'Nobody should go bankrupt because of a medical emergency.' GoFundMe created for Spun Bicycles owners

Resting in the heart of Northside off Hamilton Avenue is Spun Bicycles, a mom-and-pop shop that has been doing more than selling and tuning up bikes in its seven years of operation.

In this shop, customers become friends. The owners know where your kids go to college. They know when your mother is sick. They host fundraisers and coat drives, and give free bike repairs to people off the street.

“Our bike shop... I can’t explain it, but it’s more like a family,” co-owner Judi LoPresti said. “Like we know everybody’s name who comes in the door. And if we don’t know your name, we probably know what bike you ride.”

And in times of need, family help each other.

Over $8,000 in 2 days

LoPresti’s husband and co-owner of Spun Bicycles, Dominic LoPresti, was in and out of the hospital the first week of February due to severe back pain.

Britt Born, a customer and friend of the LoPrestis, learned about Dominic's recent medical issues when she went into the shop to find Judi running Spun on her own.

The store is owner operated. Judi said that if Dominic is not in the shop, they are unable to work.

A few days later, Dominic wound up in the emergency room – an expensive trip for the LoPrestis, who have been unable to afford health insurance since 2017.

“I think that’s something that a lot of people take for granted,” Born said.

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With the medical bills piling up and having to turn away business with Dominic out, Judi resisted the urge to ask for help, in the beginning.

“I was kind of hesitant at first because we’re small business owners, we should have our s*** together, right? You know?” she said.

She posted updates online so their friends and customers would know why the shop was closed. One customer came in anyways, offering a small gift and letting her know they were thinking of Judi and her husband.

Two friends called Judi and asked for her PayPal account so they could help with the expenses. Judi said at least 10 mechanics from Louisville to Dayton have called in asking to help in the shop.

“I’ve got different bike shops saying, ‘Judi, let me help. Let me come in and help.’ And that’s incredible," she said.

Born convinced Judi to let her create a GoFundMe page Sunday night. Born said nobody should go bankrupt because of a medical emergency – and if people were willing to help, why not let them?

Within two days, over 150 donors had raised over $8,000.

“The shop is just very loved, and they are very loved," Born said.

Next steps, thanks to Instagram

Judi said she originally thought Dominic would need surgery.

“And without insurance, I mean, that can run you into the hundreds and thousands of dollars,” she said.

But on Sunday evening an Instagram message popped up that changed everything.

The message was from Timothy Burns. Burns is a Northside resident, a Spun Bicycles customer and also a fully licensed orthopedic physician certified in sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Burns said he wanted to help. The LoPrestis had Dominic's MRI sent over, and by Tuesday night Burns had come up with a nonsurgical plan that will hopefully relieve Dominic's pain.

Judi said Dominic had an epidural planned for Wednesday, and should feel some relief within 24-48 hours. For now, they are just trying to keep him comfortable.

As for the bike shop and the community it has created, Judi says giving back is just part of their job. And they appreciate the community showing up for them in return.

“We were given an opportunity to open a bike shop," she said. "And it was like a dream come true for both of us.”

You can donate to the LoPresti's GoFundMe online.