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September 18, 2008 - Eight Months Well Folks, eight months ago today it seemed as though the world stopped. Okay, I know that it didn't stop but life as Michael and I once knew it sure did. Back then, the focus was saving his life. The first month, actually, was all about saving his life. Here we are eight months later working hard to get pieces of the Michael we knew back. For those of you who don't know a great deal about traumatic brain injury (t.b.i.), it's very complex. In Michael's case, it was severe t.b.i., now complicated with his lack of eyesight (yes, I said "lack" vs. "loss" as I BELIEVE he will get his eyesight back!). The t.b.i. survivor is never the same. It's like molding a new person/personality. Bits and pieces of the "old" Michael come out in his conversations and actions though, which is so promising! A funny story: Let me preface it by saying that where we are renting, we have a day bed with a trundle bed (I use the trundle bed portion, which is pulled up next to Michael). Around 4:30 this morning, I was awakened to a tap, tap, tap on my forehead!!!! I said "Whoa, what's up.....it's Mom." Michael replied "Oh, sorry.....I need to set my alarm to get up for work." I told him it was okay, that he didn't need to set an alarm. He said "Okay, make sure I'm up before 7 a.m. so I can go to work." Now, that's the "old" Michael!!!! Always thinking about work! As I mentioned in a previous update, therapies are going well. Both the physical and speech therapists are very pleased with Michael's determination, cooperation and progress. A homework assignment this week was to list short term goals for the next month, then call and leave a message for the therapist. In the v/m message, Michael said "I want to see again. That's number 1-100!" Of course, he gave her a few other goals but I thought it was great that he was honest! The physical therapist gave him some exercises that will improve his physical stability. You know, we are very visual creatures! We depend on our vision for so much. Our vision even controls our physical stability. We couldn't walk on the track at our Park the other night because Obama was having a huge fundraiser dinner and they closed the Park and nearby streets!! So, we walked yesterday morning instead. Three miles fast paced. Later, went to physical therapy. Then, last night he did his homework exercises, plus 100 situps! It says a little about his determination, doesn't it?! We have a face to face meeting with Michael's attorney next Tuesday. We've never met.....everything has been by telephone as my focus has been taking care of Michael's needs. I have learned a great deal throughout this ordeal. I'm sure the attorney is doing everything he can, but I don't have a problem questioning what has already been done, and what more can be done! I just know that we cannot back down. We now have $1.6M in medical/rehab expenses; vocational damages (past and future earnings); life care (caregiver, or total change of living); loss of enjoyment; and pain and suffering. This all seems strange to be coming from me, since I never thought I would sue someone.....it just wasn't my belief. All that has changed when I look at my son, and what he has been through.....and will go through. In my work experience, I negotiated many legal issues. Some called me "The Blonde Tornado".....if I believe in something, with facts to back me up, I will not give up! Next Friday, Michael goes for a CT Scan and then to Dr. Chu, the Neurosurgeon from Cedars Sinai. Thank goodness for Dr. Chu! He indicated that maybe the CT Scan would reveal something more about Michael's lack of eyesight, as well as the follow up on the healing. On the 29th, Michael goes back to Dr. Boyer, the eye specialist. Please hold good thoughts! We have, indeed, decided to sell Michael's car here in CA. It's all about coordinating the sale though. I can't be without a vehicle. Renting one is out of the question, financially. These are the kind of issues I continually deal with......like not getting his disability insurance, constant med bills sent to collection agencies, etc. Whew, I always considered myself a very organized and "together" person.....I find it hard to deal with all of these issues, while caring for/assisting Michael throughout the day. I'm constantly on my cell phone contacting someone about "issues". Focus, Debbie, focus! The one plan that is firm is that we will leave CA the end of November. I already spoke to the landlord here. Next month, I will make flight arrangements. Michael's personal belongings are packed at his former house. We will begin to go through them and repack everything in shipping boxes. We will not be taking any of his furniture, or other household items, so we may just start shipping boxes via UPS or similar. Once I determine how much he has, I'll have a better idea. I know that he wants to take 3 of his bikes, and of course his golf clubs! He needs those items.....they are part of him! Meanwhile, we have an aggressive therapy schedule to ensure Michael can take advantage of those resources here. Once again, we both appreciate your support and prayers. Michael is already a "walking miracle" but we are still praying for that BIG miracle for his eyesight. It's not selfishness. If you would rather not receive my long-winded updates, please let me know to remove you from the distribution. I find that by typing these updates, it helps me to vent and face reality. I know that you all are very busy, so I surely won't be offended if you want to be removed. Thank you and God Bless all of you! 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
