Pedals of Hope: Support Jeff Sawyer’s Recovery Journey

Update as of January 13:

Jeff has experienced a setback due to a major infection at the pin sites in his foot and has been re-hospitalized intermittently since. In between visits he has been able to successfully order and assemble the OmiTrainer with support from everyone in combination with Disability… we think you all SINCERELY. He is currently struggling to slowly regain strength to complete every day living activities successfully and is excited to have some new wheels!

In the early hours of September 23, 2024, Jeff Sawyer was driving to a bike teaching job and was involved in a serious car accident that left him with life-altering injuries, including a brain bleed and severely dislocated and fractured metatarsals and other foot bones. The road to recovery is beyond uncertain, and it is unknown if Jeff will ever be able to walk normally at this time. His healing journey depends heavily on the outcomes of upcoming reconstructive surgeries for his foot, which will require him to build up both his mental and physical strength as much as he possibly can.

Jeff will be discharged from his residential care facility in a matter of days (the date is tentative dependent upon insurance), and he has humbly expressed a critical need for a specialized wheelchair-compatible exercise bike, similar to the one he currently utilizes in the physical therapy provided by his care home. This would allow him to have unlimited access to exercising in the comfort of being at home, which is critical to his recovery. This equipment currently allows him to exercise his arms and his one usable leg, helping him build strength, maintain healing blood flow, and he has made great strides in the short time that he has been able to use it! Having access to this at home would promote overall wellbeing during this challenging time.

Unfortunately, finding this type of exercise bike is difficult, and the one that is specialized enough to suit his needs is the OmniTrainer Active and Passive Exercise Trainer, which costs $6,445. Jeff finds himself in a situation where he has no source of income for cost of living, supplies, and bills related to due to the accident being so recent. Among these costs, he has strongly expressed the urgent need to prioritize this Exercise Trainer for the sake of his healing journey.

Anyone who knows Jeff knows that he is highly passionate about riding, teaching, and coaching biking among his community and this is where he finds his peace and joy. He strongly believes that maintaining his strength through a wheelchair compatible bicycle will allow him to stay as close as he can to his passion, all while building his strength back up for surgeries and as close to normal daily living as possible.

We are reaching out to our community in desperate need of support to raise funds for this exercise bike. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us provide Jeff with the resources he needs to aid in his recovery, particularly the OmniTrainer. Your generosity will make a significant difference in his journey towards healing.

We are sincerely thankful for the kindness and support we have already received, and continue to receive at this time.