Bob Slusser, an employee at Sattler V Twin, was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on March 10. Photo by Kevin Force.
by Kevin Force, Editor
A Canyon Lake man and a San Antonio woman are recovering from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Friday, March 10.
Despite some reports, Bob Slusser and Nanci Kilstrom both survived their late-night accident on FM 306. However, fog in the area prevented an AirLife helicopter from landing and delayed their arrival to the hospital
Kilstrom has since been released, but Slusser remains in critical but stable condition at University Medical Center in San Antonio. A prominent member of the Canyon Lake motorcycle community and an employee at Sattler V Twin, Slusser suffered serious head trauma as a result of the crash. He was not wearing a helmet.
"He's half of this business," said Ken Kirkpatrick, Slusser's friend and co-worker. "We work together. We're a team."
It is that attitude that has prompted Kirkpatrick and others to try to rally some local support for their friend.
Sattler V Twin, Big D's Dam Red Barn and The Shanty have all publically began fundraising efforts to benefit Slusser and his family. All three have put collection jars in their business locations asking for community support, and marquees in front of the businesses ask the community to "pray for Bob."
They have also established an account at First State Bank. The money raised will go to support Slusser during what is certain to be a long road to rehabilitation.
Despite all those positive efforts, Kirkpatrick and others felt like it wasn't enough. There were too many people asking how they could help.
The group decided to get organized about its fundraising efforts and have called a brainstorming meeting for Sunday, April 2, at 4 p.m. at Big D's. The meeting is open for all who are interested in helping.
"What we're doing right now is we're tring to get people together," said Barbara Meixner, a friend of Slusser's and one of the organizers.
Don and Valerie Stephens, owners of Big D's, have also been eager to help.
"It's the right thing to do," Valerie said. "This is a tight community, and when someone is hurt, you reach out and do what you can do."
No plans have been set as to what might be done to raise money, but speculation includes the possibility of a benefit concert.
"We're hoping people will contribute," Kirkpatrick said. "Even if they can't provide anything, they can help. We've done a lot already, and I want community to know how much we appreciate it. But there's more to do."
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