Taken from a Myspace bulletin from Tom Haugen
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 Rebeljam and the CFB events. Mike is also a regular at any Los Angeles track bike gatherings and all around a great guy.
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Image taken from United Bike’s (I never met Mike or have seen a picture but I am assuming this is the same guy since hes with Jimmy Levan)- Kurt
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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 [email protected]
