Toyota-United makes donation to paralyzed rider

The Toyota-United Pro Cycling Team has donated $5,000 cash to Fausto Munoz Esparza, the rider who was paralyzed in a high-speed crash in last Sunday’s final stage of the Tour of Gila in New Mexico.

The team said the donation consists of the Toyota-United teams riders’ prize money earned at the Tour of Gila, plus staff donations.

In addition, Toyota-United will auction off a team jersey signed by all 14 riders. The jersey auction will begin Monday on Bay.

Esparza 33, is in critical but stable condition in the intensive care unit of El Paso’s Thomason Hospital with a broken back which has left him paralyzed from the waist down.

“He is very depressed and not sure what to make of this terrible situation. His wife, three children and parents have all come to El Paso to be by his side for the next three weeks until he gets out of the hospital,” said Jose Manuel “Chepe” Garcia, a Toyota-United rider and personal friend of Esparza.

Private donations for Esparza may be made to:
Wells Fargo Bank
1201 N. Pope Street
Silver City, NM 88061
Attn: Fausto Munoz Esparza Donation Fund

Letters can be sent to:
Patient: Fausto Esparza, ICU/12
C/O Thomason Hospital
4815 Alameda Avenue
El Paso, TX 79905

FILED UNDER: Road