This is a message from Bruce Giunta's family that they ask me to post for them.  As you will see from this letter, Bruce's Portland Velo "family" has certainly been a great support system for Bruce and the family as well.  For that I thank all members.

From the Giunta family:

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support, well wishes, and concern for Bruce that has come from his Portland Velo family.  Every day Bruce is making baby steps towards coming back to all of us.  He’s in there somewhere listening to us love him and fighting to come back.  If you know Bruce, that man is a fighter and won’t stop until he’s back. 

Bruce is a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather.  As his family we love him more than words can explain and his accident has affected us deeply.  Through these tough times we have looked to each other for support, but with the Portland Velo family we realize that our support network is much larger than we ever knew.  Each one of you have helped us through these tough times – each time you post something on the website, each time you say a prayer for Bruce or the family, each time we receive a card, each time you get on your bike and ride more carefully then before his accident is a way that you have helped us. 

We’ve been getting a lot of requests to visit Bruce at the hospital.  Unfortunately right now he really just needs his rest so we are limiting visitors to family only.  We do have quite the collection of cards though so please send a card instead – we read each one to him and he’ll love to read them on his own when he can.  You can address them to:

The Giunta Family

17655 SW Shawnee Trail

Tualatin, OR 97062

Once again, thank you so much for everything each one of you has done.  Dad still needs those prayers and positive thoughts sent his way so please keep them up.

Love,

Jan Giunta, wife

Dan Giunta, son

Angie Lantagne, daughter.

Amy Castleton, daughter

Kathy Giunta, sister

Sandra Giunta, sister

Michael Giunta, nephew

Chris Lantagne, son-in-law

David Castleton, son-in-law

Cameron Lantagne, grandson

Brynn Lantagne, granddaughter

Krhea,

Thank you for posting this.  I cannot even imagine what the Giunta family is going through as they watch their beloved husband, father, uncle, grandfather struggle to recover from his injuries after the accident. I hope and pray that Bruce continues to fight and heal and that he will fully recover.  Not a day goes by that I don't have Bruce and his family in my thoughts, and I believe everyone in Portland Velo is riding safely and thinking about Bruce every time we ride.

 LJ

Linda Jellison:

...and I believe everyone in Portland Velo is riding safely and thinking about Bruce every time we ride.

 LJ

Linda, you are right about that. I notice and try to point out every stick lying around. After last Thursday's storm, there are still a lot of them, so everyone please be extra alert.

Sounds like Bruce continues to head in the right direction. I know I'm anxious for Bruce to make some some dramatic leap, so yeah, I cannot imagine how this is for the family. We need to remember that its only been 10 days since the accident, and slow and steady will probably be what the recovery will be like. Lets keep those prayers and positive thoughts going.

Is there an update on Bruce's condition?  I've heard he is alert now but thats all.  I'm hoping he is recovering well and things are progressing smoothly...anyone know?

Gregg

It is with a heavy heart that I must announce that Portland Velo member and my good friend Bruce Giunta passed away this morning, June 26th.  Bruce was a beacon of all that is good with our sport.  In his quiet, unassuming and sincere way Bruce touched 100's of lives in the Portland cycling community.
 
He and his brilliant red "Italian Steed", the Ducati, will be greatly missed.
 
As we climb on tomorrow's ride, push the pedals a bit harder in honor of Bruce.
 
Please keep Bruce's family in your thoughts and prayers during this challenging period in their lives.  As information regarding services become available they will be posted.
 

Sincerely,

 KRhea, President/Director Portland Velo Cycling Club