- J
We're gathering support for our dear friend and colleague Xander Naylor, who has suffered a life altering injury. We're heartbroken. Due to a bike accident two weeks ago, Xander will not be able to work for at least three months.
Tragically, Xander was involved in a near fatal bicycle accident on July 24th when he was biking home from his teaching studio. A car pulled out of a driveway quickly and blocked his entire path when he was just 20 feet away, giving him no space to turn, or time to stop. He crashed into the vehicle.
The accident left him with many broken bones: one rib, right collarbone, left wrist, c7 vertebrae, both sinus bones, nose, and jaw (three places). He is scheduled for jaw surgery at Mass General Hospital to install three titanium plates, and faces a long road to recovery, including many months of a liquid diet and physical therapy.
We are feeling so grateful that there are no injuries to the brain, vital organs, or fingers. He will play guitar again!
While in recovery, Xander will be unable to provide income for his family. He is supported by his loving wife, Maggie, and their beautiful young son, Tal. Maggie has taken on the role of full-time caretaker and so her availability to work and generate income is greatly reduced. They anticipate only being able to return to work fully in November. While they’ve been deeply supported by the love and care of friends and family, the financial burden remains overwhelming. Like many artists who dedicate their lives to creating and enriching their communities, there is no support from the government to fall back on.
Xander Naylor is not just a musician – he is a vessel for connection, culture, and creativity. Based in Burlington, VT with deep ties to the New York City music scene, Xander has spent his life building bridges through sound. He has toured across the U.S., Europe, and India, bringing people together with music that transcends language and borders.
We’re asking our community—those who have shared a stage with Xander, learned from him, danced to his music, or simply been moved by his art—to come together in support. Every donation will help cover living expenses, and the costs of recovery.
Xander shared with me that he didn’t have time to take control when the vehicle quickly appeared, so he handed that control over to his higher power. When he woke up, he was overcome by a profound realization: “My work is not done here.”
Let’s show up for Xander like he’s shown up for so many of us.
With gratitude,
Friends of The Family
Thank you from Xander, Maggie and Tal:
We believe that the speed and extensiveness of Xander's healing would not have been possible without your generosity. We are so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and want to give our biggest thanks. Thank you so much for allowing us the space, time and energy to focus on healing. The donations to our Gofundme as well as a constant stream of (including but not limited to): bone broth, delicious home cooked meals, phone calls, home visits, babysitting, and chauffeuring meant that instead of worrying about rent and food, we were/are able to see this moment as an opportunity for growth. The only way that we have been able to do that is because of your support. We already know more lessons are on the way as we continue to move through this. So we say, thank you, thank you, thank you! We are sending the love right back to all of you and wish you all health and happiness.
Update:
Xander's recovery is moving consistently in a positive direction! On Aug. 18 he had jaw surgery to realign it and install titanium plates, and it is healing well. He has started PT for both arms. His neck will stay in a brace until mid-Oct to protect the nerve that passes through the broken C7 vertebrae to the LH fingers. He can now play guitar lightly for up to 30 mins. With each doctor visit, more is revealed. Rehab for the arms and jaw takes several months, including stretching and a gradual return to regular food.
Organizer and beneficiary
Maggie Herskovits
Beneficiary