Fellow biker injured

[Sharky]

Just thought I'd pass this on...always hits home when it's a fellow biker. Hope for a quick recovery and no more setbacks feel terrible for him.

Info:
Mike Vincent is a BMX rider who has been a prominent fixture in the sport for many years. Mike has worked as a judge for all of the major competitions, including the X Games, LG Action Sports World Tour, AST Dew Tour, and the former Gravity Games. He has also been a part of most of the core BMX competitions, including Rebeljam and the CFB events. Mike is also a regular at any Los Angeles track bike gatherings and all around a great guy.

Some of you may have already heard about Mike’s terrible accident two weeks ago. While riding his bicycle on the way to work he was struck by a car. Although he sustained minimal body injuries, he did sustain major head trauma. After multiple brain surgeries in the initial days, Mike looked to be headed towards a speedy recovery. He was lucid, and talkative. He even managed to tell the doctors that he didn’t eat meat along with asking to go to 7-11 for Gatorade.

However, last Thursday his brain swelled dramatically and he had to undergo another brain surgery. To allow space for swelling the right side of his cranium was removed and was placed inside his stomach to keep the bone alive. This episode was a major set back in his recovery.

More bad news came a few days later when the CT revealed that his broken ribs had punctured one of his lungs, which after a few days collapsed and filled up with blood. He underwent another surgery to scrape the clotted blood and to install tubes for drainage. To help his breathing the doctors also performed a tracheotomy and will slowly wean him off the respirator. The doctors have also already found multiple blood clots, which at any point in time can cause serious problems.

On a better note, since his last surgery, he has opened his eyes for a few minutes and has been able to communicate at times by giving a thumb up or by hand squeezes. We fully believe in his full recovery, yet the reality of the situation is that it will be a long road. At the moment, the doctors have predicted that Mike will stay in ICU for another 4 to 6 weeks. This will be just the beginning of his journey to recovery.

Mike is currently staying at the ICU at Cedar Sinai. If you live in the LA area and would like to see him, feel free to come by and show your support. I know his mom appreciates the visitors. Because he is in ICU, the number of people allowed in his room is limited to two. Also, gifts such as flowers are not allowed in, so please save that stuff until he's got his own private room and can enjoy it.

A strong group of friends are in the process of forming a non-profit organization on behalf of Mike and his parents. They will need all the love, support, help, and donations they can get. If you have any ideas and suggestions for fundraisers please send an email with details to MikeVincentUpdates@gmail.com

[mottmcfly]

Wow, thanks for the report Sharky. I cannot help but wonder how a broken rib was missed. I pray for a speedy recovery.

Mott

[OldDogDan]

Man, that is tough. Car hits bike is always so bad. You can never really know what's gonna happen to you tomorrow -- enjoy & appreciate while you can. I hope he recovers well. It will be hard for him, friends & family. Hopefully there will be good days for him soon. Best wishes.

[TitusChick]

Any updates? Is he conscious and able to communicate?

[Man blong Gaua]

Wow, this really sucks about Mike. My thoughts are definitely with him and I'll keep an eye out for updates. Just talked about this a lot because of a recent article in Bike Magazine describing how many drivers are let off easy for bicycle accidents. Any word on what what will happen to the driver?

[dirttorpeedo]

i DO HOPE mike recovers well as i commute by bike and cant stand the way these turds drive. i do wish they would all fall into the potholes they swerve around into my way. eff them all. my appoligeez if i vented my frusrations.......

[TitusChick]

Where to find updates on Mike's condition: http://www.vitalbmx.com/news/news/Mi...-Update-2,3859

[TitusChick]

More on Mike from a close source:

Since Mike was moved from the ICU last week, he has continued to improve slowly, but steadily. Although, he is still basically in the "waking stages" of a coma, he has been opening his eyes more often, moving his arms and legs, and has even mouthed the occasional swear word! Today during his physical therapy session, he stood on his own for a couple minutes. He has also been responding to commands from the therapists and occasionally answering questions by nodding his head.

Even though he has lost a lot of weight and muscle tone, physically, he is doing well. His lungs are clear of fluid and all of the bruises from the initial accident are healed. His last head CT looked normal with no swelling.

Everyday, Mike impresses us with his improvements. However, we are also reminded that he still has a long road ahead of him. It is obvious by the look on his face, that the simple act of sitting up or kicking his leg, takes a lot of concentration. He gets worn out very quickly. As I've said before, everyone's continued support is greatly appreciated.

[TitusChick]

Once again we thank everyone for his or her support through the beginning stages of this ordeal. Everything including donations, prayers, and get-well cards, has brought Mike's family much relief during these hard times.

We are also happy to report very good news. Since moving to a private room from ICU, two weeks ago, Mike has surpassed almost all predictions and projections of his recovery.

Mike has been getting intensive physical and occupational therapy five times a week. During most of these sessions, he has been able to do some pretty amazing things. He stood up on his own for the first time, and was able to stay standing with the assistance of the physical therapist. He was also able to walk two yards with the assistance of a walker and had his eyes open the whole time.

His tracheotomy valve was downsized and shortly after the procedure he said his first clear words. While the respiratory nurse was giving Mike his breathing treatment, he said, "Stop! Don't touch that!" The speech therapist put a speech valve on Mike's trachea later that day. On Thursday, Mike answered several biographic questions (What's your name, age, etc?). He was also able to verbalize when he was hot, cold, tired, etc. He then surprised his nurse this past weekend when during therapy he asked her to turn on the air-conditioner because it was too hot and then noted that the room was also too bright.

While Mike is progressing quickly, he still has another brain surgery and a lot of rehabilitation ahead of him. His cranioplasty (the surgery to place the bone back in his skull) is tentatively scheduled for the first week of March. If he recovers well, he will enter a rehab facility where he will continue getting therapy.

There are two different ways that you can help immediately. All proceeds will be given directly to the Michael J. Vincent fund.

1. Make a donation using paypal.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/websc...harset=UTF%2d8

2. Mail checks to:

Michael J. Vincent Fund
903 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029

*Donations are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Please don't hesitate, donate today!

There is now a webpage set up to check on updates and also to leave Mike and his family a message.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelvincent

* Please note that the donation button on the page DOES NOT GO TO MIKE VINCENT. To make a donation for him please follow the instructions above.


To anyone who would like to host an event, fundraiser, carwash, bake sale, game, contest, concert, and anything else you can put creative minds to raise awareness and money for this cause, please contact us through. MikeVincentUpdates@gmail.com

Please feel free to repost, forward, and spread the word about this cause.

If you would like to be added to the e-mail list for updates, please send an email to MikeVincentUpdates@gmail.com with ADD in the subject heading.

If you would like to be removed from this list, please reply REMOVE in the subject heading.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

[DownHillPhil]

That is such a tragedy...serves as a reminder how flimsy my life is and how often i take it for granted... thankfully he made it through and is on the road to recovering... It hurts me to read about an athlete being laid low that way.

Wear your safety gear and always play smart!!

GO RIDE... the rain is gone.