VPF Helps Fill The Gap: Richard’s Story

Richard and Leslie Collins are a devoted couple with deep roots in the cycling community. Richard, an avid cyclist and active member of the Webb Bridge Cycling Community, and Leslie, his wife, fellow cyclist, and steadfast supporter, have always shared a love for adventure. In April 2024, they embarked on what they hoped would be a memorable cycling vacation in Italy. However, their journey took a tragic and life-altering turn when Richard was involved in a severe cycling accident.

During a windy ride on poorly paved roads, Richard’s front wheel seized up on a descent, causing him to fall hard over the handlebars. He suffered fractures in his cervical and thoracic vertebrae, severe facial trauma including broken cheekbones, orbitals, and a dislocated jaw, among other injuries.

For five agonizing weeks, Leslie found herself navigating an unfamiliar and complicated healthcare system far from home, with limited language resources, and a long road ahead for Richard's recovery.

Fortunately, The Belvedere Bike Hotel in Riccione, Italy, where they stayed, proved to be a valuable support system. This family-owned hotel, known for catering to the cycling community, provided extraordinary kindness and support. Leslie was deeply grateful for the hotel staff’s compassion during those weeks. They treated her as family, helping her navigate the challenges of managing a trauma of this magnitude in a foreign country.

Amidst the overwhelming situation, the Van Purser Foundation was also able to help and swiftly stepped in to offer crucial assistance. Richard’s cycling companion, Morton Jensen, reached out to Phil Robb, a board member of the Van Purser Foundation and a medical professional, who became an invaluable source of support for Leslie. Dr. Robb provided critical guidance, helping Leslie understand the medical information she was receiving, ask informed questions, and advocate effectively for Richard’s care. This guidance significantly alleviated much of the stress and uncertainty Leslie faced while managing Richard’s critical condition during his five-week hospital stay abroad.

Once the couple returned to the United States, the Van Purser Foundation continued to extend its support in practical ways. Recognizing that Leslie had to head back to work while Richard required ongoing physical therapy, the Foundation organized volunteers to help with Richard’s transportation to and from his appointments. This network of assistance enabled Leslie to focus on her job while ensuring Richard received the necessary care. They also supported a meal train, ensuring that Richard and Leslie were well cared for with nutritious meals during his recovery, allowing them to focus on his healing without the added stress of daily tasks.

Four months after the accident, Richard is walking three miles daily, his hand surgery is complete, and the T8 fracture remains the main hurdle. Leslie and Richard are hopeful that by the end of the year, he will be back to normal activities.

Leslie expressed deep gratitude for the Foundation’s support, which significantly lightened the challenge of balancing life’s responsibilities and her husband’s extensive recovery.

The Van Purser Foundation’s efforts not only provided the logistical support the family needed but also offered emotional encouragement through the compassion and dedication of its volunteers. Leslie described the assistance they received as “pure, kind humanity,” a sentiment that aligns with the Foundation’s core values. From meals to rides and medical guidance, the unwavering commitment of the Van Purser Foundation brought comfort and relief during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Their story is a powerful example of how the Foundation supports cyclists and their families during difficult times, offering practical help, emotional strength, and a sense of community when needed most.