My name is Shawn Atkin, and I’m writing this HelpVy campaign as a father asking for help for my son,  Ashton, from Herriman, Utah.

Ashton has loved riding since the age of 5, when he first started on dirt bikes out on trails and at the dunes. Over the years, he became an experienced rider and competed for many seasons on his school’s mountain bike team. Riding has always been his passion — something that gave him freedom, focus, and joy.

This past summer, Ashton worked hard for South Jordan City Parks and Rec doing lawn maintenance. Instead of spending his paychecks, he saved nearly 80% with one goal in mind — buying a Seran bike. By the end of summer, Ashton proudly brought home his dream bike, which cost him $4,360 all in, on Saturday evening. Just two days later, on Monday morning, August 25th, he decided to take it for a short ride before school. That ride changed everything.

While riding through Herriman, a car pulled out of a parking lot and stopped directly in Ashton’s lane. He had no time to react. The collision threw him violently from his bike, and he was rushed by ambulance to Riverton Hospital in Riverton, Utah. After scans revealed serious injuries, doctors transferred him to Primary Children’s Hospital in Lehi, Utah, where he stayed overnight for further monitoring.

Ashton’s injuries are significant: a punctured right lung, fluid buildup in his pelvis, painful lacerations, severe bruising, and a grade 3 concussion/traumatic brain injury. He is home now in Herriman, but recovery is slow and difficult. He hasn’t been able to return to school, and each day brings new challenges as he fights to heal.

What breaks my heart most is knowing how hard Ashton worked for that bike, and how quickly it was taken from him. He spent his summer sweating in the sun, saving diligently, and planning for the freedom and fun that ride would bring. Now, instead of enjoying what he earned, he is battling to regain his health and independence.

I never imagined I would be here, asking for help. But the medical bills are overwhelming, and we also hope to someday replace the bike Ashton worked so hard to buy. Every donation will go directly toward his care, his recovery, and rebuilding what was lost.

Please, if you can, donate or share this campaign. Ashton is strong, but no one should have to face this alone. As his dad, I can’t tell you how much it means to know our Utah community is standing with him.

Thank you for helping my son heal and get through this 

– Shawn Atkin and Family