| LATEST INJURY UPDATE... |
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August 7, 2008 Since the last update Mike has made considerable progress, and gone through some ups and downs. Most recently, though, it's been all on the up and up. Mike and his mom Debbie have moved into a guest house in Beverly Hills, and he continues his rehab on a daily basis. It's a long road ahead, but he's making great strides. The recent ebay benefit auction was a great success and raised $6,000 towards Mike's expenses. More benefits will follow, and we'll keep you updated on those as they come along. Debbie sent over this updated earlier today on Mike's latest progress: Michael has been doing great since leaving the rehab center. In fact, he's been terrific! I see improvements every day. Friends/family members that talk to him on the phone hear how strong his voice is, and how good his memory is getting. Great news to share with all of you! We were fortunate to go to the X-Games, here in Los Angeles, two (yes, I said two) days in a row! Michael walked miles each day; climbed hundreds of steps; sat/stood in the hot sun.....but he was HAPPY!!!! He got to meet up with so many of his bmx friends (the competitors, announcers, judges, sponsors, etc.). I was sooooooo proud when the announcer told the crowd that Michael was in the audience after having been in a tragic accident.....Michael waved to the crowd that applauded him. Yes, of course, it brought tears to my eyes! He was on TV several times too, as we were sitting amongst the competitor's wives! Family members saw him when the competitions were televised! He was given the VIP treatment, and made to feel like a real hero. It was great for him.....and sure made Mom feel good too! He has been carrying on full conversations with people vs. just "yeah", "right", etc. As one of his friends put it, "that's the Mike Vincent I know". He has had all three therapy evaluations. He will get speech therapy (for the cognitive skills) and orthopedic physical therapy (for his ankles and neck). He still has a long way to go on his memory, and overall cognitive skills. Much of his short term memory may never come back. Most therapists suggest using pictures to stimulate the memory, but with Michael that's not an option yet (I said "yet"!). Although his neck is now straight, the muscle is still very tight. His ankles do not form a 90 degree angle (-5%)so they are very tight also. Hence, we are being referred to orthopedic therapy. Yesterday was the big day for the tests on his eyes. They told us to plan for 3 hrs. of testing, which ended up being over 4 hrs.! Michael did great though. The only comments from the technician were that his retinas were better than most people who never suffered injuries; and that she has known patients to lose vision in one eye and it just has come back in time. We have an appointment to see the doctor next Wednesday, the 13th, to go over the results. We feel lucky that we're able to get in so soon. We still remain positive and just await to hear good things! The ebay auction to benefit Michael netted approximately $6K.....how wonderful! Thanks to all the companies, competitors (bmx and skateboarders) and the golf course for all the donated items. A special thanks to Michael's friend, Olivia, for all of her hard work. She just doesn't stop! She's already planning a next ebay auction for items that were donated too late for this last one! Michael's "Gram" (my mother)lives in NJ and he talks to her every day. Her church is having a benefit breakfast for Michael on Sept. 13th. We're thrilled! Everyone there nows how very special Michael has always been to his Gram (and vice versa)! We have exceeded the $1M dollar mark with all the hospital and rehab expenses! Yes, and it just keeps growing. You know, that's the least of my worries though. I've always been one that worried about finances but Michael's health and well-being is far more important. Like the old saying goes "they can't squeeze blood from a turnip"!!!! The funds raised are going towards his eyes.....that's the most important thing on the agenda. We're not talking about a broken leg, afterall.....we're talking about his vision. When we get his vision taken care of, and complete therapy, we will head to VA so he can continue to recover. The judges at the X-Games talked and told me they want to pay for Michael's airfare once we deem the time is right to go to VA.....what a great group of friends! Everyone has been so wonderful.....I really don't know how to thank all of you for everything. Oh, and let's not forget the earthquake! Michael still tells people what happened, and where we were when it happened! Love that short term memory! Don't get me wrong, we have a long road ahead of us. He still struggles to find the right word/term often; he's working very hard to remember things, but the last year of his life is a blur. As they have told me from the beginning, the brain takes about 2 yrs. to heal in most cases (some cases 10-20 yrs.). It will be quite some time before Michael can hold a job, but we're not giving up. God spared his life, and has brought him this far.....we're not about to give up! If you would like to send mail, this is the mailing address: Mike Vincent 1241 N. Flores St. Apt. 4 West Hollywood, CA 90069 Please Note: This is not where Mike is living. It is for mail only. Mike can be reached by phone on Debbie's cell: 804-239-2408 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
