URGENT!! Prayers needed!!

[Running Mommy]

I know I can count on you ladies. I need some big time prayers for one of of customers/friends.
We are the type of shop that doesn't just have customers, we make friends.
We sponsor the local BMX track, and I've gotten to know a lot of the racers and their families.
Tonight we were at the track and one of the kids I just helped get on a bike crashed HARD. It was BAD! He was airlifted to the local neurological hospital.
This kid is just the nicest most respectful kid. And he's 15!!
And his mother is sooo nice. i just LOVE this family, and I'm devastated right now. I have tears streaming down my face as I write this.
He was out cold for a long time, and it looks like a neck injury- also a head injury since he didn't know where he was, etc.
I'm just shaking right now, and I wish there was something else I could do. But all I can do is come on here and ask ya'll for prayers. his name is Justin, and his number plate says "Bustin Justin" on it.
So if you could please give him and his family your thoughts and prayers I would appreciate it.
Hopefully he'll be back racing again.
He races on an Intense bike, so I'm going to call them Monday and try to get him some stuff. The folks at VSI (Intense) are great, and I KNOW they'll come through BIG TIME!
Thanks all
Be safe out there!
Denise

[smilingcat]

Dear Denise,

Horrible accident. My thoughts and prayer for the family, Justin and you.

If he wasn't sure where he was, it might take a day maybe a week before he gets back together. My last accident, I was in and out of consciousness on my way to the hospital. And I don't have any memory of the day, most of the hospital stay. And I'm more or less back. And I'm much older than Justin.

I wish him a speedy and complete recovery. He is young.

Sincerely,
Smilingcat

[Mr. Bloom]

RM: Prayer Flair raised. Please keep us posted.

[rocknrollgirl]

I am so sorry, I will send out some prayers right now.

Hang in there Justin!!!!!

[Running Mommy]

Thanks Ladies and Mr.
My brother and parents are in town so we are headed to Sedona to hike today, but I have the hospital # and his moms cell #, so I will call and check in later.
I've been awake most of the night worrying about him.
We brought his bike home for him, and I brought her inside to sleep- as I know he keeps her in his room. :o
She looks to have come through relatively unscathed.
Thanks again. I'll be in touch when I know something.
d-

[Flybye]

I will be praying for him today. And his family. And you. Thanks for the post.

[bounceswoosh]

I'm so sorry. Here's to Justin pulling through.

[latelatebloomer]

Spirit dispatched. To all of you.

[OakLeaf]

Hugs and prayers for Justin, his family, and you RM. Please keep us posted when you can.

[massbikebabe]

OMG!!!

I am RC so I will put him on my rosary tonight!!!

karen

[Zen]

I was thinking about Justin today.
Any word on his injury?

[luv'nAustin]

I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts. Sounds like he is a tough young man and he has that in his favor.

[Nia]

you guys are certainly in my thoughts...

[solobiker]

They are in my thoughts. Positive energy heading their way.

[sundial]

Denise, you are a very special person to have so much concern and care for your customers. You have the gift of compassion. http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/innocent/innocent0005.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net) I will certainly keep Justin, his family, and the doctors and nurses in my prayers. Please keep us updated on his progress when you can. Sending YOU hugs from the Arkies.

Cathy, Kali, Niki, and Jodi

[Running Mommy]

I called the hospital yesterday and he is in the pedi ICU.
I'll call his mom today. I didn't feel right calling her yesterday. I'm also going to call the track owners to see if there is anything we can do to help defray the medical costs. I don't know what the insurance situation is, so if there is an issue I'd like to host a benefit. I'm sure Intense would come through for me with donations.
Thanks again all. I'll let you know as soon as I do.
ciao!
Denise

[mtbdarby]

More prayers coming your way Denise. Keep the updates coming and know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Dar

[LBTC]

Major healing butterflies headed to Justin, with lots of encouraging and observant butterflies for the family, you and his medical team. Thank you for letting us know, and for taking his bike in to your home - I'm sure she misses him!

You're fabulous, RM! Keep us posted on the fund-raiser and if there's anything we can do, too.

Hugs and huge butterflies,
~T~

[Running Mommy]

I called his mom's cell phone and it dropped me straight to vm. I'm sure it's turned off, and I don't blame her. I'm sure she's been inundated with calls.
Tomorrow I'm going to call the hospital to see make sure he's still in- I'm sure he is- and send something over.
I also left a message for the owners of the track to see if they knew anything. I mentioned that I'd like to help if they are going to do a benefit.

Btw- if you want to see a pic of him, go to estrellamountainbmx.com and there is a pic and bio of him under the local pro's bio.

sigh... I hope I have some news soon. I'm so worried. I stopped in the shop today to grab my bike and his was hanging next to mine. I touched his glove sitting on the handlebar and said a little prayer.. sigh..:(

[solobiker]

Sending more positive energy his way. Let us know what we can do.

[Running Mommy]

I just talked to Justins mom. It's not good.
He's bleeding internally and they don't know why. He's in exploratory surgery right now. I guess he had ruptured his spleen and they put in some tubes ro something, so they think it may be that? But they don't know.
He has a fracture in his L3, transverse?? and a fractured bone somewhere behind his cheek bone in the sinus area.
The doctor is concerned that bacteria from that is poisoning his body because he's spiking a fever and his vitals aren't looking very good.
But they just don't know.
His mom is beside herself. She says she hasn't left the hospital. Sigh.... Being a mom myself I could only imagine.
Tomorrow I'm going to go down and give her a hug. I just get the feeling she needs a hug.
so please keep the prayers flowing!!
I'm heading out right now for a ride, and I'm going to send some positive vibes and prayers his way.
C'mon Justin, hang in there buddy!!!!!

[echidna]

From his bio: "One word of advice Justin wants to give new riders is to not give up and keep trying!"
RM - know that this is EXACTLY what Justin is doing right now. Nothing you've heard about yet is unrecoverable. People survive amazing things. His mom is exhausted, and fighting numbness, fear, and rage - be there for her. OK to just go and sit at the hospital with her for awhile.

[Tuckervill]

Sending all the "don't give up" vibes I can muster!

Karen

[Geonz]

me 2 me 2

Prayers adn hopes and hugs for all...

[Triskeliongirl]

Just remember that he is young which means loads in getting through something like this. Probably the best thing you can do is go to the hospital and just sit a bit with the mom. Right now, this is probably worse on her than him.

Good vibes are being sent Justins way!

[Trek420]

From his bio: "One word of advice Justin wants to give new riders is to not give up and keep trying!"

C'mon Justin. Don't give up. I have a broken vertebrae somewhere in these bones somewhere, I forget which one. So you keep trying. You've got a lot of riding to do :o

[Red Rock]

May you heal quickly and well. RM, I agree with what has been said , go for a visit. Good for you and them.

Best wishes,

Red Rock

[Tri Girl]

Oh no! That's a tragic accident, and I'm saying lots of prayers and good thoughts for Justin. He's a fighter, and he'll come through. Please keep us updated.

[Wahine]

Sending out blessing. The fractures in and of themselves - even the spinal one don't sound bad. It's the infection and bleeding that are the major issue here.

Keep fighting Justin!!!

[NbyNW]

Oh, just saw this. Praying hard for Justin and his family and everyone who is working to help them.

[crazycanuck]

RM, please let your friend know good thoughts are being sent from Down under. May Justin heal & go home to his family.

Short story..in 2003(?) Jonnie Waddell (a local Perth guy) was a DH pro racer on the circuit in Quebec & missed a 20 ft drop..2 weeks in a coma, various broken bones, had to relearn everything..He's now one of the top XC racers in Aussie & now back on the Red Bull team..

[sundial]

Denise, any updates on Justin?

[violette]

Please let his mom know that we are all thinking of them. I was in a car accident 18 years ago with a serious head injury. I don't remember anything that day, my stay at the hospital... I lost my taste and smell for almost a year. Parents need support when their child is hurt. Give them my love.

[Hammer]

Best wishes from South Dakota too!

[crazybikinchic]

RM

I noticed you mentioned sending something to the hospital. If he is in ICU, they are usually pretty strict about what can be in the rooms, no flowers, plants, etc. My suggestion if you want to do something is instead of flowers, the usual, when you go see the parents, take some food or snacks to them. If she is like most of us, she will not be eating well, and she really needs to keep up her strength. Just a thought from someone who has had a child in ICU.

[Running Mommy]

Another not so good update.
I talked to Justins mom this morning. They had taken him down to pull some spinal fluid to test it for menengitis (sp?).
They think that all the blood that pooled inside him may have caused it.
She was lamenting that every time she turns around it's something new- and awful.
But he does have AWESOME doctors, so he's very lucky.
Every time I talk to her I try to say something inspirational and positive, but it sure is hard to know what to say.
sigh...
Speaking of a positive note... Intense is coming through BIG TIME!! They are sending him a cool new helmet, and she said she was going to find some other stuff to send him as well.
He really loves his Intense, and talks the company up all the time. So they are rallying behind him. It's so nice to deal with such a wonderful company. And his mom was touched by all of our kindness.
Ok, got a customer- gotta go get to work.
Continue your prayers! And thanks for caring!
Denise

[solobiker]

Keep strong Justin. More positive energy your way..

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Denise

I have only just read this, how awful.

Am sending everything I can, so prayers, hopes and hugs for all from the UK.

If any fund is set up, PM me in case I do not see it and I will gladly contribute.

Sally x

[Running Mommy]

So how is this for a small world??
Today a customer came in with a shirt on from the hospital that he's in.
I mentioned Justin and what was going on with him and she had him in her area today!! Whatever dept she works in was the dept he was in for testing. I asked her to take good care of him.
She was a sweet caring lady, and I have no doubt that she will.
small small world!

[Bad JuJu]

She was a sweet caring lady, and I have no doubt that she will.
small small world!
With lots of wonderful people in it. Too bad it takes such an event for us to find out who some of them are. At least Justin is in good hands. Adding my positive, healing vibes to all the rest.

[Running Mommy]

You guys (girls, ladies, women, etc) are just THE BEST!!
I'm going to pass this thread on to his mom.

I just wanted to add a comment from a convo I had with another track mom today. Her son is a little guy- maybe 5. And she was saying that Justin is always encouraging the younger kids, and saying positive things to them like "that was a great run! Your getting faster" or "your doing so good!".
So that just backs up what I already knew. This kid is special. And he has a purpose. He needs to be here!
So again.... C'mon Justin! You can get through this buddy!!

[Trek420]

Short story..in 2003(?) Jonnie Waddell (a local Perth guy) was a DH pro racer on the circuit in Quebec & missed a 20 ft drop..2 weeks in a coma, various broken bones, had to relearn everything..He's now one of the top XC racers in Aussie & now back on the Red Bull team..

CC, ya know him or anyone on the team? hint hint, nudge nudge signed jersey, hint. :p ;) ;)

[nic840]

My heart goes out to his family. I send good healing vibes their way.
Going to wipe a "parental" sympathizing tear from my eye...

May strength go to his Mom in this time of uncertainty!

[Running Mommy]

Good morning all
I was up in Page yesterday hiking the slot canyons with my family, so I wasn't able to speak with Justins mom. (BTW- the slots are AMAZING!)
But I made it back lastnight to go to the track for practice.
Word is the menengitis test was negative, but they still don't know what's going on. So it's very frustrating.
Justin himslef is starting to talk a bit more. They are trying to get him to talk to figure out how badly the blow to his head affected him. I guess he talked for about 10 minutes.
I was going to go today to the hospital, but it looks like the stuff from Intense is coming in tomorrow. So I might wait. Also the track owners are going down today, so I don't want to overwhelm the family.

Anyway, keep the prayers coming. I'll update you as I know more.

[maillotpois]

Talking is good. :)

Sounds like a tough kid. I'll be thinking about him.

[smilingcat]

negative on mengitis is a really good news. And grea news too that he is talking. Wish him a speedy recovery.

Smilingcat

[twin]

Sending positive thoughts and prayers to Justin.

[ClockworkOrange]

Anymore news on Justin...........still sending good vibes over the ocean!

Clock

[sundial]

Can you give us more good news about Justin?? He's young and strong and I hope he's back in the saddle again--soon!

[solobiker]

I am glad to hear he is talking. On my bike ride the other night I was thinking about him and wishing him well.

[Running Mommy]

As of last Friday Justin was doing much better.
I need to call his Mom for an update.
We went to visit Justin on Friday and take him his pressies from Intense.
they sent him the most AWESOME full face THE helmet. It's the F-18 and it's sooo cool!!!
They also sent him some other choice swag.
Justin was sooo happy to see us, and stoked for his new helmet.
He's such a cool kid!
He also showed us his top to bottom scar down his chest. They opened him up like my dad fileting a fish! :eek:

I'll call his mom and get a better update and let ya'll know.
Thanks for caring! As said, YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!

denise

[OakLeaf]

RM that's great news!

Keeping him in my thoughts...

[PinkBike]

denise,
great great news!! keep us posted. and the swag from intense is so cool - of them and you!

[wackyjacky1]

As of last Friday Justin was doing much better.

So good to hear. Hang in there, Justin!

[ClockworkOrange]

He definitely sounds like a little fighter, hopefully his progress will continue and he will get stronger and stronger each day.

Cheers for update Denise. :)

Clock

[Running Mommy]

Sigh.... ANOTHER bad update! UGH! This poor kid can't catch a break.

I heard from his mom today. I guess an abscess (sp?) formed somewhere in his chest around the wound site, so they decided to go in and drain it. In the process they punctured his left lung!! :eek::confused::(
So apparently his release from the hospital has been delayed. I really feel for him. But he's keeping his head up and keeps pushing on.
He WILL get better. If only these set backs will ease up! OY

[three]

Man, that kid has had a rough go. But, I gotta say, it sounds like he's going to come out of this in great shape and on a path towards complete recovery. Which, from the sounds of the accident, is a HUGE blessing.

Keep us posted on what we can do. Until then, the prayers will continue...

[Wahine]

RM - Justin is having a rough time but he seems very strong and should do well. I want to say thank you for everything you've done for him... asking for support here on the forum and getting him the schwag from Intense... these things are very meaningful and I'm sure that they are contributing to his recovery in ways that we cannot even imagine.

[latelatebloomer]

I keep visualizing Justin completely well, strong, on his bike and braggin' on his exploits to his buddies. Thanks for keeping us updated - llb

[solobiker]

Keep hanging in there Justin. You already have showed us how strong you are. Postive energy heading your way.

[smurfalicious]

I'm coming in a little late in this but boy, tomorrow is the blessing of the animals at my neighborhood church and perhaps the mutts and I can sneak in and say a little prayer.

I hope he's back out there soon! Tell him when he gets better I'll introduce him to this little cutie.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g50/hillbillary/BMX041208/BMX018.jpg

[Running Mommy]

hmmm... thanks I'll have to share that pic w/Justin. I love her jersey! So hard to find cute bmx race jerseys.

We had a HUGE surprise lastnight at the track. Justin got out of the hospital yesterday and came to the track.
When I pulled into the parking lot I saw a lady who looked like his mom standing at the side of the track staring off into the distance. I thought to myself "Is that her? no it couldn't be". But then I realized it was as she was staring at the spot the helicopter had landed. :o
She gave me a big ol hug, and told me that he was hanging out in the shack.
He's lost 30 lbs, and is sooo pale. You can also tell that there was a head injury, as he's a bit slow to respond to you, and his motor skills are a bit off. He had a big smile and hug for me tho. And everyone was sooo happy to see him.
They stopped practice and presented him with signed jerseys from a couple of olympic athletes. Last weekend the track owner and another guy were asked to go to the olympic training facility to help work on the track out there. So I guess they were telling the athletes about Justin and they literally took the jerseys off their backs.
The presentation brought tears to my eyes. Well there were more than a few tears actually!
He has a ways to go yet, but I know he'll be back!
Thanks again for all your prayers and good thoughts! Clearly they worked!

[Ciao]

Wonderful news!!!!

[imdeanna]

What GREAT news!!!! GO Justin!!!!!!

[OakLeaf]

Oh thank goodness, that's wonderful.

[Grog]

Wow - I was away when this happened so I just caught up with this thread. I was really worried when I read the first messages but what a great ending! I'm glad the boy is all right!!

[Geonz]

HE's got a journey ahead of him... but he's on the path :D :D :D

Thanks for the updates...

[jesvetmed]

Wonderful news -- what a relief. Continue your great support as he is healing. This is when he will need it.

[Wahine]

Wooooooo Hoooooooo Justin!! That's great news. It'll be a long road to recovery but like other's have said... he's on it!!

[LBTC]

yay!!! Thanks for posting this, RM! So glad he's back visiting the track, socializing with his buddies, and the jerseys are fantastic!!

Still sending loads of butterflies to help him keep healing and to keep his spirit of joy and wonder going to help him heal. it's all part of it.

I'm sure the butterflies will have something wonderful for you, too, you've done so much already and deserve so much in return.

Big hugs,too,
~T~

[crazycanuck]

RM-That's great news!! I'm sure young justin's very happy to be out of the hospital.

I have an article about Johnnie Waddell from a recent Aust Mtn Bike magazine that i'm happy to send. I hope it provides Justin with some inspiration!

C

[Tuckervill]

That's fantastic!

Karen

[crazycanuck]

RM, i just picked up the latest copy of Enduro (aussie endurance cycling mag) and thought the following would be of interest to ya.

The ride-calendar aims to highlight the life of mountain bikers who've endured serious injuries & thier love for life after. Johnnie Waddell is one of the folks highlighted.

www.ride-calendar.com

I've not visited the site yet as i've just come back to my desk from buying th mag.

[Running Mommy]

Hey all.
I'm going to print this thread out and take it to Justins family on Wednesday. So if you'd like to add anything... Please do.
Justin is doing much better, but has lots of OT/PT ahead of him.
But in true form he's back out at the track looking forward to the day he can get back out there and rip it up.

Thanks again for your support!

Denise

[Red Rock]

Justin-I/we hope hope this thread gives you some more inspiration to continue to follow your dreams. I'm sure your time at the track has helped at least somewhat in the healing process. Of course nothing can replace the feeling you have when you are on the bike in total control doing your thing and having a great time doing it.

Go slowly and proceed as much as your body will allow. Then soon enough you'll be back out there being the great roll model that you are to others around you.

Best wishes and good luck on your future races!

Red Rock

[latelatebloomer]

Justin, isn't strange & maybe also wonderful how all these folks were hoping and praying for you? Well, we won't stop just 'cause you're out of the hospital, either. You sound like a great guy and an awesome athlete, and I'll be looking for your name in happier headlines in days to come.

a hug or a high five (your choice) from a Pennsylvanian rider

[Running Mommy]

sigh.... You ladies and mr. silver are just the best! I keep forgetting to print this thread out, but the family knows all about it- and they are touched.

I can't thank you enough for your care and concern. It means the world to me to know I can count on you in a time of need. I wish I could hug you all in person. Since I can't - consider this a big cyber hug {{{{{{warm fuzzy hug from 113 degree Arizona}}}}}}}}}}} :)