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Sending Mail If you would like to send mail, this is the mailing address. Mike Vincent 1241 N. Flores St. Apt. 4 West Hollywood, CA 90069 Mike can be reached by phone on Debbie's cell: 808-239-2408 Fundraisers » Mike V "Back off the Wagon" Benefit Party » Mike V "Back on Track" Benefit Ride » Mike V "Silent Auction" Benefit » Mike V Ebay Auction Donations » Make a Donation using Paypal » Mail checks to: Michael J. Vincent Fund 903 Hyperion Ave Los Angeles, CA 90029 Get Updates For updates and to leave Mike and his family a message go to: 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. 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. For more info, or to donate product or art for the cause, please send an email to: MikeVincentUpdates@gmail.com or Olivia@ASAent.com Please feel free to repost, forward, and spread the word about this cause. |
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!
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.
That's all for now.
< R.B. Nicklin, Mike's Uncle in Florida
April 20, 2008
This past Thursday was the three-month mark since Mike Vincent's accident. It was also the one-month mark since he was moved from Cedar Sinai to Rancho Los Amigos.
Much of what has happened since the move can be best described as organized chaos. From day one, it was clearly evident that Rancho did not have the adequate personnel and equipment to care for Mike's condition. After much lobbying from Mike's parents it appears that they are finally taking the necessary steps to accommodate Mike.
Now that the dust has settled from the initial turmoil, we are happy to report some wonderful news. Soon after Mike arrived at Rancho, his family was notified that Mike was blind in both eyes and that it was most likely going to be permanent. Thankfully Debbie, Mike's mom, did not accept the diagnosis and pushed for further testing. The tests concluded that Mike had severe hemorrhaging behind his eyes from the initial impact, but his eyes, nerves, and retinas were not badly damaged. He underwent surgery to drain his right eye earlier this week and once it's healed he will have his left eye operated on. After being in complete darkness for four weeks, Mike is rapidly adapting to light and color.
The doctors are also reevaluating Mike's medications, which at this point are only counteracting each other's side effects. In the short time that the dosages have decreased, Mike has shown great improvement. His agitation has significantly reduced while his attention span has grown to allow for short conversations.
Mike's strength through this arduous journey is inspiring. He has met and surpassed every prediction and projection of his recovery.
April 18, 2008
Day 91 - At Debbie's insistence they have reviewed all of Mike's medications and started to wean him off of some. Already, the duration of his agitation has been greatly reduced. He has even had some great one on one conversations with visiting friends and a therapist. I heard that his good friend Jim Bauer, visited the other day. Mike knew he was there, recognized him and even added that he looked like Colonel Sanders. That was the first news I have heard all week regarding his site.
Monday is the fund raiser at the Bungalow Club. I hope they have a good turn out. So many great friends have put this all together. Funds raised go to help Mike.
That is all for now - R.B. Nicklin
April 13, 2008
Day 86 - Great News!! Mike now has sight in his right eye. The right retina
was not detached. He had massive hemorrhaging and clots. His left eye can be
done at a later date. Hopefully that will be as soon as possible as time is
not on his side. Olive View is not equipped to care for Mike, so he is
waiting to be returned to Rancho Los Amigos. Debbie is hoping to hear the
doctors' plan prior to leaving. Meanwhile, Debbie is exhausted, cold, hungry
and wants a shower. These long 24 hour days are taking a toll on her. She
has been going for 40 hours already with no immediate relief in site. Mike
is truly lucky to have her by his side. Otherwise this latest progress may
not have happened.
R.B. Nicklin (Mike's Uncle in Florida)
April 10, 2008
GOOD NEWS!!! Day 82: Today's exam showed that both of Mike's retinas are
detached. They feel that they have been detached since the original
accident.Next they will call in or send Mike to a retinologist. This will
have to be on a cash basis per the Ophthalmologist. Detached retina's are
more common and we hope that this can be easily fixed. As my brother, Mike's
other Uncle, from Oklahoma, told me, boxers get detached retina's all the
time.
Mike must have been getting some intermittent transmissions or something.
Thank the LORD that he was. Otherwise that other "doctor" would have had the
last word in saying he would always be blind. At least his Mom can feel good
and proud that she stood her ground and would not accept the substandard
care.
Again, thanks to all of you, for your prayers, love and support,
R.B. Nicklin
March 20, 2008
On Tuesday, March 18, exactly 2 months after Mike's accident, he was moved from Cedars Sinai to Rancho Los Amigos, a rehabilitation facility in Downey, CA. We were all nervous that he wasn't ready to be moved, but after seeing Rancho and the care the staff are able to provide, we are confident that the right decision was made.
This morning Mike had an EKG and CT scan. There was no swelling or fluid, which is great. However, we also told that Mike's eyesight may be damaged, due to the previous brain swelling. Right now, he is unresponsive to visual stimulation. He has an opthalmology appointment tomorrow morning, and hopefully we will find out more information.
February 28, 2008
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.
February 15, 2008
First and foremost we would like to thank everyone who helped pass the original message along. The initial responses in the form of emails and calls have been a true testament to Mike's vast group of family and friends through out the world.
To those who are getting this as a forwarded message, Mike Vincent is a BMX rider, a professional golf gold caddy, a worker at the local LA animal shelter, a son, and a friend. While riding his bicycle to work last month he was struck by a car. He incurred severe head trauma along with many other injuries.
His four-week stay in ICU at Cedar Sinai has been filled with many achievements and many setbacks. However, his response to the latest few surgeries have seemed to set the momentum in the right direction. The lung surgery was a success and the chest tubes have already been removed. He was taken off the ventilator soon after the tracheotomy, and has since been breathing on his own with no sign of trouble. He has also adapted well to the insertion of the feeding tube into his stomach. Last week Mike started physical therapy, which at the moment consists of being put in a chair a couple of hours a day to stimulate his lungs and circulation.
In the last couple of days, Mike has grown increasingly, although inconsistently, responsive. He's not talking yet, but has been responding to the neuro surgeons' commands to give a thumbs up, show two fingers, raise his arms, etc. Mike is also making purposeful movements such as scratching his face and covering his mouth when he coughs. On another great note, Mike cut short his expected stay in the ICU by 3 weeks. Last night he was moved to Room 8016 in the North Tower of Cedar Sinai.
Even though his condition is rapidly improving, the aftermath of this accident will affect him for years to come. Medical bills alone have already reached a massive amount, even though his journey to recovery has just started. Mike's recovery also comes with many non-medical expenses like the lively hood of his family, who have suspended their everyday lives to be by his side.
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.
January 28, 2008
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 Rebel Jam 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
