**HELP** (UPDATED AGAIN)
I had heard the initial news, but no names were released. There are thousands of mountain bikers in Southern California, and despite the fact that this was one of my old trails, I didn't think much of it. I got a message today from a friend informing me it was Anne .
For the few of you who haven't heard this story, Anne was attacked and mauled by a mountain lion while mountain biking in Orange County. She sustained serious and life threatening injuries. Only through her courage and the courage of her fellow riders did she survive the attack.
Anne and her husband have been friends of mine for years. We used to go riding frequently here in OC, and I took them both climbing for the first time. Her husband and I used to train weekly at the same climbing wall. Anne is an amazing athlete and incredibly strong, and I'm sure that strength, as well as the strength and support of her husband is helping her through this.
I spoke with him tonight, and her condition is improving, and they are both very hopeful. But they are not Sigfried and Roy and this kind of treatment is tremendously expensive. They are both self-employed and subsequently are not working and insurance will only do so much. A fund has been started in her name. Please donate if you can. You can send donations to:
24 Hour Fitness Anne Hjelle Fund
Attention: Account No. 8045116954
Wells Fargo Bank
PO Box 3488 — Portland, Ore. 97208-3488
I have never asked for anything from any of you, but I tell you now that these are good people and can use your support and your prayers. I am working with her husband now to organize a way to help on line using PayPal or some other method, and I will post updates as necessary.
Thank you.
- Jim
Comments
I'm a journalist for the sport of professional road cycling, and I write for a very active cycling news website - I might be able to publicize their need for help to a large and very sympathetic audience if you can give me more specific information about how people get in contact with the fund. E-mail me that, if you can, and I will do what I can. It might help...
Posted by: crazy jane, aka Jaime Nichols | January 13, 2004 12:40 AM
e-mail that person above! i was just going to say you should contact or suggest her husband contact a cycling/running mag or whatnot because sometimes you can get support/stories/money that way too. *hugs*
it's nice to see a jimbo in the picture who's not sick too :)
Posted by: tassy | January 13, 2004 09:27 AM
Please convey my best wishes for Anne's speedy recovery. I will pledge what I can to her recovery fund.
Best,
Gerry
Posted by: Gerry | January 13, 2004 09:55 PM
I will keep them in my prayers. If you need any help with Paypal, let me know. I use it for my small business.
Posted by: anna | January 14, 2004 10:20 AM
I live in the Bay Area and this has been in the news every day. Get the PayPal thing going on and I'll publicize it on my site too.
Posted by: Pischina | January 15, 2004 06:32 AM
I'm Anne's brother, and just want to say how much I appreciate seeing everyones contributions of thoughts, prayers and whatever else they can help with.
Wanted to give some updated info about the fund in case anyone wants to submit...
24 Hour Fitness Anne Hjelle Fund
Attention: Account No. 8045116954
Wells Fargo Bank
PO Box 3488 — Portland, Ore. 97208-3488
Checks can be mailed to the above PO (referencing the account number in the memo). . . or deposits can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank by referencing the account number and name of the fund.
Thanks again,
And an update on Anne's condition - - she's doing Amazingly well.
Posted by: adam | January 16, 2004 08:53 PM
There's an article on Anne, her rescuer Debi Nicholls, and Mark Reynolds (who was killed by the same cat) in the January 26 issue of People.
Posted by: Susan | January 17, 2004 09:19 AM
I've heard about the incident a lot but did not think--though I live in Orange County myself, and the world has long been proven to be a small place--that I would somehow encounter who knew one of the victims. I am truly sorry about Ms. Hjelle, wish to donate (via check--acceptable?), and am glad to hear that she is doing well.
Posted by: Yin | January 20, 2004 11:30 PM