We (daughters, Sam and Jamie) are raising funds on behalf of our mother, Laura, to help with medical expenses, lost income, & bills following a life-altering motorcycle accident on Wednesday, October 1st.

After picking up her bike from the repair shop and getting on the highway to head home, she approached an intersection with a green light. In the same instance, an oncoming emergency service vehicle changed the light unexpectedly and turned left across traffic, causing all cars to screech to a halt. Unable to stop in time and to avoid a collision with the pickup in front of her, Laura laid down her bike, pinning her between the bike & the underneath of the truck ahead.

Heroic bystanders stayed with Laura, lifting the truck up off her to relieve pressure until emergency services could arrive to remove her and escort her to the hospital. Upon assessment, it was determined that Laura had severe injuries that would greatly impact her quality of life.

A summary of her injuries include:

She will be unable to put weight on her left foot for multiple months and is dealing with cognitive effects and severe pain. She can only sit in a chair or move around in a scooter, wheelchair, or with a walker for a small amount of time before exhaustion sets in. Most of the time, she is bedridden and only able to lie on her back.

Since the accident, Laura has been unable to work, her husband Rob had to stop working for weeks to attend to Laura's care, and only recently returned to work part-time as Laura still needs much support. Our parents run their own small, local painting business and therefore don't have any PTO or medical leave options. Rob, Sam, and Samuel (Sam's husband) stayed with Mom every day and alternated overnights in the hospital during her 23 days there. They have continued to stay with her full-time since she returned home.

Laura underwent daily OT and PT in the hospital and will need to continue that as an outpatient for months to come. She has undergone multiple surgeries and has several more anticipated, including plastic surgery for her foot and removing a fixator that's stabilizing her left foot and ankle. These injuries will likely affect her for life, causing her to potentially need a knee replacement and continued care/adjustments that she wouldn't have otherwise. Laura has multiple screws and plates in her left leg, ankle, and foot, some of which will stay for life. She also has large incisions from surgery that will likely leave scarring.

Laura started riding motorcycles in the last few years and has ridden every day she is able to. Riding has been a source of self-esteem, an escape from depression, and a solace for our mother in tough times. Even while screaming in pain in the ambulance, one of her first and most pressing questions was if she'd be able to ride again next season. Following the accident, insurance determined her motorcycle was a total loss. We are determined to support her in this healing journey and get her back on the road when safe to do so.

We are incredibly thankful to the many friends and family who have reached out and shown up with their support during this difficult time. If you are able to donate any amount, we'd sincerely appreciate it. If you would share this effort with others, that would mean a lot to us. Thank you also for your continued thoughts and prayers.

Laura's first day outside following the accident

First day home 10/23/2025 (23 Days After Accident)

Wright County MN Scanner's post & mom's reply regarding the accident