Help Get George Moving

Family and Friends,

On July 4 ^th our good friend George Rabas had a life changing cycling accident while riding the gravel trails in Leavenworth WA which resulted in a traumatic spinal cord injury. He fractured his cervical spine at the C5 level. This type of injury is catastrophic and has a very long road to recovery. I want to share his story in hopes that you will join us in helping this very special friend have the greatest opportunity to return to an active and full life.

Jana and George are examples of the American dream, born in the Czech Republic. George was raised to compete in the 1972 Olympics for Czechoslovakia in kayaking. He was an intense competitor. After much strife in their country, they made the gut-wrenching decision to flee their war-torn homeland in 1985 in the hopes of building a better life for their children. They came to US with nothing but their two boys and a plan to make a new life. Proud, fearless and embracing a life built on hard work and determination they raised their son’s Henry and Mike with a strong work ethic and a very strict moral code. George is a brilliant engineer who was instrumental in the design and development of convection technology. Contributing to the cycling community in more ways than one, they along with their son Mike opened Woodinville Bicycle just outside Seattle and most recently West Side Bicycle.

Retired and living in Leavenworth WA, George is perhaps one of the most dedicated, hard working, persistent and resilient individuals we know. Jana and George took us in as family when we first moved to the Pacific NW. We’ve shared rides and thanksgiving dinners together. Their door has always been open and welcoming to everyone.

The next 12 months are critical to George’s spinal cord injury rehabilitation. Being on a fixed income the medical bills and necessary equipment required are daunting. Medicare and supplemental insurance covers very little of the durable medical equipment (medical bed, floor lift, shower chair, etc.) and rehabilitation needed to get him moving again. The weight of his struggles in the days ahead are heavy, but the one person I know who can face this head on is George.

Recognizing that we are in trying times which are testing us all, know that any donation no matter the size will have lasting impact for George and his family. He has defied the odds throughout his life and will do so again with a little help from his friends. Let’s get George moving!!

Sincerely,

Steve and Michelle Ave