An electric bike for Stephen
Donation protected
Good news! Surface 604 has said they will give Stephen a bike for the amount we have already raised! No more donations needed. What a wonderful company. We are so grateful!
Thanks everyone!!
Stephen is a strong, independent and active outdoorsman that has just recently learned that he is no longer able to drive due to a genetic degenerative disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP for short). His biggest hope is to be able to maintain his independence, get to and from work and still get out to enjoy nature on his own terms. An electric fat bike would help him be able to do that. Some of you have expressed an interest in helping make that possible.
The cost of the bike Stephen would like with taxes and accessories is about $4200CND. You can see the bike here: Surface 604 - Boar
Here is Stephen's story in his own words.
Those of you who know me well, have always known my eyesight is not the best. in many of my recent photos, I'm wearing sunglasses most of the time, when I'm outdoors, even on cloudy days... I want you to know now that I have a genetic, degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP for short), which is slowly taking my vision away.
So far, I've been very lucky with minimal impact to my life. I've been wearing glasses since I was 3 years old, but I've managed. My great grandfather, Jim Robbins became blind due to RP. My uncle Eric C Thornley has also lost his vision due to RP and he continues to be a constant inspiration. I can still see fairly well, and up until Friday last week, I was not being overly affected.
However, after a recent eye Dr. appointment, I was told that I should not be driving. Apparently, deep cataracts (as a complication of the RP) have affected my visual accuity. I'm now a couple of lines lower on the chart than I need to be to be able to drive.
As with many things in life, this cloud may, at least, have a silver lining. Due to the cataracts, the lenses in my eye need to be replaced. This can be done with surgery, and if all goes well, my sight could be brought back to a reasonable level. I might be able to say goodbye to glasses for near vision, but still have to wear them for driving and distance.
Today i rode by bike to work, this will be the new normal, at least until the surgery proceeds. i want to stay as independent as possible and not rely on others for my needs. Hopefully I can manage the expense of an Electric Fatbike for winter commutes and so that I can keep getting up into the mountains on my own.
My wife, Genevieve Hawtree has, as always, been very supportive and I know we can get through this together with the additional support of all of our family and friends.
Thanks everyone for your caring and understanding.
Thanks everyone!!
Stephen is a strong, independent and active outdoorsman that has just recently learned that he is no longer able to drive due to a genetic degenerative disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP for short). His biggest hope is to be able to maintain his independence, get to and from work and still get out to enjoy nature on his own terms. An electric fat bike would help him be able to do that. Some of you have expressed an interest in helping make that possible.
The cost of the bike Stephen would like with taxes and accessories is about $4200CND. You can see the bike here: Surface 604 - Boar
Here is Stephen's story in his own words.
Those of you who know me well, have always known my eyesight is not the best. in many of my recent photos, I'm wearing sunglasses most of the time, when I'm outdoors, even on cloudy days... I want you to know now that I have a genetic, degenerative eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP for short), which is slowly taking my vision away.
So far, I've been very lucky with minimal impact to my life. I've been wearing glasses since I was 3 years old, but I've managed. My great grandfather, Jim Robbins became blind due to RP. My uncle Eric C Thornley has also lost his vision due to RP and he continues to be a constant inspiration. I can still see fairly well, and up until Friday last week, I was not being overly affected.
However, after a recent eye Dr. appointment, I was told that I should not be driving. Apparently, deep cataracts (as a complication of the RP) have affected my visual accuity. I'm now a couple of lines lower on the chart than I need to be to be able to drive.
As with many things in life, this cloud may, at least, have a silver lining. Due to the cataracts, the lenses in my eye need to be replaced. This can be done with surgery, and if all goes well, my sight could be brought back to a reasonable level. I might be able to say goodbye to glasses for near vision, but still have to wear them for driving and distance.
Today i rode by bike to work, this will be the new normal, at least until the surgery proceeds. i want to stay as independent as possible and not rely on others for my needs. Hopefully I can manage the expense of an Electric Fatbike for winter commutes and so that I can keep getting up into the mountains on my own.
My wife, Genevieve Hawtree has, as always, been very supportive and I know we can get through this together with the additional support of all of our family and friends.
Thanks everyone for your caring and understanding.
Organizer
Genevieve Hawtree
Organizer
Kelowna, BC