Update Josh Morros

[Walker Sky Ranch]

October 31, 2008
From Josh's Mom Teresa


UPDATE ON JOSH MORROS

I know I have neglected my updates since we have been home for 21 days, but I hope this finds everyone well.

I sat down this morning and realized we have come along way in 77 days (24 days in ICU in a coma, 24 days in a long care facility and 8 days in a rehab hospital and now home for 21 days), from the doctor’s telling us he could die to them saying he would have severe disabilities. Well, here we are today – ON OUR WAY TO 110% RECOVERY!!! We all knew Josh was amazing (not a proud mom writing this), but had no idea he would add “Miracle” to his resume. Yes, that is correct; as I sit here today I know he will return to riding that motorcycle – HIS LOVE OF ALL LOVES. His moto is: “Think about what you want to bring about”.

None of this will come without a price, the stress and hard work is somewhat unbearable at times. John and I have decided that Joshua’s recovery will not be left up to just therapists (they do not know him like his parents and friends), which 70% of our day is about rehabilitation. That leaves about 30% for work (need to make money) and sleep. Our day is figured down to 30 minute increments in order to create structure and routine for Josh. The biggest and most important part of the day is allowing 3-4 hours for rest and naps. Last weekend some saw John get on my bad side pushing the fun button too far. When Josh gets tired the firing of the brain lags or does not fire and you will see him speak inappropriately or be a smart butt. I am thankful he does not get angry or physical, but the words can sometimes hurt too. The biggest issue is to get him to initiate the routine on his own. Each day is getting easier and the outcome is paying off, but I would be lying if I said it was a piece of cake.

I know some have seen us at the races over the last couple of weeks – being there has proven to be really good therapy as Josh pushes to get back to achieving that goal of riding. I don’t know if the therapy is good for me since any crash sends me in a freak out mode, but I am sure I will start to relax as time goes by. As long as it is a positive atmosphere, expect to see us there, but know we are not going to push this recovery too soon and he will only return when he is 110% ready. At the end of the day this is completely Joshua’s decision. I know some of the riders enjoy seeing him because it gives them hope of recovery, on the other side I know it is hard to see a fellow rider down, with some concerned if he will ever be the same. Others remark on how amazing it is to see him after such a short time since the accident. To breakdown all of this to help everyone understand: The injury is still in the early stages and will be a long road – to give a little more of precise explanation – 21 days ago when we left the hospital they rated Josh at about 55%, now we are up to 85% - AMAZING progress for the magnitude of brain injury Joshua sustained. Basically everything is there (the left side is Ok, just slower) it is a matter of firing of the brain which happens with proper nutrition, rest and fluids.




He has not lost the ability to joke and drive his mother crazy. Last weekend he kept calling John by a family friends name and was getting angry that he would not answer – I kept replying and telling him, “Joshy that is your dad”. I freaked out and thought he was hallucinating, especially when he called the wife of the family friend and informed her that her husband was with us. Just as I was about to go off the deep end and lose it, Josh slipped up and I realized he was kidding with me. That’s OK I got the little punk back when I informed him they have shock treatments for brain injury patients that hallucinate. As all you know this is 100% normal Josh Morros behavior, I just wish I was not at the blunt of the majority of his amusement, so having him hang out with friends regularly can not come too soon…hehe!

The journey is successful due to BELIEVING and everyone’s PRAYER, LOVE and SUPPORT for Joshua and our family. AND YES the NUTRITION you here me talk so much about. As we sat by his side everyday waiting and watching for the life to return, I realized the LORD had bigger plans for Joshua. This gave all of us the strength, determination and fight to endure this journey. We have no words to express our gratitude and appreciation. As each of you prayed, which we felt all around us, we continue that prayer everyday for each and every one of you. We are thankful from the bottom of our hearts.

I know we are at the beginning and I promise to keep everyone up-to-date with his recovery. See you at the races and be ready to read about Josh Morros in upcoming articles of Cycle News.

God Bless,

The Morros Family

[shawnhdz]

What an awsome family. I thought about Josh alot for a couple weeks, even not ever knowing the guy on a personal level. Then i went on a little journey myself. When i got home i went to Destry's web site and read up on his recovery, what a tuff man and very strong mom i know because i seen the look in my moms eyes when I had a few issues.Dad i didn't for get about you, they just break down when they are alone if they can help it to keep mom going.I have had a few things go and disrupt the normal familes life style.At 19 years old i had an illness and became totaly paralized whole body,not fun.I had to go through the hole rehab learn to talk walk and eat.Blended food yuck. Well we got through that not easy but got it done..Like I said what a awsome Man and Family. I hope I am not out of line for posting this. Josh Mom Dad kept up the fight. Well now I am 37 and still drive Mom Dad Wife and Kids nuts, so Joshs' mom it never goes away..:thumb

[TwinTurbos]

Below is a portion of the letter Mona Andersen sent me after she and her daughter, Amanda, delivered RiderDown's gifts to Josh:

Greetings Amy,

The pictures for Josh are below. What a great kid!!!! He still is not using a lot of the left arm/hand; but the improvements he has made since waking from the Coma are unbelievable... As I had said earlier, Amanda and Coty (Amanda's boyfriend) have several times sat with Josh so his parents could have some free time. He recognized Amanda right away and instantly grinned ear to ear... Thank you for giving us this opportunity to give back a little something... Amanda felt so honored to be able to be one of RiderDown "Angels".... It was therapeutic for her as well as for the Morros family....

Anyway, thank you again for this experience and please know that you can always depend on Amanda and myself to handle anything in this Northern Nevada area… Even some of California if need be.

Sincerely, Mona


We have helped Amanda as well so this is a great example of Amanda and Mona giving back to RiderDown.

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/RiderDown/misc119.jpg
Amanda & Josh

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/RiderDown/misc121.jpg
Amanda & Josh

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/RiderDown/misc122.jpg
Josh with his new RiderDown tee shirt

[Tatonka]

Recently I've had the distinct pleasure of meeting Josh, along with his Mom & Dad out in Vegas at the Endurocross finals. Josh was doing great and he is one heck of a good kid. Not knowing Josh before the crash I had nothing to compare his current status to. He has an engaging smile and a warm, open demeanor and you can just tell he's "one of the good guys." His folks tell me he still is needing a lot of rest and that he moves a little slower but that his progress continues to be remarkable. Considering the injuries he sustained and his condition immediately following the crash...well, I'd say he's doing phenomenally well!!! :thumb

We did a special fundraiser for him aka "MoHawks for Morros" which was the brainchild of Brian Elliot form ProMotoBillet/Fastway. Josh was amped to be a part of it. Several other vendors and riders came forward and offered up some items for a raffle we held in the pits. I have a few pics to share and hopefully some others who had their cameras out will add a few more. Also check out this link for some pics of the MoHawks; http://www.riderdown.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1372

Thank you again to everyone involved in the Vegas event that benefitted both Josh and the RiderDown Foundation including but not limited to;
Eric Peronnard, Lance Bryson and the entire staff of the Endurocross Series
ProMotoBillet/Fastway, especially Brian Elliot and everyone with a MoHawk!
Rekluse, Al Youngwerth, Patrick & crew
TrailTricks, Javier Gonzalez
Klim Gear, John Summers
FlexFit Apparel, Maurice Murphy
Destry Abbott
Geoff Aaron
Dr Sara & Kent Schmidt
Jody Prutsman
and many more....

Also, Congratulations to the winners of a great bunch of prizes! I'd especially like to thank Tim Clark who was our grand prize winner. Tim won a full off-road kit from PMB/Fastway valued at $1000! Tim decided to re-gift the prize back to RiderDown for use in a future fundraiser! How cool, gracious and generous is that?! !-!

What a great sport! I am proud to be a part of this off road community!!

Here's a few pics;

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0003.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0043.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0044.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0048.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0046.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0052.jpg

http://i413.photobucket.com/albums/pp220/tatonkabv/Vegas%20Endurocross%202008%20Finals/2008_11272008November0054.jpg

[Walker Sky Ranch]

Just got an email from Josh..

Thx Les and thx for all the help. it has really helped getting better rehab than what we get locally. my parents have spent alot on outside souces and we have done alot of traveling. in the long run that is why i will return to what i love so thx for the support so my parents have the means. i know i have a long road but i am dedicated to see this till the end of the race.
Have a great holiday and i look forward in meeting u,
Josh #351

[joshmorros351]

Update from my mom - Josh#351

December 15th, 2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all - HOHOHO! I wanted to give everyone an update
on Joshua before we enter 2009…where did 2008 go? Actually I am glad to see 2008 go,
be something of the past and basically be grateful we survived! The good side is having all
the support while we dealt with the unthinkable, which we are still on the right track for
a full recovery.

Josh is still making amazing progress, since my last update a lot has happened. He has gotten released to get his driver’s license back in January, which will be good since he keeps taking our keys thinking they are his truck keys (his keys are hidden). He really wants some of his independence back. He has not forgotten how to use his credit card and is good at ordering off the internet. They preformed an EEG that tested the stress on the brain – he is completely normal. The specialist in Reno we have been seeing has released him to start trail riding, but the MOTHER has not! The doctor originally thought based on all the records from the Trauma unit and the Rehab hospitals that Josh would be coming to him with disabilities, of course we surprised him. Then to my surprise, he has been released from that doctor to live a normal life. Josh will not accept normal and we are not stopping there, none of us are resting until we reach 110%. He can not have an impact to his head for another 6 months….so why allow him to go trail riding? I asked the doctor the same question, “Do you understand this kids trail rides?” Laughing he replied, “I did not say he could compete.” Oh, that makes me feel so much better! He will need to get a release from another specialist prior to returning to racing – one that test all the reaction and reflexes needed to perform and race. So there are limits to his riding– does anyone know of a restrictor you can put on a KX450F? Thank you to Mother Nature, it has been snowing for the last three days in Reno, so there will be no more riding for a couple weeks (Did I say…please let it snow MORE). We did let him go riding at a local spot on December 7th, which is known for all the sand so if he crashed he would have a lot of cushion. He did really well with his balance and coordination, but is a little frustrated that he is slow and he has no endurance. It broke our hearts at first, but we have turned it into a joke - He says it is pretty funny when a 65 can pass him on the trails. We keep telling him he has a lot of time and he will need to go slow before he can go fast, but we all know he can be a little impatience. Basically the doctor says everything is up to Josh right now and the endurance will be the toughest thing for him to overcome and get back. There is still a slight neglect to the left side but they feel that will also come back fully with his desire and determination. We tie his right arm down and patch the right eye and hide from him all over the house, pretty funny watching a 53 year old Dad running from a 17 year old. It is working because he can do 100 pulls on the cardio glider with just his left arm. Not to mention he has gotten really good on the Wii game BAJA 1000 left eye only – he beats the game. I can beat him at the boxing because I make such a fool of myself and he can not stop laughing at me, so I sneak attack him and here comes the TKO!

We also have some doctors coming from California to do a study on his nutrition and
rehabilitation schedule, since he is rewriting some of the medical books on his recovery.
Joshua’s recovery is currently 95%. The physical and mental sides are still way ahead of schedule for the injury he sustained. We are still training and helping him identify some of the new behavior issues. The biggest thing is to not put him on the defense and back him in a corner, he will not get violent but he will get in your face half joking but does not know when to stop at times. He is still happy and a love, but boy does he have a potty mouth. He is starting to understand that he needs to think before he speaks, every time he breaks out in a cussing mode, I make him do 50 push-ups (I think he does about 200 a day). Some parts of it are typical teenager speaking before they think – haha. This is all normal and to be expected with a brain injury, it is just teaching him control and how to identify right from wrong when he expresses himself verbally. Long term memory is almost all there; sometimes he has a better memory than we do. It is a matter of something coming up and it will trigger the memory. He just wants to remember and sometimes can be obsessed with trying to remember everything – I think he calls Destry 20 times a day asking him questions. We still can not convince him that he loves school work. He is getting pretty good at spelling (compared to before) and challenges everyone to a spelling “B”. His short term memory is also improving – he can now operate by a written schedule without being told. Someone told him he was in a coma in Phoenix back in June so he thinks he has been in two coma’s. You have to watch what you say otherwise he will take it to heart. He is not too good with secrets either, kind of like a 4 year old– honest and tells all! I learned that the hard way with telling him what I got his Dad for Christmas.

We have also started to leave him alone at home and he goes out with friends from time to time. Before it was tough having to take care of everything and now it is tough with all the worrying of him not being under our thumb. Tomorrow is four months since the accident and everyday I count my blessings and thank the Lord for the continued hard work with Joshua’s recovery. Thank you for continuing to be supportive, I will keep updates coming.

May God be with you and your family during a safe and joyous holiday….see you in 2009!

Love and Kisses,

The Morros Family

[Tatonka]

Happy Holidays to the Morros family! You guys are awesome and Josh's comeback is nothing short of miraculous!! Thanks for the update.

:thumb

:Powerslide: :awesome:

[TwinTurbos]

Wow! It is so good to hear about Josh's recovery. It keeps the faith in miracles alive. He's obviously a fighter and strong person but his parent's support and a nod from the Man upstairs has carried him far as well. Take care Josh and know we are still thinking of you and wishing you all a wonderful 2009!!

[Walker Sky Ranch]

BV.. why did you not get a Mohawk in Vegas?

Josh.. I wish I could of been in Vegas to get my head shaved!! I look forward to meeting you at the WORCS event in Phoenix if you make it!

[Tatonka]

BV.. why did you not get a Mohawk in Vegas?

:lmao:lmao:yikes You've never seen the shape of my skull!!!! :yikes

[joshmorros351]

Les,
I hope i get to make Phoenix. at this point it will depend on weather. i am trying to get the WORCS guys to let me ride a lap, but who knows. my mom is not ready for all this but she has agreed to let me compete in the Endrocross series (since u do not go out of 2nd gear haha) who knows i have some big goals but all will depend on ME, the doctors and MY MOM!

[Walker Sky Ranch]

Josh, Awesome.. well regardless, we will hook up soon I think.. Hell I never get out of 2nd gear on the WORCS course!! ha ha ha
lets stay in touch, you have my email.. .. maybe you and I can get into some trouble in Phoenix!

[fastlearner]

Great to hear your good news, Josh.

[joshmorros351]

Hey guys this is Josh and a local gym is giving me free training and it is really helping - below is a letter they sent out to over 1200 members with a two part series on the news - pretty coool I am a star now haha

Dear Member,

A few months ago, 17 year old Reno motorcycle racer Josh Morros was on top of the world. Recently signed as a Pro Kawasaki rider and taking to overall title of the Motorcycle Racing Association of Northern Nevada championship.

Josh was seriously injured in an accident on August 16, 2008 in Wendover , Nevada while he was competing in a National AMA Hare and Hound race. Josh was left in a coma for 24 days.

His recovery since awaking mid-september has been nothing short of amazing. Sadly, it has left his family with a pile of medical bills and Josh in need of serious help getting himself fit to race again.

I heard Josh's story and knew we at Double Diamond could help him recover.

I have chosen to provide Parisi Speed School training to the Josh at no cost to the Morros Family. Gary Miller, our Speed School director, is working with Josh 5 days a week, measuring his progress along the way with our monthly Athletic Performance Evaluation. Watch the Channel 2 news story to learn more.
http://www.ktvn.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3282007&at1=News&h1=12/27&rnd=28430990

http://www.ktvn.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?vt1=v&clipFormat=flv&clipId1=3283605&at1=News&h1=12/28&rnd=13599452

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Tatonka]

Josh - thanks for sharing that news story with us. You're looking great and obviously working hard. It's awesome that Double Diamond stepped up like that and are offering their services to aid with your recovery and quest to get back on top. Keep us updated and thanks also for the kind words of support for the other riders that RiderDown.org is working with!

[Amanda688]

I don't get to see Josh but about once a week, but every time I see him I see a huge difference. Josh is making leaps and bounds. Last weekend we went bowling and he did pretty good but not as good as he wanted. A few days ago he went bowling and I guess he kicked are friends butt at bowling :) He is a strong guy and I believe he will make it out of all this just fine and he has a great family supporting him.

[TwinTurbos]

That video was awesome and a testament to how hard working Josh is, what a strong base of support he has and what a class act Double Diamond is!

Thank you for sharing Josh!! Can I have your autograph??? !-!

[joshmorros351]

:roost:I made the News AGAIN! Life is good and I even get to go riding today. Happy New Year to all and if you get a minute check me out on the news.

http://www.kolotv.com/video/?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=3287784

I WILL BE BACK!!!! Thanks for all the prayer and support!

[joshmorros351]

I have not updated anything for awhile since we have been moving. At first I was not too sure about the new place probably because i hate moving and hate seeing my parents work so hard but now I love it. My dad and I went fishing on our pond the other day which was extremely funny, he has no balance and almost tipped the canoe over,needless to say I would not get in the canoe with him Besides that I have been riding a little, going to the gym and yucky school work. I was going to try and qualify for the ISDE again but came to my senses and realized it was too soon. This weekend I went on a trail ride that the local RMS shop put on - Mike, the owner of gym that is helping me get back stronger than I was before took me and I had a blast. I have attached a clip of me riding acrossed a lake bed, any pointers would be appreciated since I am working hard on my comeback.

Thanks for all the support and prayers,

http://www.youtube.com/user/DDACReno

Josh Morros #351

[Walker Sky Ranch]

DANG.. Looking good Josh!!!! cant wait to see you race again!

[joshmorros351]

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer. I have started to ride more and more and even competed in a couple of local events. Still trying to put it all together so it is a little frustrating how slow I am compared to before. With will and determination, I am not giving up (I do get down on myself from time to time, but I am working past that part), I just need to be persistent and VERY understanding.

Thanks for all the continued prayers and support it helps more than words can explain.

Blessings,

Josh#351

Check out these two videos on the progress of my recovery since December and then check the new video posted at the bottom

YouTube - Josh morros
Video Joshy's friends made of his first ride (Dec 7th, 2008 and some Gym shots

YouTube - Josh Morros - Channel 2 - December 2008
Channel 2 news, December 28th, 2008


Here it is....enjoy!

Check out this video on YouTube:


As the Gears Turn 2 - '351' The Return of Josh Morros
Step inside the life of this incredible journey through the eyes of Josh Morros himself. Watch him rise under his families influence in off- road motocross at just 3 1/2 years of age. Grasp the level of talent this young man has, as it progressed growing up at an unexplainable rate. See the battles from the beginning, through his local MRANN Championships, his many WORCS Championships, to his WORCS Pro debut in Hollister Hills, & finally the devastating crash and the climb back to the top.

When tragedy hits, we all stay together and thats what makes us strong. This film takes you through the focus on the recovery of Josh after what could have been one of the most tragic accidents of the sport. See his struggles after sustaining a brain injury and watch him bounce back through the detailed rehabilitation. Follow his long road back as his one on one personal trainer, Gary Miller, and Owner Mike Shirley of the Double Diamond Athletic Club in Reno, NV, help Josh get his... see more.

YouTube - As the Gears Turn 2 - '351' The Return of Josh Morros

[fastlearner]

Very, very cool stuff.

[Tatonka]

Wonderful!! Absolutely great stuff, just warms my heart to see Josh making such HUGE strides with his recovery!!! :thumb

[mxsMom]

Incredible progress. What a testiment to all your hard work, and that positive attitude! Keep it up. :thumb

[oldquadridr]

OUSTANDING josh....great job...this is very good to see

[joshmorros351]

I have been getting e-mails asking what I have been up to - Still working on getting some updated vids. I will try and get Brad to post some pictures of my last two non impressive desert rides. I thought the hard part was being able to get myself back to being able to race again. :( Talk about getting hit in the face from the promoter of WORCS racing - showed up to the race in Glen Helen to have him TRY and block me entering in the Pro class. Never heard of a injured rider having to reprove themself on the 1st ride back. not that I was not nervous enough he put all that stress on me and my family. I could not even focus to where I was afraid I would put myself in danger going out and being crazy. At the end of the day I entered and race on Sunday in the Pro class. The race pretty much sucked from the start, I guess several of the pros were protesting the race based on a bottle neck and them changing the course while the race was going on. I got a hole in my radiator on the first lap and was going to call it a day, but Goolsby and Woders had one and helped my Dad get me back out there. I will admit I just went out there and got some saddle time since my mind set could not get off the fact of how I was being treated. Part of me I just wanted to go out there and just hang it out and be the old Josh, but part of me felt it was not worth it, cause I have worked too hard and I have nothing to prove to that guy. I am struggling with my confidence as it is and now I feel I have had a set back, which up to this point I have not had any set backs and I have overcame every hurdle. I have worked so hard to get back to just this part of my life to have my team and WORCS do this. I know I can always count on Destry! It pretty much sucks!!! I did go back and ride Wendover and let that place know it was not going to get the best of me. I was given strict instruction to "JOY RIDE" only, which I did. I made it a point to entertain the pits at each stop. We did have a little drama at the 2nd pit when it was reported I crashed and was out for the count. :lol: I never crashed-I just hit a washout and shoved my gut into my crossbar and knocked the wind out of me. I never went down, I just pulled over and took a minute, took a pee prior to heading to the pits. Came into the pits, I guess my mom almost collasped and everyone was checking my eyes-it was crazy! I was laughing and said, I did not hit my head. All good...I know everyone is worried but I feel great! I will admit I was not prepared for 110 miles in that heat. I am in good shape but I am still struggling with my endurance. They say that will be the hardest and take the longest. I do feel my form on the bike is good, I just need to get my confidence up and get it out of my head that everyone is judging me where I am now as that is where I will always be. What they fail to known and ask me is that I remember what it felt like to ride that fast and when I struggle with something I just dig in! They just want to throw in the towel too early haha.The good thing was I FINISHED Wendover and can say it did not take me down - that is another goal accomplished :P I never want to go back (I probably will ;). Then Jericho was not any better, my 450F 2008 Monster Kawasaki (need a 2009, which that is another surprise I am having to face)was making noises and did not have the power, the suspension has not been right, so I got mad and called it a day at the alternate gas. The last thing I wanted to do was get stuck out there and freak my parents out. So I pretty much came back home with my tail between my legs, I am regrouping and hitting it again in Lurcerne and the last round of the Endrocross. Well I have raced 3 races and do not have anything to brag about except I am glad I can still ride and I am alive! When the Lord gave me this second chance he never said it was going to be easy and I was not going to have to work for it! I just need a break right now. Thanks for all the support from everyone at the Wendover race, especially Charlie Jensen and the Jericho race. The fans were so cool and the clubs were the best! Thanks to Matt Finley my buddy that is praying over me and Dawn Robert my angle that stayed with me when I crashed. Also the Wilson family that came from Elko to watch me race in Wendover. Kendra from Jericho she came several times (eventhough I do not remember) to sit with me in Utha while I was still in the hospital. God is Good!!!!

Stay tuned.......

[Tatonka]

Josh - your story continues to grow with each twist & turn! Congratulations on what has been (by any measure) a tremendous recovery and comeback. Most of us will never know the highs and lows which you have covered in just the past year. You've got the right attitude and approach, don't let these other issues define your central character! Keep on doing what you're doing and above all else - have fun with it and continue to grow!!

:thumb

[joshmorros351]

I was lucky and blessed after my Brain Injury, because it was determined that my nutritional reserves help me recover, The LORD first. This is something inportant to me and should be to ANYONE involved in contact sports. I am back riding and racing...This time with a message. 50% of individuals that have sustained a concussion or brain injury will result in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's - Diets high in antioxidants over time may reduce the recentages or eliminate these terrible diseases. Prevention and health equity is a better way to treat the injury long term vs drugs. Look and me.....WHAT IF? Please take the time and click on this link to see some of my story...Here comes Joshy!

http://monaviemediacenter.com/blogs/

Did You Know?
•Every 23 seconds, one person in the U.S. sustains a brain injury
•Over the past 12 years, mortality from brain injury has exceeded the cumulative number of American battle deaths inclusive of all wars since the founding of the Republic.
•Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a silent yet serious epidemic currently leaving 5.3 million Americans with disabilities. This represents over- 2% of the US population; 40,000 victims in Utah alone!
•50% of brain injuries are caused by vehicle crashes, 26% by falls.
•In September 2000 alone, 8600 children under the age of 15 suffered a brain injury from scooter accidents... almost 300 children per day!
•Every 7 minutes, someone dies of a brain injury
•One death every day and one brain injury every four minutes can be prevented by the use of helmets in recreational activities, including skiing and biking.
•80 % of brain injury victims end up in a divorce
•75% of persons with TBI who return to work will lose their job within 90 days if they do not have supports.
•The estimated lifetime cost for each survivor of a severe brain injury exceeds $4 million.
•According to a study conducted by The National Foundation for the Brain, the cost of brain injury in the United States was $48.3 billion in 1992. Hospitalization accounts for $31.7 billion, and fatal brain injuries cost the nation $16.6 billion each year. We estimate that this figure may be substantially higher today.
•Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a silent yet serious epidemic currently leaving 5.3 million Americas with Disabilities. This represents over 2% of the US population; estimated 40,000 individuals in Utah alone suffer from a long-term disability from brain injury!
•Each year, approximately 567,000 people go to the hospital emergency departments with bicycle related injuries; about 350,000 of those are children under 15 years of age. Of those children, about 130,000 sustain brain injuries.
•1 million children sustain brain injuries every year ranging from mild to severe, with approximately one-third of all pediatric injury cases are related to brain injury. This public health concern ranks as the leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents in the United States.
•In Utah, during the school year 1997-98, there were 900 injuries that affected those from kindergarten through sixth grade. Of these injuries, 276 were possible concussions or loss of consciousness. This is disconcerting because these types of head injuries can cause long term problems.
Scope

•It is estimated that one million people are treated for TBI and released from hospital emergency rooms every year.
•Each year, 80,000 Americans experience the onset of long-term disability following TBI.
•More than 50,000 people die every year as a result of TBI.
•Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of brain injury. They account for 50% of all TBIs.
•Falls are the second leading cause, and the leading cause of brain injury in the elderly.
•The risk of TBI is highest among adolescents, young adults and those older than 75.



The above was taken from Premier Outlook - a periodical about brain injury: Volume 5, Issue
1 Spring 2005

[joshmorros351]

I am hoping to touch lives with something bad and make it into something good! God gave me a second chance and I feel my job is to give back in order to receive.

NEVER GIVE UP!

http://www.deseretnews.com/mobile/article/700029990/Injured-racer-proves-hes-a-miracle-rider.html

[fastlearner]

Great to have you as a member of the RDF family, Josh.

[joshmorros351]

I raced a WORCS race yesterday at Honey Lake. Was planning to take it easy because my foot is still a little weak, excited to be able to ride at a local track. Well, everything started off rocky, we got a flat tire on our trailer before we even left the house so I missed the unclassified race, which is like a practice. Then right before the start of the 450A race I did not have the right sticker on my fender so I had to go back to our trailer to have my dad get the right sticker. He noticed my radiator was leaking. We had 25 minutes before the race, what luck, we changed the radiator in like 20 minutes leaving me like 3 minutes to get to the line and get ready for the start. I made it and had about a 4th place start-totally excited. My second time around went thru a deep mud hole and went down planted my face in the muddy water and came up with a mouth full of $%*&! I was not giving up, I pulled my bike out of the hole while I got ran over by one rider and hit by another, started my bike and headed to the pits for new goggles and gloves. I was successful on the googles but my parents were not prepared with the gloves. I rode two laps without any gloves. Then three laps before the end of the race, I nailed my bad foot on a rock coming down the canyon. I thought for sure I broke it, but I was determined I was not going to quit this race. I started it I was going to finish and I did! Pretty proud of myself - I was dealt alot of poo today, but I shoveled it and dealt with it. Next time it will be better and I just need to keep working. Rome was not built in a day....hahah. Oh, my foot is ok, just sore :)

[joshmorros351]

Last weekend was a good week for me. Signed autographs on my great RIDERDOWN Posters at a local event on Friday and Saturday. I have been working with a kid
I have been mentoring and he raced on Saturday so I went and cheered him on. The racing was a Memorial Race for a young man that lost his life last year on Father's Day while racing in the Nevada desert. MRANN (Motorcycle Racers Association of Northern Nevada) put the race on in honor of Cory Herring. I got to sign his motorcycle and was honored to do so. I raced Sunday (Honey Lake and it was the same course as the WORCS Race)and a got a 2nd place start....totally stoked and was running three place at the half way mark of the 2 hour race when my tire blew. Came in and thought my day was over but we went back to the trailer and switched the tires out to get back out there. Then my mechanic is a bit rusty and forgot to change my filter so I needed another unwanted pit stop. Again I finished the race in one piece and came away feeling really good and had a great time. I have been struggling and really down on myself, this race I saw some light and I know with hard work I will just get better and better. Now, let's talk about that mechanic: Could not yell at him cause it was Father's Day . Today was a new day so he is on probation. I told him I think he forgets things cause he wants me to play golf.

Funny story: Our day to the races started with us running late, a Morros trait, so my Dad was speeding (not my mom) pulling a trailer in California (going 80 in a 55mph zone), well he gets pulled over. That was number one no-no, he goes to give the female officer his drivers license to not have his wallet. That was number two no-no, then she looked in the back seat to see me sleeping with no seat belt. He was three for three. My mom was laughing and crying at the same time as she is texting someone at the races to sign me up and then freaking cause she knows this is going to be a really expensive ticket. All of a sudden my Dad pleas to the officers that it is Father's Day and asks her, "Can I please get a, Get out of Jail Free Pass today?" She smiled and let him off. God was taking care of us. Then she told my mom to drive. If anyone knows my Mom she is a mad women behind the wheel, so we were teasing that would not be a good idea. It was a good thing we were only 10 miles from the race.

Thanks for all the support. It really helps and keeps me focused.

[Tatonka]

Josh - what are you up to? How about posting some pics up here! :D

[SundayForever]

I think he calls Destry 20 times a day asking him questions. We still can not convince him that he loves school work. He is getting pretty good at spelling (compared to before) and challenges everyone to a spelling “B”. His short term memory is also improving – he can now operate by a written schedule without being told. Someone told him he was in a coma in Phoenix back in June so he thinks he has been in two coma’s. You have to watch what you say otherwise he will take it to heart. He is not too good with secrets either, kind of like a 4 year old– honest and tells all! I learned that the hard way with telling him what I got his Dad for Christmas.

[joshmorros351]

Haha Sunday Forever - Did you post that to remind me of how far I have come? I think that posting was from Christmas of 2008. I have been posting stuff on here under another feed I think lol. Check out what I am doing on becauseicanride.org and facebook.com/josh.morros All in all I am doing great, still not willing to settle and working real hard to make a difference and going to school. My biggest award is all the community service I am doing. Every Monday I spend a couple of hours at a local community center playing bingo. Yesterday I had some elderly fellows teach me how to play 21 and they are pretty ruthless haha. It really gets my week off with a positive note just to see their faces light up when I come see them. Also been talking at schools to the little guys about 1.) CPR and first aide 2.) how important care and prevention is with sport concussions 3.) bullying.

I am back to racing - little bit on the down low right now with doing too much so that I can get ready for a for a 178 mile relay race (I will run 18 miles of it) and my 2700 miles ride across country to raise awareness for the care and prevention of traumatice brain injuries.

Thanks for all the support and encouraging me helps me stay focus and in check on why God restored me.

Josh #351