NILES, Ill. (BRAIN) — Joe Reichert, owner of Amling’s Cycle Shop and a longtime proponent of recumbents and trikes, suffered a brain aneurysm in mid-November. Reichert was in a coma for two weeks following the aneurysm and remains in the hospital on what is expected to be a long and difficult road to recovery.
Reichert’s family has set up a campaign through fundraising site Red Basket to pay for his recovery. About $20,000 is needed to cover medical bills and living expenses while he recovers.
“Joe is in one of the best facilities in the country to deal with this sort of ailment, but his recovery is going to be very expensive,” wrote Reichert’s niece,
Sara Bennett, on the family’s fundraising page.
“We have started this Red Basket fundraiser because Joe is always there for us and others when needed. Now it’s our turn to be there for him with as much support, prayers and love as possible. Now we are asking everyone who knows and cares for Joe to give as little or as much as you have to give.”
An engineer by trade, Reichert bought Amling’s Cycle Shop in northeastern Illinois in 1999 to follow his dream of owning a bike shop. With a focus on the recumbent and tricycle market, Reichert has helped people in his community improve their health through cycling.
“Joe is very involved in many parts of cycling including CABDA and Toys for Tots and has many friends in the cycling community,” David Hoss, owner of Barr Bike in Des Moines, Iowa, said in an email. “As a bike shop owner myself I would like to get the word out to other folks in our industry to offer prayers and support for Joe.”
To support Reichert and his family, visit the Red Basket fundraising page.
