Richard (Dick) Bachelder

On December 27th, our friend, Dick Bachelder (aka Bach), had a catastrophic accident while skiing with his family at Sugarloaf. He has lost all feeling and function in his arms and legs and is now a quadriplegic. After recovering at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, Dick arrived home on March 2nd. He is hoping to gain some minor use of his left arm so he can control a wheelchair with a joystick rather than breathing into a tube or using controls around his head which have become unreliable when he experiences periodic spasms in his muscles.

The sudden financial challenges of his condition are overwhelming. The family is facing close to $200,000 of immediate needs for a home renovation, modified van, specialized bed, ramps, voice-activated equipment, an overhead lift to move him into his motorized wheelchair and much more. That’s just the beginning; the ongoing cost of day-to-day care is far more daunting. The therapists and physicians involved in Dick’s care have indicated he needs 24/7 care and that it is not safe for him to be left unattended. Initial cost estimates range from $150,000-250,000 a year, most of which will not be covered by insurance.

Bach has maintained his trademark positive, can-do attitude throughout this ordeal. His spirit, determination and gratitude shine brightly despite the challenges he has faced and will continue to battle. This is a great source of inspiration to his family, friends and all those from Bach Nation. Dick has lived his life as a pay-it-forward guy. He is a true Mainer, a son of Hallowell, stranger to no one, proud booster of all things Bowdoin and an active citizen in his hometown of York, Maine. Dick is the devoted father of college twins (Meg and Billy), husband to his wife Amy and the go-to guy for so many.

Dick and his family have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support they have received and are forever grateful. Dick is an amazing soul who has always been there for his friends, family and community. Let’s be there for him now when he needs us the most.

Please join us to share this crushing financial burden by making a donation on this website to help cover immediate funding needs. If you are interested in helping with the ongoing annual needs, please contact the organizers of this effort.

Together we can help Dick achieve a healthy, safe and meaningful post-injury life.

Thank you for your kindness.

Family and friends of Dick Bachelder are raising money for the nonprofit Help Hope Live to fund uninsured medical expenses associated with Catastrophic Injury.

Dick has chosen to fundraise for Help Hope Live in part because Help Hope Live assures fiscal accountability of funds raised and tax deductibility for contributors. Contributors can be sure donations will be used to pay or reimburse medical and related expenses. To make a tax-deductible donation to this fundraising campaign, click on the Give button.

If you have any questions about how to donate or if you need more information, please contact Help Hope Live at 800.642.8399.

Thank you for your support!