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.
*Here are the current ways you can contribute:*
*Direct contribution to PAYPAL *
*Mail a check payable to:*
Mike Vincent
903 Hyperion Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90029
If you are a minor get your parents permission first.
*Fundraisers*
Thanks to everyone who have already contacted us to host a fundraiser event. You will be contacted shortly to go over the details.
To anyone who would like to host an event, fundraiser, carwash, bake sale, game, contest, concert, and anything else you can put creative minds to raise awareness and money for this cause, please contact us through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please feel free to repost, forward, and spread the word about this cause.
If you would like to be added to the e-mail list for updates, please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with ADD in the subject heading.
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
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.