Veteran athlete needs help
Donation protected
On August 12th, 2017, my husband Gerard, had his handcycle stolen from our enclosed front yard. His handcycle is his livelihood. He rides 40-60 miles, five to six days a week. He competes with other disabled athletes, and races for the Paralyzed Veterans of America Racing Team, and The University of Arizona Handcycling Team.
He uses a one of a kind equipment that was custom made specifically for his needs. He also has very specific components installed on his handcycle to track his progress and share with his coach.
Stolen handcycle
It is powered by his arms, and it takes many years to develop the muscles to be able to ride it consistently and effeciently. In his case, he has been cycling since he was introduced to handcycling shortly after his boating accident in 1999 while serving in the U.S. Navy
His accident resulted in the loss of function of his left leg, and an above knee amputation of his right leg, along with other physical changes he has endured from the accident. He is a true warrior at heart! Not once have I ever seen him waiver in his ability to continue living his life to the fullest. He has always been able to count on being able to ride his handcycle to maintain his fitness, emotional, and mental health.
I have watched my husband train for high caliber races rain or shine. He is dedicated and takes his training seriously. He wakes up before the crack of dawn to do his early rides. On occassion, he will ride well into the night if he is unable to ride in the morning. There were times when his handcycle was in the bike shop, and he was unable to ride for weeks. His emotional and physical health slowly deteriorated, and it's the few times he is less than his best.
Gerard riding the Rillito River Trail.
He has competed in triathlons, marathons, duathlons, time trials, and handcycling criteriums. He also played wheelchair basketball for The University of Arizona. He is a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother. He is always eager to help those in need, and will put his needs aside to do so. I am eager to see him continue his training to reach his dream of making it to the Paralympics.
He has races lined up in the next few months, and he is eager to continue with his training. The cost of replacing his handcycle is beyond our financial ability to purchase a new one that will meet his racing needs. A few individuals have expressed their desire to help Gerard. Any dollar amount will help him get closer to purchasing a new handcycle, wheels, and components.
We show our gratitude with many thanks to those who have donated, and those who shared his story through word of mouth and social media. I will do my best to update everyone with his progress with purchasing his new equipment.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.~ Lah
Gerard with two of our boys sharing his wheelchair, and myself with our third son on my back pack carrier (not shown).
He uses a one of a kind equipment that was custom made specifically for his needs. He also has very specific components installed on his handcycle to track his progress and share with his coach.
Stolen handcycleIt is powered by his arms, and it takes many years to develop the muscles to be able to ride it consistently and effeciently. In his case, he has been cycling since he was introduced to handcycling shortly after his boating accident in 1999 while serving in the U.S. Navy
His accident resulted in the loss of function of his left leg, and an above knee amputation of his right leg, along with other physical changes he has endured from the accident. He is a true warrior at heart! Not once have I ever seen him waiver in his ability to continue living his life to the fullest. He has always been able to count on being able to ride his handcycle to maintain his fitness, emotional, and mental health.
I have watched my husband train for high caliber races rain or shine. He is dedicated and takes his training seriously. He wakes up before the crack of dawn to do his early rides. On occassion, he will ride well into the night if he is unable to ride in the morning. There were times when his handcycle was in the bike shop, and he was unable to ride for weeks. His emotional and physical health slowly deteriorated, and it's the few times he is less than his best.
Gerard riding the Rillito River Trail.He has competed in triathlons, marathons, duathlons, time trials, and handcycling criteriums. He also played wheelchair basketball for The University of Arizona. He is a wonderful husband, father, son, and brother. He is always eager to help those in need, and will put his needs aside to do so. I am eager to see him continue his training to reach his dream of making it to the Paralympics.
He has races lined up in the next few months, and he is eager to continue with his training. The cost of replacing his handcycle is beyond our financial ability to purchase a new one that will meet his racing needs. A few individuals have expressed their desire to help Gerard. Any dollar amount will help him get closer to purchasing a new handcycle, wheels, and components.
We show our gratitude with many thanks to those who have donated, and those who shared his story through word of mouth and social media. I will do my best to update everyone with his progress with purchasing his new equipment.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.~ Lah
Gerard with two of our boys sharing his wheelchair, and myself with our third son on my back pack carrier (not shown).Organizer
Gerard Ah-Fook
Organizer
Tucson, AZ