Let's Get Jeremy Back on His Bike - For Good!

Hello all – I hope you are well!

As most of you probably know, I am Jeremy’s sister-in-law, married to his brother + his best friend, Matt.

In 2010, Jeremy and Matt were both working as Seasonal Firefighters for the County of Marin, making their way towards a dream career that they could share + venture through together – just like they have done most of their lives.

Devastatingly enough, the universe had different plans for Jeremy. His constant desire to help others with his overly courageous soul is a characteristic of him we all deeply love, and admire. And it was in that same vain that he ended up saving a friend’s life, and in that moment of bravery + selflessness, it changed the course of his forever.

On that evening in December of 2010, Jeremy shattered nearly every bone in his right foot and ankle, spent weeks in the hospital and months on bed rest and has had countless surgeries over the last 12 years including multiple ankle replacements. About five years ago, he mentioned getting his foot amputated so that he could start fresh + hopefully live pain free, and we all sort of brushed it off – there will be a surgery that works, you’ll be back on the bike pain free before you know it, you’ll be able to donate that rickety cane to an elder care facility after the next procedure, all of it – but it didn’t happen. The pain didn’t stop, the mobility didn’t increase, and the surgeries persisted.

Jeremy embodies an outdoorsman – one who feels best in nature, fresh air, on his bike, on a hike, camping and waking up with the sun, anything that involves movement + feeling alive – he is there. Most recently, it is pickle ball, and quick side note, he doesn’t stand a chance against Matty and me.

In November of 2022, Jeremy made the decision to get his right foot amputated. In true Jeremy form, he really went for it – go big or go home, they say. And he did. It was a gut-wrenching decision for all of those who hold Jer near + dear, but his adamancy about it and his confidence in his choice, it put us all at ease. Of course, he was the one calming us down as he was about to endure a life-changing surgery, voluntarily. But man, are we happy he did it and that he lived his truth.

Over six months post-amputation, Jeremy is getting back in the swing of things. The recovery was not easy – phantom pain (which is no joke), exhaustion, an understandable emotional rollercoaster, just everything. And here feels very fitting to thank his incredibly special + supportive girlfriend, Sarah. You’re spectacular, thank you for all you are + do. We love you.

Jeremy is now walking with his prosthetic leg, jogs a bit, loses in pickle ball to me, went swimming in the ocean (without his prosthetic), and has started biking again – his biggest passion. Prior to his amputation, he biked from Marin to San Luis Obispo, from Truckee to Marin, has done countless centuries, and tons + tons more. He loves being on a bike, that’s his happy place – but the pain that he was enduring going on those rides, it became entirely unsustainable and biking became an immense challenge, backloaded with endless icing + soreness for months.

With that said, this is the point of this GoFundMe. With Jeremy’s prosthetic needs, there are particular ones for particular activities. Many amputees are fine with the standard one made for walking and getting around, and without a doubt, Jeremy is so grateful for this newfound mobility. His insurance covered his main prosthetic, the one used for his day-to-day, and that is all. In order to feel like himself again and really get back to what brings him joy + fills his cup, there’s another prosthetic he’s envisioning, and it is for biking. There is a risk of damaging his day-to-day one while riding, it isn’t comfortable for him on the bike, and it’s incredibly heavy. Jeremy has goals of a bike race in Kansas next year (Unbound - https://www.unboundgravel.com/) and another one going from Banff (in Canada!) to Mexico, over 2700 miles, and many more to come. Insurance doesn’t cover the additional prosthetics + that’s where we all come in. We have set a goal amount which is what would get Jeremy the new biking prosthetic, and any overage will go to travel expenses/bike expenses for the Unbound race + the Tour Divide race.

If you have the means – we would be so grateful for any contribution to make this happen for Jer. Life is so damn precious, and living to the fullest while we can – that is what matters.

Here’s to helping Jeremy live his life to the fullest, one badass prosthetic leg at a time.

Xoxo,

Jenny + Matt