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Trail soldier down, and needs help.

Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
Mikey Aitken took it down hard at Posh, and is in bad shape. He is one of the sickest trail rippers on Earth and needs some help. Throw him a bone.

Aitken Fund
 

Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
Recently, Mike Aitken and Mike Szcesney traveled out to PA to have a weeks worth of riding at the infamous Posh trails. Szcesney had a rough one from the get go, and came home early with a bruised kidney. Then Aitken over-rotated a 360 and hit his head pretty bad, and it is believed he had a seizure when he initially went down. He's currently in the hospital and is being watched closely by the doctors. He is on assisted breathing and the doctors are giving him medication for the pain and they are medicating him to keep him unconscious for the time being. He currently has movement in his right leg and arm but only when pain induced, his left side is responding normally. The doctors say that this is fairly normal for an injury of this type and are hopeful for his recovery.


Also, please hold all calls and text messages to Mike and his wife. Please leave any comments for Mike and his family in the blog comments or emails.
 

TortugaTonta

Monkey
Aug 27, 2008
539
0
Bummer, he just won dirt at dew tour.

Like my friend bobby says "crashing at posh is like being in a a bad car wreck"
 

sittingduck

Turbo Monkey
Jun 22, 2007
1,958
2
Oregon
That's messed up.... I just sent him some dough. I hope he gets out of that hospital fast.

[Just to set the record straight for all you folks that think Mike has not tried to get health insurance. The fact of the matter is, he has tried multiple times and has been denied due to his line of work. He has insurance for his wife and child but not for himself. That's Mike's style to take care of everyone else before himself. So please help out and make a donation and quit worrying about why or why not he is insured. Just wanted to set the record straight.]
 

Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike, who was injured on Sunday while riding with friends in Pennsylvania. Mike is currently in critical condition in the ICU at St. Luke's hospital in Bethlehem, PA. His wife and parents have flown from Salt Lake City, UT to be by his side.


Mike was rushed to the hospital early Sunday afternoon after over-rotating a 360 and taking a severe blow to the head. Emergency staff immediately sedated Mike who was reportedly disoriented and convulsing, he has remained unconscious since.


A ct scan revealed that there is currently no swelling of the brain, although there is an area that appears to have been injured by the fall. Further scans show breaks/fractures in Mike's orbital bone, cheek, both sides of his jaw, as well as throughout his sinus cavities.


Mike is currently on assisted breathing, but is breathing on his own for the most part. He has shown some voluntary movement in his left arm and leg. His right side is currently only responding to pain stimuli, but doctors say that this is fairly common for an injury of this type and are hopeful about his recovery.


He is not currently responding when spoken to or asked to move his hand. But again, doctors say that this is common for this type of injury and are hopeful.
 

j.les

Monkey
Jul 21, 2007
474
0
Chicago
I hope he pulls through. I had almost the same injury he has, it was brutal. Best wishes to him and his family.
 

allsk8sno

Turbo Monkey
Jun 6, 2002
1,153
33
Bellingham, WA
i'll probably get flamed but was he atleast wearing a helmet?? seems the trend not to will cause more such injuries as the tricks get bigger and bigger
 

demo 9

Turbo Monkey
Jan 31, 2007
5,910
46
north jersey
prayers are out for him for sure-im sure the bmx community will help "bail him out"

**** like this gets pretty serious
 

sittingduck

Turbo Monkey
Jun 22, 2007
1,958
2
Oregon
Think of all the crazy stuff this guy has done for the love of the sport....
Bastard ripoff insurance companies leave guys like him hanging in the wind. Give what you can to help him out! Every little bit will help.
 

WaveDude

Chimp
Sep 7, 2001
77
0
TX
Hmmm, hope he recovers. A wife, kids, no insurance, and no helmet. Seems that one simple piece of gear might have lessened or avoided this whole scenario. I'm not bagging on a rider who's down but safety gear is there for events you don't expect to happen. Pro level riders have stacked it enough getting to where they are that they should know this. This guy had insurance and it still cost him $70,000+

http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3662
 
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newrider3

Monkey
Oct 13, 2007
212
0
Colorado
Didn't you see any of the multiple places where it said Mike tried many times to get insurance, but couldn't?

I wish him the best, hopefully he gets back to shredding soon.
 

ebrider510

Monkey
Dec 7, 2006
410
0
Bay Area, CA
Hmmm, hope he recovers. A wife, kids, no insurance, and no helmet. Seems that one simple piece of gear might have lessened or avoided this whole scenario. I'm not bagging on a rider who's down but safety gear is there for events you don't expect to happen. Pro level riders have stacked it enough getting to where they are that they should know this. This guy had insurance and it still cost him $70,000+

http://www.fatbmx.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3662
i'd have to agree with this. he does have insurance for his wife and child though, just to clarify that.

i know people always hate the flaming helmet Nazis but it's retarded for him not to wear one. simple piece of equipment that most likely could of lessened the severity of the situation quite a bit. i feel bad for him just like i'd feel bad for anyone in this situation, and he is one of the best riders out there, but come on..responsibility.
 

grom-dom

Turbo Monkey
Jun 27, 2006
1,140
0
Chapel Thrill
i know people always hate the flaming helmet Nazis but it's retarded for him not to wear one. simple piece of equipment that most likely could of lessened the severity of the situation quite a bit. i feel bad for him just like i'd feel bad for anyone in this situation, and he is one of the best riders out there, but come on..responsibility.
wearing a helmet is a personal choice, end of story.
 

ebrider510

Monkey
Dec 7, 2006
410
0
Bay Area, CA
wearing a helmet is a personal choice, end of story.
it's a personal choice, but he's not the only person affected by the choice is he? i'd also feel more willing to send him a hefty donation if he'd tried protecting himself in the first place. don't get me wrong, help the guy and his family out as much as possible. Not trying to turn this into a debate. i still will see if i can spare any cash for the cause. best wishes to him and his family.
 
Mar 27, 2007
263
0
LA, CA
i'd have to agree with this. he does have but it's retarded for him not to wear one.
Mikey does not feel like wearing a helmet, you don't feel like making ignorant statements by calling someone "retarded". So if you want to start pointing fingers about people being ignorant, let's start with you and your backwards comment referring to people who were not born with a brain that functions typically.

I am sure you think it is just a word, like so many others do, but so are the words; "nigger" and "fagot", and any other word that puts someone down for being born different from yourself.

PS - CASH sent. Mike Aitken is a ripper, he inspires anyone who sees him ride!
 

ebrider510

Monkey
Dec 7, 2006
410
0
Bay Area, CA
Mikey does not feel like wearing a helmet, you don't feel like making ignorant statements by calling someone "retarded". So if you want to start pointing fingers about people being ignorant, let's start with you and your backwards comment referring to people who were not born with a brain that functions typically.

I am sure you think it is just a word, like so many others do, but so are the words; "nigger" and "fagot", and any other word that puts someone down for being born different from yourself.

PS - CASH sent. Mike Aitken is a ripper, he inspires anyone who sees him ride!
the beginning of your post doesn't really make sense, neither does the way you edited out part of what i said when you quoted me. i didn't call Mikey a "retard" i said it was retarded for him not to wear a helmet. meaning i didn't think it was smart considering he's a family man and such. i shouldn't of thrown that word out there, i understand it can offend people. i meant no disrespect to people who have learning disabilities, if you seriously think that.

Zach and everyone, sorry to hijack the thread, just wanted to share my point initially.
 

don

Turbo Monkey
Nov 8, 2001
1,319
0
Rumson, NJ
i'm most likely giving my allowance this week. lame as it sounds, it's what i can for the time being
Not lame at all. If everyone that rides and knows what has happened gave their weekly allowance - I think the Aitken family would be in a much better financial situation.

About the helmet thing. Man, it's a tough situation, but hearing that it was a head injury, I really wish he had a lid on. I'm still keeping that kid from Utah and his family in my thoughts everyday.
 

Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
the beginning of your post doesn't really make sense, neither does the way you edited out part of what i said when you quoted me. i didn't call Mikey a "retard" i said it was retarded for him not to wear a helmet. meaning i didn't think it was smart considering he's a family man and such. i shouldn't of thrown that word out there, i understand it can offend people. i meant no disrespect to people who have learning disabilities, if you seriously think that.

Zach and everyone, sorry to hijack the thread, just wanted to share my point initially.
I hate intraweb helmet nazis. But, whatever. This thread is about helping out Mikey Aitken.
 
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Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
Mike is starting to take the first few steps down the long road to recovery. He has begun to respond to his wife Trista's voice today, shifting and moving his arms and legs (especially responding to laughter).


Mike is still in a coma, but the fog is starting to lift. Trista was able to explain to Mike what happened and Mike moved each arm and leg to make sure for himself that he's ok. He also made an attempt to give Trista a hug and tried to open his eyes when asked.


He was moved from the ICU to the Intermediate Critical Care Unit. Once in his new room, his pain killers had worn off some and he tried to remove his tracheostomy tube. When the nurse tried to stop him, he faught her off. While this is great news, his condition is still critical and we've been reminded that this is just the beginning of a journey that could take years.


Mike has received an outpouring of love and support from around the world. We would like to thank each of you, as your posts have been a source of comfort to the family. We would also like you to know that we've been reading these posts to Mike, your good thoughts are getting through to him, and we feel that they will contribute a great deal to his recovery.


The Aitken family would also like to extend a special thanks to Rob-O, Chris Bennett, Keith Mulligan, Brian Foster, Stu, and Philly local J for being here for Mike and the family. We would also like to thank Chelsea Wilkes for her loving support ,Chase Hawk and the crew who helped save Mike's life by bringing him to the hospital, as well as the St. Luke's hospital staff.


We would also like to thank Fuzzy Hall, Eddie & Lorie Buckley, Heath Pinter, Mike Szczesny, Elf, Erin Cook & the ARF and the rest of the crew fighting for Mike's cause and sending their loving support from back home.
 

grom-dom

Turbo Monkey
Jun 27, 2006
1,140
0
Chapel Thrill
Mike is starting to take the first few steps down the long road to recovery. He has begun to respond to his wife Trista's voice today, shifting and moving his arms and legs (especially responding to laughter).


Mike is still in a coma, but the fog is starting to lift. Trista was able to explain to Mike what happened and Mike moved each arm and leg to make sure for himself that he's ok. He also made an attempt to give Trista a hug and tried to open his eyes when asked.


He was moved from the ICU to the Intermediate Critical Care Unit. Once in his new room, his pain killers had worn off some and he tried to remove his tracheostomy tube. When the nurse tried to stop him, he faught her off. While this is great news, his condition is still critical and we've been reminded that this is just the beginning of a journey that could take years.


Mike has received an outpouring of love and support from around the world. We would like to thank each of you, as your posts have been a source of comfort to the family. We would also like you to know that we've been reading these posts to Mike, your good thoughts are getting through to him, and we feel that they will contribute a great deal to his recovery.


The Aitken family would also like to extend a special thanks to Rob-O, Chris Bennett, Keith Mulligan, Brian Foster, Stu, and Philly local J for being here for Mike and the family. We would also like to thank Chelsea Wilkes for her loving support ,Chase Hawk and the crew who helped save Mike's life by bringing him to the hospital, as well as the St. Luke's hospital staff.


We would also like to thank Fuzzy Hall, Eddie & Lorie Buckley, Heath Pinter, Mike Szczesny, Elf, Erin Cook & the ARF and the rest of the crew fighting for Mike's cause and sending their loving support from back home.
that's good news for sure. thanks for posting it, ZD.
 

ebrider510

Monkey
Dec 7, 2006
410
0
Bay Area, CA
now i feel like an a$$
i realize it wasn't the right time to post a helmet argument
if only i had a credit card
i sorta do too. my feelings aside it really isn't my business if he wears one or not. i will be donating some in the next few days. i can only imagine how scary it must be for him and how overwhelmed his wife and family must be feeling. good thing the riding community also takes care of each other.
 

Hawaii 1979

Chimp
Feb 10, 2008
12
0
I never met Mikey.........but, if he rides he is a brother. My prayers to him and his family. I'll check out the website and send some money to help out.

Hawaii
 

Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
Looks like Mike turned a big corner today. This is from his familys blog today.



It has been an amazing morning full of high emotions. We arrived just in time for Mike's morning rehab session. When we got to the rehab gym, Mike was asked how many people were in the room with him and he was able to answer. He was then asked to tell the therapist everyone's names and he was able to give his sister's and his mom's name.

It was as if Mike suddenly woke up this morning in that gym. He is still struggling to speak with his tracheostomy tube, but he was able to ask what happened to him and broke down in tears as he apologized.

Mike was able to recognize his wife, son, and each of his family members as we each hugged him and reassured him that we love him and that he is going to be ok.

Mike was able to push through his emotions and still make great progress in physical therapy. He not only pulled himself to a standing position with little help (in the walking bars). He was also able to take steps, even helping to move his right leg along as he walked with the help of his physical therapist.

Mike continues to amaze us all. This is a great step forward on the long road ahead of him and we are all very excited.

We would also like to add that we greatly appreciate all of the benefits that have been put together for Mike. The benefit jam at Tanner Park could not have gone better yesterday. We were amazed at the outpouring of support and how much was raised. We also would like to thank the crew who were able to raise a large amount for Mike at the races the past couple weekends.

With everyone's love and support we are confident that Mike will find the strength to make a full recovery.

-The Aitken Family
 

Zach Dank

Turbo Monkey
Jun 28, 2005
1,296
0
Gnarcal
Mike has again surpassed all of our expectations and proven that he has the strength to conquer all. Just yesterday we were so excited that Mike was beginning to catch his balance for the first time, and now today he is walking on his own down the halls of the hospital.

Mike was elated to have reached this goal so soon and spent the morning expressing how grateful and blessed he feels to have regained the ability walk without help. Taking this huge step forward gave Mike added peace of mind, and for the first time he can believe that he really is going to pull through this.
For the first time since the accident Mike has started to talk about riding again. I think it’s the first time that he can see that as a possibility for his future. He also talked a lot about the need for a change in BMX culture concerning helmets. Mike say’s he’s learned a lesson about safety, a lesson he nearly paid for with his life, and he never wants any other riders to go through what he has gone through.
Thank you again for all of your support and prayers,
-The Aitken Family