Scooter-Relief.org Aid and support for scooterists in need

Ben Jahrsdoerfer is the co-owner of MODified Printing in Portland Oregon. Modified has been a generous sponsor of many rallies around the country. I had the pleasure of working with Ben and Modified on swag for the Gotham Rally 3 Rally in New York City. Well Ben was involved in an accident in December and landed in the hospital with a broken collarbone. That's not all he got thought, upon discharge from the hospital he was handed a bill for over $10,000! We're helping Ben pay off that bill with an initial $500 grant, and hope that folks will be able to pitch in and make a donation. Every bit counts. If everyone who has a shirt printed by MODified, or who attended a rally sponsored by MODified in the past gives a few bucks, we'll have that bill paid in no time!

Matt Wilkes is an AmeriCorp Vista Volunteer in Fresno California. Back in December Matt fell on his scooter injuring his shoulder and incurring some medical bills. His scooter was then subsequently stolen, and then recovered, though needed repairs. Vista Volunteers are not the highest paid in our society, so his misfortune put him at a disadvantage without transportation for work, with an injury hindering his ability to work, and such. Scooter-Relief.org gave Matt a grant to help him get his scooter repaired, and he has now picked it up, but he could use a little more help. Please consider making a donation.

Tim Paxton, SLC scooterist, was hit and run over by a motorist in late October. He sustained serious injuries including many broken bones (pelvis, knees, legs, etc...). He has a long road of recovery ahead of him, and could use all of the help that the community can provide.

On October 10th, Michael Cowen Nissen of the St. Louis Scooter Forum was involved in an accident with a car pulling out and turning in front of him. As a result of the accident Michael is laid up with two broken Femurs and broken bones in his hand. Not surprisingly Michael can't attend to either of his jobs until he heals. Please consider helping Michael out with a donation.

In May, Terri Myers of Houston Texas was struck by a hit-and-run driver. Her scooter was totalled and she sustained numerous injuries, though thankfully no broken bones, and nothing life threatening. While she was taken to the hospital and treated there, she did not have to stay long, though as we all know, any visit to the hospital is costly.

Terri is associated with the Houston Scooter Battalion.

A new site was set up for Mike Formato (in Florida) who was struck by a car in April. You can make donations directly to the family at MikeFormato.info. From the updates on the website, it sounds like his condition is improving. Please check that site for the latest.

UPDATE: Astrid is out of the ICU, but still undergoing surgeries and treatment. All the support she has received from the scooter community has been tremendous (over $4000 raised so far). Her bills to continue to mount, and we've started a second chipin for her. Please consider donating if you can.

EPSP Gary Didier, aka Oldhighway7, passed away after having a heart attack in his soon to be opened scootershop, Capital City Scooters, in Columbus, OH. Gary organized an open membership riding group called the Easy Peasey Scooter Posse, now in it's third year, with 137 members nation wide.

He leaves behind his wife, Caitlin a son Chris and daughter Shannon. Gary's family and friends have requested donations to Scooter-Relief.org in lieu of flowers. All funds raised will benefit the family in their time of need.

Scooter-Relief is looking for a few good volunteers (just like us) who are interested in helping out. If you think you might be interested, drop us a line through the contact form. We are a pretty small all volunteer operation and are looking to take it to the next level for next year. If you think you are up for the challenge (think: rebuilding a vespa project from a box of parts, except with paperwork and emails and outreach to your local scooter community), we should talk!

UPDATE: Jed's club mates informed us that On October 30th, 2008, Jed succumbed to his injuries and passed on. We at Scooter-Relief, his club and family thank everyone for their support.

We got word from friends that Jed "Chickenheard" Minaya of the Three Mile Island S.C. in Pennsylvania was involved in a bad wreck in July and has been in a coma since. His condition has put serious strains on his family, and his clubmates are raising funds to help them.