VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The response was swift and generous after Terri Liestman and her trainer Mara Bates set up a GoFundMe page Tuesday afternoon to raise money for a replacement three-wheel bike that was stolen last Friday.
Liestman, 69, recovering from stroke-induced paralysis, has had a customized recumbent bike that played a big role in her rehabilitation. It was stolen last Friday.
A replacement of the three-wheeler with special adaptations for Liestman would run $3,500. Bates set up the GoFundMe Tuesday afternoon, but before midnight, the $3,500 goal had already been reached.
“How very grateful and humbled I am with the interest taken and the kindness shown by so many people,” Liestman said Friday outside Great Bridge Cyclery, where she had already ordered the new bike. “I was so surprised to check the [GoFundMe] site the very next morning.”
Liestman has worked with the shop’s owner, Bobby Parker. She says the new bike will be “custom assembled. It’ll have to have some adaptations when it gets in here,” with braking for both front wheels on the right side which is her stronger side.
Inspired by the kindness of others, Liestman wants to pay it forward.
“People are out there who have mobility issues, who have seen these stories and have heard me and Mara talk about how important it has been to me. And actually, it’s just great fun to ride a bike,” said Liestman, who encourages people to contact her at terriliestman@gmail.com. “Get a hold of me and see how I can assist.”
“That’s who Terri is,” Bates said. “I think it’s a wonderful idea. I think that you should always help someone else.”
Liestman’s new bike is expected in about three or four weeks.
She said she is overwhelmed by the response and how quickly it all came together once the stories ran earlier this week.
“I just can’t express how effective you’ve been,” she said. It’s been a pleasure working with [10 On Your Side].”
