Close your eyes for a minute. Make that five minutes. Tough, isn't it? It's been 17 months since BMX judge/rider Mike Vincent got into an accident and was left blind. His mother and friends have tried everything to get his sight back which lead Mike and Debbie to China where they are right now hoping for that mirracle to restore his vision. Mike is a BMX dude like all of us and could use support in any way. Here's an update from his mom straight out of China:
Today at 4:25 p.m. (we're 12 hrs. ahead of the U.S. east coast) they wheeled Michael upstairs to the Operating Room for his first of the next six spinal infusions. I walked along side his bed to the elevator, then had to say goodbye, good luck and that I love him. I was teary eyed as I've seen him whisked away many times over the last 17 months. I sat down and prayed, asking the Lord to take charge.
At 5:00 p.m. they were wheeling him back to the room! He said
he didn't feel anything, other than when they put the Valium in through the IV. The Valium is to relax the patient. He'll be flat on his back for 6 hrs. now. After 2 hrs., he was able to have some water, without lifting his head in the least. After 4 hrs., he can have something to eat (flat on his back, no less). He says he'll try to eat a Clif Bar or a Builder Bar. We'll see how that works out!
The doctors came in this morning, along with the Professor from the University. He's an elderly Chinese doctor, and is very intelligent. The translator asked him what the chances of recovering Michael's vision would be. He indicated they really cannot say but they have seen great results on patients worse off than Michael. He patted Michael on the back and said something, which the translator interpreted "God Bless you young man."
Many U.S. families here. The stories are incredible. Michael said, on camera, that he wants to SEE......he wants to be their next success story! The research firm did an on camera interview with Michael yesterday, then me. His interview lasted about 1/2 hr. He did a really good job communicating his feelings.
Be sure to leave comments on the blog, or reply via email. I read everything to Michael. Thanks for your continued support.
From Qingdao, China......
Debbie and MichaelP.S. Just know that we appreciate your support, prayers, positive thoughts and the many donations that have helped make this trip possible. Fundraisers are still being planned, as we have now reached 50%. We appreciate all of our friends, family and those that have reached out to us.To show the BMX community has not fogotten him, leave a comment on his
China Stem Cell Blog , or leave one here on FATBMX.com.