The Blanks Family Fund
Tom Blanks was cycling early in the morning on July 16th and was struck by a hit and run driver. He was thrown 35 ft., sustaining massive injuries, and was airlifted to a near by hospital. Tom is a loving husband of 13 years to Blair and father to their three children. Cycling is an integral part of Tom’s family life as he shares his passion with his children. Tom and his son have been building a racing bike together, with plans to race together in the fall, plans which have been cancelled.
Tom’s injuries are extensive, he sustained a broken pelvis and fractures to his sternum, ribs, and both lumbar & thoracic vertebraes in his spine. He will remain in a back brace and unable to walk without crutches for many months and hopes of riding a bike again will certainly require hours of painful therapy. Despite his injuries, Tom has amazed his family, friends and hospital staff with his positive attitude and strength of character.
Making the roads safer for cyclist is a huge part of who Tom is. He is an active member of Rodgers Forge's Safe Routes to School committee, which promotes safety for the neighborhood's students who walk to school and he has served on the board for the advocacy group, Bike Maryland.
Tom’s passion for cycling is matched only by his drive to provide for his family. It is not hard to imagine the strain the careless acts of a reckless driver has placed on the Blanks family. The family was on vacation when the accident occurred. Toms' wife Blair remains by his side commuting from a nearby hotel, they are unable to transport him back home to Maryland for care at this time.
It may not seem like a lot but $5 here, $10 there, EVERY donation counts - even if Tom is a stranger to you - he is someone's husband, father, son and friend. The kindness of strangers is a powerful thing! Every donation is so appreciated.
<a href="http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/the-blanks-family-fund/73726">http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/the-blanks-family-fund/73726</a>;
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