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May 8, 2008 Mike has been enjoying daily walks inside the facility at Rancho with people at his side. He likes to stand on a balcony and get some fresh air. One of his legs still bothers him, but he just takes a short break and continues on. He has been holding on and walking the parallel bars during physical therapy.A couple times he has done it for 30 seconds without holding them. He rode the exercise bike seven miles the other day. He said he could have gone further, but the bike was a piece of crap. Yesterday Debbie played a category type game with him for over an hour. She made up the questions and Mike answered every question correctly. Despite all he has and is going thru, he answers quickly and accurately. He has an incredible sense of time, even though he can not see a clock. Debbie has come up with many creative ways of keeping him mentally occupied, greatly reducing the amount of time he would have become agitated. And when he does, she changes the subject to get him involved with something else. Mike's sight is very inconsistent. Most of the time he can not see and he does tell people he's blind. Although he did have an Opthamologist visit the other day, he has not had any follow up care on the eye they operated on at Olive View. Debbie has not heard a word regarding that or the chance to try operating on the other eye. It is a shame. You would think it would be a high priority. How much time does Mike have until all this is permanent? Mike has talked with a few people on the phone. He talks to his Gram in New Jersey almost every day. He has received other calls and even asked Debbie to dial a number so he could talk to someone about something specific that was on his mind. Debbie and Mike welcome phone calls. Just understand that they can not always answer. They want to know that they are in our thoughts and that we do not forget about them. If you need the room number, please e-mail me. Debbie is still without a connection to the internet. A very talented close friend of Mike's donated his time and expertise to solve this without success. Seems like it's an older Macintosh computer, has outdated software that needs multiple updates, firewall issues, incompatible wireless connection software and all that aggravating stuff. Just when I thought it would make a good boat anchor, I hear that another close friend is having the software reloaded and upgraded. If that does not work, they have another plan to piece together a system that will work. Mike has the most friends, I mean true close friends of anyone I know. Individually and collectively, they are wonderful. Debbie does continue to fight daily battles regarding his care. The stories never end. Some you would not believe. She continues to be by his side 24 hours a day. Without her Mike would be a sedated bedridden patient. There are a few caring staff members that really do want to help. They have also acknowledged Debbie's efforts and reinforced that she is making a huge difference in Mike's recovery. The support from them has kept Debbie from going crazy.This has been so hard on her, in so many ways. Debbie has mentioned receiving many gifts, care packages of food and various necessities. The various fundraisers Mikes friends have held have been great. She is very thankful and will probably tell you herself, once connected again to the outside world. Mike is allowed visitors at Rancho. Visiting hours are 10AM - 8PM, but part of his day is spent in therapy, so you may want to call ahead before visiting. He also seems to respond well to talking on the phone. His room phone number is 562-401-8193. If you would like to send mail, this is the mailing address: Rancho Los Amigos c/o Mike Vincent JPI Building 2 South, Room 2044 7601 E. Imperial Highway Downey, CA 90242 There are many ways to contribute to Mike's recovery: » Fundraisers » Donations |
About Mike Vincent
This BMX Rider, Judge, and Friend was severely injured in an accident this January.
He needs all the support we have to offer.
» Make a Donation using Paypal
Mike Vincent is a son, a friend, and an all around great guy. He played a prominent figure in the sport of BMX, initially as a rider and recently as a judge in several major and endemic competitions. He is a regular figure at all Los Angeles road and track bike gatherings. He is a professional golf caddy. He also somehow manages to donate his time to the local animal shelter.
On January 18, while riding his bicycle to work he was struck by a car and sustained major head trauma along with many other bodily injuries. Because there are no unions to provide funds for injured "action sports" athletes, no health insurance provided for private contractors, and no other affordable insurance alternative, MIKE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT.
Mike has been a part of and made an impact on many of our lives. Whether we rode with him or hung out and shared a beer with him, he needs us all. Now is the time to come together and help our friend. His recovery will require time, love, hard work, and money. Any amount that you can contribute will help and is greatly appreciated. We all have the power to make a difference. It does not matter the size of the contribution, what matters is the will to help.
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
2. Mail checks to:
Michael J. Vincent Fund
903 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029
