So there’s this lady whose name is Erin C that lives in Troy, New York. A few weeks ago she was riding her bike down a hill, and a person in a car had their eyes closed probably because they pulled out in front of her and she basically nearly died smashing into and over it. Now she’s a fabulously talented photographer and stylist, and being the sort of person that people demand more in one season than the others, is in a bit of trouble, this being the top season for the things she does.

So!

What do we do? We have a FUNDRAISER. Not just any kind of fundraiser, a bicycle-ride fundraiser. So jump up. And do it.

The photo above is taken by Erin, and it’s a photo of her two little baaabies, Betsey and Riley. And you know what’s super fun? They’re going to be my nieces very soon! I’m marrying Erin’s sister Elizabeth in less than 2 months from now. Fun yes?

So that means Erin basically my sister-in-law, and she’s in trouble. So you’d better effing help her out or I’m gonna get so pissed.

Here’s some official info from TIGHT KNIT!, the Craft and Art organization that’s running the fundraiser and bike ride and all that fun stuff:

Dear friends,

Erin Colligan, a beloved member of the Troy community, avid cyclist and talented stylist at Indigo Organic Salon on River Street, was struck by a motorist on May 24 while riding her bike through the intersection of Hoosick St. and 6th Ave.

Erin suffered serious injuries including 4 broken ribs, a broken shoulder blade, 2 fractured spinal processes and a broken clavicle which required a steel plate to surgically repair the bone, found to have snapped out her neck, protruding the skin. Thankfully, Erin was wearing her helmet – found to have cracked in half when her head hit the pavement – which saved her life.

Erin is the mother and primary caregiver of her 2 daughters, Betsey – age 3 and Riley – 8 mos. As a result of these injuries, Erin will not be able to care for her children for 8+ weeks while she recovers. She will also not be able to return to work as a stylist during her busiest season of the year given this recovery time. The financial toll on this family will be immense.

WAYS TO HELP:

- Donate Money: Tight Knit has set up a donation link for friends and fellow community members to contribute funds in support of Erin during this tremendously difficult time. Erin has a mortgage to pay and children to feed and with no income, life is truly very hard right now. Please give in any amount you can – all donations made through the link below will go directly to Erin and her children.

- Raise Awareness: A bike ride en masse is currently being organized and will take place in the streets of Troy later this summer. Please stay tuned for details on time, location and how to sign up. “Share the Road” t-shirts, designed by Don Naylor Art & Design, will be sold during our Saturday market to raise additional funds for Erin.

- Share the Road: If you are a motorist, please be conscious and respectful of cyclists on the road. The same laws that apply to drivers of motor vehicles also apply to riders of bicycles in New York State. Reduce speed when encountering cyclists. Don’t tailgate, especially in bad weather. Give cyclists space and yield to them when they have the right of way. Pass with care. Have respect. BICYCLES ARE VEHICLES. SHARE THE ROAD. Had a motorist not taken the right of way from Erin, she would never have been hit.

THANK YOU!!!

Here’s the button for you to donate:

Or you can go over to the Tight Knit site and donate there. Same thing. Same button. All goes to the same place. Donate all your money. All of it. And keep checking with Tight Knit for more information on the ride.

This post is part of the World Famous Design Junkies fragile category.