Dear sponsors, friends, and all of my fans;
Since my injury, I've been looking forward to the day that I could personally reach out and thank everyone for all of the love and support that you have shown me and my family through these tough times. I'm so blessed and moved by the constant caring that has been sent my way from each and everyone of you. So first and
foremost - THANKS!
On March 5th, I suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury during my practice session at the Daytona Supercross. The injury required me to be in a medical coma for almost 4 weeks and I am now in my 7th week of rehab at The Shepard Center in
Atlanta. The injury has left me with several physical and cognitive deficits that with dedication and focus can be managed allowing me to live a full and prosperous life. I will continue my rehab through The Shepard Center / Pathways for a another 4-5 weeks before I can return home. I'm excited for that time to come and to also see many of you again but for now I need to continue to focus on my rehab so that
I can maximize my recovery.
Even though that through hard work and dedication my long term prognosis is excellent, I along with my family and my Doctors have been forced to make the decision to discontinue my Moto-Cross career. Even if I were to make a full physical, and cognitive recovery, my brain injuries are severe enough that the risks associated with another head injury would by life threatening. That's just not a risk that I'm willing to take seeing that I have my entire life in front of me and I'm not willing to put my family, friends, and myself through anything like this again. Moto-cross has been the only life I have ever known but I am now ready to move on and live for the other things that I enjoy. I will use my accomplishments to pave a new path for me hopefully in some way helping fellow TBI patients. Life looks different to me now and I plan to make the best of what I have.
I really want to say a special thanks and appreciation to all of my many sponsors that have stood by my side helping me to make my Moto-Cross career what it was. I'm hoping that in some way I can continue to stay involved with all of you as I move my focus to other interests. I'm confident that whatever I decide to do, that with your help, I'll be able to continue to achieve great things.
Thanks again to everyone for your support and prayers. It truly helped me and my family get through this and I look forward to seeing and talking to you very soon.
Sincerely yours,
Ian
2 Comments
1-2 of 2
Posted by woody mcwooderson May 22, 2011 07:40am PDTReply | Report Abuse
Right on Ian!
Reply by delia kradolfer May 22, 2011 06:56pm PDTReport Abuse
Ian ; even though I don't know you personally , I becamme aware of your accident after being at the Daytona supercross , and also through a friend (Don Baham ) who frequents my shop here in Gainesville Fl. (RPM Morotorcycles Inc.) He told me the whole story about your career and preparation as a racer and after looking at this I could see that you were almost there at the time you got hurt. It doesn't really matter that you have to stop racing , what matters is that you gave it your all and that now you still have your life and family by your side and can still have a happy and productive life ahead of you . My best regards to you and your parents and hope you get well soon .
Marc Kradolfer
RPM Motorcycles
Gainesville Florida....
Posted by mathew stenberg May 30, 2011 10:26pm PDTReply | Report Abuse
Ian,
I too have suffered injuries, including one eerily similar to yours. I have been praying for you since I first heard of your situation. I'm obviously thrilled your prognosis is good. Your decision to pull back from competition is a wise one with (maybe) hidden benefits. I have found that recreational riding with friends and family has yeilded far more smiles-per-miles than racing ever did. Of course, it's how I (and most all racers) came to love the sport in the first place. Only now I don't have the pressure of the podium consuming my thoughts and actions. Do I miss the rush of the gate drop and first turn? Heck yes. The thrill of winning by a mile in front of 80,000 fans? You bet. But seeing my Mother age 20 years in 90 days isn't where its at for me. You have been given a gift that (heaven forbid) could have easily gone the other way. You're young, strong, and bright. Put the same devotion to other interests and I'm confident you'll have full, bright, and exciting future. Like you say, you have your whole future in front of you!!.
Scott S.
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