest time of my life. When it felt like the cosmos were against me, I could feel like so many people were rooting for me too. So thank you.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
**Update April 23, 2020
Kaela is now at her home in Niskayuna, NY while continuing to recover. At this time we have suspended donations as we feel that there are enough funds to see her through the rest of her rehabilitation. Thank you all for your kind and generous donations - it truly made a difference.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kaela Bamberger was hit by an 18-wheeler on December 12 while commuting to work on her bike in Washington DC. After graduating from Niskayuna High School in 2010 and Ithaca College in 2014, Kaela went on to pursue an advanced degree as a Fulbright Scholar in 2017 and now lives and works in DC as a dedicated environmental activist.
Though we are all very grateful that Kaela did not lose her life in this terrible accident, she has suffered extensive and serious injuries to her lungs, ribs, spleen, vertebrae, pelvis, hip, and legs as well as her skin from road rash. She has undergone three surgeries since the crash and is likely to face more.
Her parents, based in the Capital Region, and her brother who lives in Florida, have traveled to be with her day and night. Because they are not from Washington DC, they have had to incur travel, lodging, and food expenses. Kaela cannot be moved, and no one knows how long this will be the case, so her family is certain to continue accruing these expenses.
Kaela celebrated her 28th birthday in the hospital on December 20th, and the family will be spending Christmas and New Year's there as well.
At a time like this, the family's only concern should be Kaela's recovery from her extremely painful injuries, and not the mounting costs of their own room and board.
Let us please help this family!
Update: The funds from this campaign are listed as going to Robert Bour, Kaela's stepfather. This is at the request of Kaela's family as a whole, and everyone, including Kaela, are aware of this.
Organizer and beneficiary
Tracy Koste
Organizer
Schenectady, NY
Robert Bour
Beneficiary
