Encinitas CA— On February 8, while delivering product to a customer, John Fonteyn fell from his work truck and fractured his C4-5 vertebrae. The father of Mandie Fonteyn, Team Honda HRC Press Manager with Jonnum Media, Mr. Fonteyn is currently paralyzed from the neck down. Unfortunately, because nobody witnessed his fall, the details of the incident aren’t known; however, Mr. Fonteyn was conscious and aware and was able to communicate to first responders and his wife that his neck hurt.
Mr. Fonteyn was immediately transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, California, where surgical physicians performed an anterior fusion and realignment to the vertebrae. Two weeks post-op, a CT scan showed signs of a left-side stroke, which explained the initial lack of cognitive ability. He is currently categorized as a complete Spinal Cord Injury, with no movement from the neck down, and is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator, via tracheotomy. His current state is very difficult for his family and friends, as communication is almost impossible. However, Mr. Fonteyn is showing signs of understanding and has attempted to communicate vocally.
The Fonteyn family is currently struggling with their medical and insurance systems, as well as looming bills. When Mr. Fonteyn is released, he’ll be admitted to a sub-acute facility, but available beds are limited at facilities that are both nearby and have a good standard of care. He has been quoted 100 days of sub-acute coverage, after which he will be set up with long-term in-home care. At that point, all submissions will be out-of-pocket expenses for the family. Mr. Fonteyn’s status is still critical, and he will likely require medical attention for the rest of his life.
Prior to his injury, Mr. Fonteyn was very active. He spent time road cycling and participated annually in the Great Cycle Challenge, raising money for childhood cancer research by dedicating himself to 750 miles of cycling in one month. His favorite pastimes revolved around boating, as he would spend time on the water with family and friends, slalom water skiing, wakesurfing and fishing. He also shares a passion for dirt bikes and has ridden for his entire life. He owns a small professional car care business, supplies detailing products to several supercross/motocross teams to keep their trucks looking good, and regularly sponsors the Temecula Rod Run, a popular local hotrod event.
The Fonteyn family is a part of the motorcycling community, and R2R has set up a Fund page at https://road2recovery.com/cause-view/john-fonteyn/, where tax-deductible donations can be made. All funds raised will go toward Mr. Fonteyn’s recovery and will help alleviate his mounting medical bills. Those who are unable to support financially are encouraged to help by sharing the page. In addition, messages of support can be left on Mr. Fonteyn’s R2R Fund page. The Fonteyn family is also planning a number of fundraising events over the next few months.
R2R’s main focus is to assist in funding for the medical needs of the Motocross, Supercross and Action Sports athletes, their admitted family and community members. The Foundation feels that its duty is to help in any way possible when a member of this community needs it most. In addition to being a well-known member of the motocross/supercross industry, Mandie Fonteyn is a R2R board member and is considered family by many in the community. When it was brought to the attention of the R2R board that her father was critically injured, funding for him passed with 100% unanimous vote approval and overwhelming support. Since Mr. Fonteyn is not a licensed AMA pro rider, he will only have access to the funds raised specifically from his R2R crowd-funding cause; he will not qualify for the R2R injured athlete grant.