Chase Border badly injured

[Stefy211]

Hi everybody,
Unfortunately I'm dropping in to bring a bad news. Yesterday Chase Border, son of Johnny Border of Renegade Suspension, crashed really hard at Monster Mountain, AL (where they also live).
Chase was immediately brought to the nearby hospital and then life-flied to Birmingham, AL.
In the crash he sustained injury all over his body. He broke C5 vertebra, his femur and both collarbones. He was in surgery today to stabilize his C5, unfortunately they found a tear in his spinal cord, at the moment he's paralyzed from the neck down. He knows what's happening to him and he already said that he will beat this thing. He's a fighter. Chase is 18 years old. Chase was about to turn pro and finally get to his long life dream to be a professional MX rider.

Johnny and Chase are well known in the South East, motocross his their life. Johnny, the only provider for the two, is now with Chase every second of the day, they need some help.

Recovering from a bad injury myself I have a lot of free time so I'm trying to help Johnny by setting up some financial assistance. If you can be of any help please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm thinking to try to get some jerseys donated to set up an online auction.

I also saw that in JMR Powersports website forum they started a bank account to help Chase. Please check it out at: www.jmrpowersports.com under "injured riders".

If you feel like sending some words of encouragement send them to me at: stefy211@gmail.com (object: Chase) and they will be read to him.

Please keep Chase and Johnny in your thoughts.

Thanks,

[Gatlin5]

Hi Stefy,

Thanks for letting us know about Chase. I am so sorry to hear how badly he is hurt. He sounds like a real fighter.

We'll check out the site and be here to assist any we can. Please keep us updated and thanks for joining, it's good to have you.

Our thoughts and Prayers are with you Chase, your family and friends.

Joe

[colt92]

Hi Stefy, my name is Eric Bragg, my son Colton is a 65/85 racer. He is sponsored by Jason Leedy from Renegade of Indiana. We went down to AL 3 times this Winter to spend time training at Monster Mountain. Johnny and Chase treated us like they had known us their whole life. What a family! Johnny fed us and offered us their home to use, while Chase worked with the boys and then took them in for some Big Time Ping Pong matches! This family has dedicated their entire lives to motocross and motocross will hopefully step up and dedicate themselves to Chase and Johnny. Johnny's income comes from his suspension business and that is probably the last thing he's going to want to do for awhile. When Jason called us last night he was very upset and couldn't get ahold of Johnny but he said he wanted to do what he could by helping with fundraising, we will help too. I will email you so you can contact us for whatever you need us to do. I told Jason I would post on Rider Down for Chase but it was not surprising someone as awesome as you beat us to it. They have alot of friends like you pulling for him and he's a fighter, God Bless You Chase!

[Stefy211]

Chase is in good spirit. Tomorrow they will operate on his femur. It appears that today he had small movement in his arm... that's a great news!

I started to work on the ebay auction to benefit Johnny and Chase. I'm calling all the pro riders I know asking to donate a jersey. I have coming the ones of Travis Pastrana, Josh Wood and Davi Milsaps. I'm working on more.

If you can help in any way please let me know.

I will post the link to the auction when is available. I would like to have it going by the end of the week.

You can follow a tread regarding Chase at:

http://www.jmrpowersports.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=7610&whichpage=2

Thanks,

[50ccMoM]

Stefy,

Im glad you found us ! I will pray for chase, his friends and family.





Angie

[TwinTurbos]

Chase and Johnny sound like great people. Please let them know they are in many people's thoughts and prayers.

[mark975]

Chase,
I'm so sorry to hear about your injury. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your dad. Please try to remain positive and never ever give up. I have a close friend, James Marshall, who broke C5 and C6 at the San Diego supercross and has movement in only his left arm. Yesterday I watched a program about a pro football player, Mike Utley, who shattered C5,C6,&C7 in his neck and was parallized with only movement in 1 arm. He was told he would never walk. Today through the use of bio-feedback he has full use of his arms and some use of his legs and is continuing to have improvement in his legs. I pray your injuries are only temporary and you have a speedy recovery. REMEMBER. With God all things are possible.

Stefy, I am trying to make a copy of the progam on OLN about Mike Utley. If you will get me an address I will send y'all a copy. My email is vikkimark@yahoo,com.

[Stefy211]

Hi everyone,
Just a quick update about Chase. He had some scary days last week but he's doing better now. Unfortunately he caught pneumonia but the doctors were able to get it under control. He is in a medical induced coma right now so he can rest. His oxygen levels are back up and they are turning down the ventilator. As soon as he stabilizes a little more they will operate on his femur (maybe in two weeks they are saying).

Please check all the daily updates at this link:

http://www.jmrpowersports.com/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=73

Thank you to keep Chase and Johnny in your thoughts

[Stefy211]

Hi everyone,
Chase unfortunately still in critical condition. They have him under medical induced coma and they are hoping for some uneventfull days so he can rest a little and have a chance to fight. Please keep him in your thoughts.

I'm still waiting for jerseys to be able to start the worldwide Ebay auction, I'll keep you posted. Yesterday I saw Ben Townley at physical therapy and he's in too.

I was thinking that maybe we can make the rubber wrist band for Chase. I don't have any connection on this but maybe some of you does. It can be another way to raise some money.

I will ask Johnny what's Chase favourite color.

Thanks,
Stefy

[Gatlin5]

Hi Stefy,

Thanks for the update I wish it was better news. How is the family holding up?

We can get you a company with good prices on the wristbands. Let me talk to the board members tonight at our weekly conference call and I'll get back with you, I have a few ideas I want to run by them.

Is there anyway we can help right now?

We have had reports over the last 2 months come into RiderDown of 4 riders with this type of injury and complications and the riding season is just getting started.

We wish Chase and Johnny all the best and we are here to do what we can.

Everyone be safe out there.

Joe

[Stefy211]

Joe,
I tossed the idea of the wrist band in the www.jmrpowersports.com Chase's tread and somebody is already on top of this. They have 1000 in order with the words "Chase Borders #910". They are going to be yellow.

If we can make more though, let's keep them coming. It's my understanding that those first 1000 were donated.

Let me know about your ideas.

If you know of some pro riders that would like to donate jerseys for the Ebay auction send them my way. I will like to keep it going for a long time.

The most important thing we can do right now is to raise money for the family. Medical bills are going to be astronomical so every penny we can come up with will help Johnny.

Also keep sending some words of encouragement, Johnny get some strenght by reading those letters. Send them to: rider910@msn.com

A new website has been created for Chase, www.chaseborders.com where the updates are posted.

Thank you for the support.

[Gatlin5]

Thanks for the info Stefy.

We'll keep the thoughts and prayers coming from here for sure.

We are working on a number of things here too.

This is down the road but make sure they keep us in the loop once it's time to deal with the medical bills. We have a great resource for review and negotiating the bills and have saved people some big dollars. Right now lets do what we gotta do and worry about the bills at another time.

Hopeful in Florida,

Joe

[Tatonka]

Chase - our thoughts and prayers are with you right now. Stay strong.

[105mom]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Chase and your family at this difficult time. Keep your faith no matter how bad it seems. My son just had a bad crash himself, and believe me PRAYER does work.

Cindy Murphy
Colby Murphy #105

[Stefy211]

Hi everybody,
Just a quick update about Chase. He's fighting really hard for his life. He's been under medical induced coma for the last 3 weeks and his stats are going up and down. One day is scary bad and the very next he bounce back up.

I went to visit Chase last weekend and it was heart breaking seeing him like that. I was talking to him and making jokes and he was moving his eyebrows accordantly.... and he's supposed to be in a coma! What a tough kid, he wants to live!

Yesterday I met with Ricky Carmichael and got his jersey. Still waiting on some more. I will start the ebay auction next monday (July 3rd). At the moment I received the ones of RC, Ben Townley, Pastrana, Sarah Whitmore and Josh Wood.

I spoke with Mark Barnett and he will help me to get more jerseys. He said he will put up one of his as well!!!!

I will post the link as soon as it is available. The key word will be "Chase Borders auction" on ebay.

It's my intention to keep the auctions going for ten days at the time, with different rider’s jerseys every ten days.

Make sure you take a look.

Thanks,

Stefy

[Gatlin5]

Stefy,

Great job pulling this all together like you have. There are not to many people that are willing to go the extra mile like you have and for you to be doing this with everything you are trying to overcome yourself is incredible, you are a very special young lady.

We are here to help anyway we can. We sent up a punch of items to the Millcreek Track for there fundraiser a few weeks ago and it sounded like they did a wonderful job raising some funds.

Please keep us posted and let us know about the auction and we'll help get it posted on all the forums we visit too.

Thoughts and prayers still going strong here. God Bless Chase!

Joe

[Stefy211]

hi Everybody!
So tomorrow will start the first part of Chase Borders auction on eBay. Make sure to take a look. You can get a chance to have a cool and rare autographed jersey and by doing so you will help a kid that really needs a hand.

Chase Borders 18 years old, son of Johnny Borders of Renegade Suspensions (Johnny was a professional rider himself back in the days racing against the likes of Mark Barnett which is a good friend of the family), got seriously hurt few weeks ago while practicing at Monster Mountain, AL. Currently he is on life support and we are hoping for a miracle. In the accident he broke his C5 vertebra and his right femur.

This auction is going to be for 10 days ending at 12:00pm EST on Monday July 17th. The key word is Chase Borders auction. My intention is to have a different auction every ten days with different jerseys. RC and Ben Townley stepped up immediately and their jerseys are in this first auction.

Please spread the word.

Also if you know any rider that would like to donate his/her jersey for the future auctions please let me know.


Thanks for the support.

[Tatonka]

Here is an update from Tom B. off of JMRPowersorts forum:

Incredible news! Friday, July 14th, 11:55pm, CST.

Just got back from the hospital. Superman ain't got nothin' on Chase Borders. After nearly dying earlier this afternoon, Chase has mounted yet another phenominal comeback. What happened this afternoon and evening at UAB is nothing short of a miracle.

The doctors called Johnny in for permission to do the emergency bronchoscopy after Chase coded. He gave permission, then they let those assembled go back and visit in case this was to be their last visit with Chase. He was being very active. He smiled for Johnny and when his girlfreind Abby bent over and kissed him and said "I Love You"--he immediately mouthed the words "I Love You" back to her. Then it was time for everyone to leave. The doctors did their thing while a very tense group of loved ones waited in the all too familiar ICU waiting room.

Doctor George--the attending physician came out and told Johnny the news--they got a lot of stuff out of his left lung but they had to quit before they wanted to due to Chase's heart rate and blood pressure dropping. A flurry of phones followed by more waiting and a bunch of friends rushing to Birmingham to be with Johnny.

When we got their, the Wards, Aarons, and Matthews had already arrived. Abby and her Mom, Johnny and his sister Debbi were also in the waiting room. Terry was there as well.

We all were waiting anxiously for the 5:00pm visit to see how Chase was doing. What we saw when we walked in was nothing short of amazing. Although terribly swollen, Chase's stats were all going in the right direction and he was VERY active. He was smiling for everyone that came in the room. Can you smile for Mr. Tom? And there it was! Everytime he smiled--Abby would lean over and plant another kiss on him. He must have liked it--as he was doing a lot of smiling!

By the time the 8:30 visit rolled around, Chase's oxygen levels had climbed up to around 93 and his CO2 was down around 27 on the monitors. The blood gas tests were not quite as good but were coming around. His heart rate was strong and his blood pressure was good as well.

Chase Borders is bad to the bone! From chest compressions at lunch time to kissing his girlfriend and smiling for his friends at supper time. He wasn't as responsive at the 8 o'clock visitation. He looked wore out. Brenda said it was from all that making out with Abby!

Incredible, awesome, unbelievable, miraculous, courageous, inspirational--there just aern't enough adjectives to describe what this kid is doing!

If there is anyone left out there that does not have faith that there is a God and that he answers prayers, go by and spend a day with Chase Borders and his incredible Dad. It would be hard for anyone not to have faith after watching those two in action. No matter what the obstacle--for seven weeks together they have overcome them all. And they've done it against all odds.

As I close, I want to once again thank everyone that is praying for Johnny and Chase. In the span of five hours, I saw an incredible miracle take shape--your prayers are fueling these unprecedented events. With your continued prayers Chase is going to beat ARDS and show the world that nothing is insurmountable--if you have faith and refuse to quit.

It would not be appropriate to close without thanking Dr. George, Dr. Tucker and the TBICU nurses and staff that saved Chase's life this afternoon. After successfully reviving Chase, they performed a dangerous, but effective bronchoscopy, in the process giving him yet another fighting chance. Thank you!

Until, the next miracle....

Tom B.

Keep the Thoughts & Prayers coming!

[Tatonka]

Please include Chase & Johnny in your thoughts and prayers tonight.

[Tatonka]

I haven't heard much regarding Chase recently, has anyone got some current updates for us?

Stay strong!

[jeremy68]

We've been following Chase's condition daily. He's got his own web site at chaseborders.com and they keep it updated frequently. He's a true fighter.

[Gatlin5]

Here is some info on Chase I pulled from another site:

From the KTMTalk Forum:

#1

Latest Update: Tuesday, August 29th, 1:05pm, CST.

Sorry I didn't post last night. I had good news but fell asleep before I could post it. Intended to post first thing this morning at work, but got overcome by events. So here goes a recap of the last 24 hours--all of which is GREAT NEWS!

As of last night, they had the O2 setting on Chase's vent turned down to 70 and his sats were as high as I have seen them: O2 was running between 98 and 99 and his CO2 was 21 - 22. Tidal volumes were good at 435 to 450.

The best news last night was that he was moving his eyes left and right without moving his head. He had been doing that before, but for some reason stopped for the last couple weeks--which left the doctors worried about loss of brain function. The inability of a patient to move their eyes from side-to-side can be a sign of serious problems. I didn't report on this earlier because it was so scary and we didn't know what was causing it or how long it would last.

That is no longer an issue, as he looked off to one side at Johnny and off to his other side at Debbie last night!

Now on to even more great news! Talked with Johnny a little while ago--Chase is doing awesome! A lot of the swelling is gone. Johnny said he can see Chase's bicep in his left arm--someting we haven't seen in quite a while. The most exciting news in the vent settings: the O2 has been successfully turned down to 65 and the PEEP to 16! With those settings Chase's sats are at 95 to 96 for the O2 and 26 to 28 for the CO2. His tidal volumes today are running between 480 and 500! They have slowed his breaths per minute down to 20 but he is breathing at 22 breaths per minute. They had all these settings even lower, but his CO2 starting coming up so they slowed down a little.

Johnny sounds so excited! Who can blame him! These are major steps forward for Chase.

Thanks to each and every one of you who have prayed so hard and so often for Chase, Johnny and Terry. Chase is not out of the woods, but it won't be long before he can see the clearing!


Tom B.

#2

Posted by: ridebama Aug 31 2006, 04:40 AM
another update from tom

Latest Miracle: Wednesday, August 30th, 11:40pm, CST.

Mark this day on your calendar--Tom was speechless (at least for a little while). I spent the whole way back from Birmingham riding in the back seat of Bill Matthews' truck trying to figure out how to describe what I saw earlier this evening....and I still can't come up with any words that even come close to doing Chase justice.

In my last post, I said Johnny was hoping for another banner day today, as yesterday was a bit of a downer compared to the two or three previous days.

It was a banner day--and the banner is huge! It reads "CHASE IS AWESOME AND HE'S GETTING BETTER!" There is simply no denying what we saw tonight--Chase is making major progress!

First the numbers--and man are they good! They now have the O2 on Chase's vent turned down to 55! Yep, that's what I said FIFTY FIVE! And Chase's sats were 98 on the O2 side and 26 on the CO2! Johnny said he saw Chase's O2 hit 100 earlier today! His heart rate was a very strong 96 and his blood pressure stable at 122 over 64. Tidal volumes are still in the upper 400's and are occasionally over 500.

Now for a moment that I feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed. Chase stuck his tongue out. That may not sound huge in words, but I promise you it was one of the coolest and most triumphant moments I've ever seen. He had been working his arms for Bill and Johnny, and even nodded "yes" when Johnny asked if it was OK if Mr. Tom took his picture. All of which was awesome. But about five minutes before the end of the 8:30 visit, Johnny said, "Chase can you stick that tongue out?" Sure enough, it took him almost no time to pooch out his tongue!

I remember like it was yesterday, the feeling I felt at my wedding (over 27 years ago) when Brenda turned and faced me at the alter. She was so beautiful and I felt so blessed--so lucky that she chose me to marry. I had similar feelings when Kelly and Tommy were born--just incredibly blessed.

After watching Chase, Johnny and Terry suffer through so much, after hurting and hoping with so many when we almost lost Chase (more than once) and after watching Johnny's hopes rise and fall dozens of times over the past 14 weeks as Chase frequently took one step forward and three steps back, I once again felt incredibly blessed to be there to see Chase do something so simple, yet so powerful as responding to his Dad's request to stick his tongue out.

It to me, combined with his strong response to the lowered ventilator settings, is the clearest sign yet that Chase is definitely getting better. He truly can see the clearing, and I believe that he is edging ever closer to being out of the woods.

If you've never been in the company of angels, I can tell you where to find them--Room 9501 on the 9th floor in the North Pavilion at UAB. I have been incredibly blessed in my life--so many times and in so many ways, I could fill up a forum of my own. But I have never been more blessed than to have witnessed the incredible struggle and triumph of Jonathan Chase Borders. He is a gift to us all.

Johnny asked me to take and post some pictures of Chase. After Johnny picks out the ones he wants, I will post them in a separate thread here on JMR.

Good night and God Bless! I wish you could have been there.

Tom B.

[Gatlin5]

My posted reply at KTMTalk forum:

Posted by: Gatlin5 Aug 31 2006, 05:27 AM

What Fantastic News!!!!!

Thanks for updating us Mike I have been thinking of them a lot. We, RiderDown, were out in Nevada this past week for the Vegas to Reno Desert Race and I must told over a dozen people of Chases fight and how determined he and his family are to get through this. Since we hadn't heard much news one way or another over the past few weeks I was still positive that every day that past had to be a day in Chase's favor.

I know there have been quite a few people involved at different levels to help the family. There is one young lady who has been fighting quite a battle herself and who has had to retire from the sport. She has pulled quite a few of the pro's together to auction off gear on the families behalf and everytime I contact her she never talks about her self she is always trying to figure out away to help Chase. Her Name is Stefy Bau and she has been in quite a battle herself for the past 2 years to save her leg after a nasty MX crash. Please add her to your prayers when you think of Chase because she is a big part of this wonderful story too.

God Bless you Chase and Stefy!!!

Joe

[TwinTurbos]

That truly is great news! Chase is such a fighter!
Amy

[50ccMoM]

That is great news. Thanks for the update.

Angie

[Gatlin5]

Update posted from KTMTalk:

update from Tom

Tuesday, September 5th, 12:35pm, CST.

Just got off the phone with Johnny. He gave me some really exciting news!

Chase's temperature is down to 99 degrees from a high of almost 104. The nitric oxide gas has been off for two days, the PEEP is at 14 (and may go to 12 later today), the O2 level on the vent is at 55 and his O2 is still between 93 and 96 on the monitors!

But wait, there's more! His tidal volumes continue to be great, and now they have the respirator configured to where Chase is assisting the respirator and actually taking some breaths on his own. It had been up to around 26 - 28 breaths per miniute at times--now the respirator is only giving him 16 breaths per minute and he's actually doing some of the breathing himself!

Also, his kidneys are working great--Johnny said he is "peeing like a race horse!" Sorry, I hope that's not too much information.

Here's the REALLY BIG NEWS!

First, the cultures came back negative for pneumonia. And most importantly--they are getting ready to take Chase for a CT-Scan! They want to look at his sinuses, chest, stomach and pelvic area to see if they can figure out what's causing the fever.

The fact that he is strong enough that they feel comfortable moving him for the CT-scan is HUGE! He has not left that room for over 15 weeks.

As Tommy is fond of saying, "Holy cow!" As **** Vitale (the crazy bald-headed college basketball announcer) would say "IT'S AWESOME BABY!"

Chase will still be on the vetilator and they will obviously take all the IV's and other stuff with him--but WOW, it sure is cool that they feel comfortable taking him on a road trip--even if it is only down stairs.

Hopefully the CT-scan will tell them everything they need to know to keep Chase moving in the right direction.

To the George Mitchell's and others that have been praying at Chase's bedside--thank you! To the Kevin Cozad's and many others that have prayed both bedside and trackside--thank you! To all of you that have kept the prayers coming day and night from all over--thank you!

Your faith in Chase and the power of prayer has once again been richly rewarded.

Thank you and thank the Lord!

Amen.

Tom B.




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

[Tatonka]

Here is an update from MotoDrive & Tom B., also a request for support - if you are in the area please make every effort to get out there!

Latest Update: Thursday, September 7th, 4:00pm, CST.

Talked with Johnny earlier today. Overall the news is really good.

First, they have the O2 on the ventilator turned down to 40--that's pretty much as low as it goes! And...the PEEP is now down to 12! All the while, Chase's O2 sats are around 95 and 96!

They are also leaving the respirator on the setting that allows Chase to do some unassisted breaths. The machine is breathing at 14 breaths per minute and Chase has been doing about 26.

This afternoon, they are taking Chase down to the operating room (O.R. for you medical types) to do the surgical procedure to help reinflate the partially collapsed lung.

The doctor that is doing the procedure told Johnny that he expected Chase to do real well after the procedure--especially considering how well he is doing now. The doc also told Johnny that it is a very real possibility that Chase will be able to come off the ventilator in the near future if he keeps progressing.

The edge of the clearing is at hand. It won't be long before Chase is out of the woods!

Now for the downer part. Johnny, and the nurses, feel that Chase is really depressed. At times he looks upset and when Johnny asks him if he is scared--he says "Yes."

Johnny has been reading all your posts to Chase to cheer him up.

Please--if you haven't already done so, go to www.chaseborders.com and sign in under the "Role Call for Chase" thread. It only takes a few seconds and it really means a lot. For those that have already posted on the Role Call thread, post your notes of encouragement here, send Johnny e-mails at rider910@msn.com, and/or send cards or letters to Chase Borders, P.O. Box 210656, Montgomery, AL 36121-0656.

Chase has been weaned off the majority of the pain medicine he was on and is now very aware of his condition. He is really frustrated because he can't communicate due to the trach tube. His awareness of what's going on and the frustration of not being able to communicate the way he wants is getting him down.

You have all been awesome with your notes of encouragement--and your prayers have made a huge difference. Please continue to help us cheer Chase up--he's made such incredible progress and has acheived so much. Let's let him know how we feel about him.

His photo album is about three quarters full. You can still help fill that sucker up by sending 3 X 5 or 4 X 6 pictures of you, your rider(s), your family, or anything else you think would help him know who is out there pulling for him.

Chase is probably in surgery as I write this--so fire off a few extra prayers. Thanks again to everyone!

Chase--you're almost there man!

Tom B.

Latest Update: Sunday, September 10th, 2:30pm, CST.

Chase's condition has remained stable for the past two days. He continues to battle a fever that has bounced back and forth between 99 and 103+ for several days. Johnny is worried about the fever, but it pretty much in the dark. He hasn't been told the results of the cultures that were taken, has only partial information about the CT-scan that was performed, and no one has talked to him about surgical procedure that was post-poned. He hasn't seen a doctor in days. Hopefully the doctors will get by today and fill Johnny in on where Chase is at.

Chase's O2 looks pretty good right now--running between 96 and 98 with the ventilator O2 at 45 and the PEEP 12. They hope to drop those two settings back to 40 and 11 later today.

Before I close, let me leave you with yet another miracle: Johnny walked in to Chase's room yesterday. Chase was sleeping and Johnny touched his leg to see how the swelling was doing. Chase woke up! Johnny said, "Chase can you feel that?" HE SAID YES!

Johnny's going to call me after the next visit. I'll post if I hear anything new.

Tom B.

Now the request for support...

September 23rd and 24th Andy Anderson, the new owner at Monster Mountain is having one of his first big weekends as the new owner, and I am asking those of you close enough, to consider supporting Andy and the Monster that weekend.

First let me tell you what they have going, then why you should come if you can.

On Saturday they are having a big ride day sponsored by Faith Racer's Ministries and Team FCA. Shae Bentley and Ezra Lusk are coming to ride with everyone and will meet with everyone after the ride. I will post the flyer in my next post.

That night, Monster Mountain's Bark Barnett-built supercross track will host a round of the Gold Cup Supercross series. If you haven't seen the new track--it is awesome. Tommy rode it and loved it. Everything I've heard from everyone that has rode it is very positive.

Then on Sunday, the Southern Classic Championship Series makes another appearance on the big outdoor track. That too, if you haven't seen the recent changes, is very sweet!

We will have a tent set up on Sunday, courtesy of Faith Racers and Team FCA, at which we will be selling Chase Borders t-shirts (we're getting more printed), braclets, and stickers. We will also do a silent auction of some of the donated memorabelia such as Bob Hannah autographed posters and t-shirts and several autographed jerseys from current pro riders. Johnny plans on being on hand.

OK, that's what is going on. Now, why should you come...because Monster Mountain is a premier motocross facility that almost died a premature death. Andy has poured his heart, sole and money in to bringing it back to life. New parking, new lights, RV hook-ups, and lots of Barnett-built improvements including one of the coolest pit bike tracks I've ever seen.

All that aside, Andy and his wife Audrey worked tirelessly to make the recent Chase Borders Benefit MX School a huge success and didn't ask for anything in return. All they wanted was a chance to help Chase. That means a lot to me. We took in over $7,000 and they asked for nothing. Andy was covered in sweat and dirt from sun up 'til long after dark for three days--and just kept asking "What else can I do to help?" That speaks volumes...

Other track promoters all over the South have stepped up to help Chase in many important ways--especially those in Alabama. Alan and Jamie Mcwilliams of Mill Creek have helped raise thousands. The Aarons (Corner MX) and Wests (Warrior MX) have also helped raise money and have spent countless hours in the waiting room with Johnny and in Chase's room praying. I'm certain Scott Aaron has set some kind of record for how much Kentucky Pie he's eaten at the McAllister's next to the North Pavilion at UAB. And many others have helped as well. Thanks to you all.

But Monster Mountain is Chase's home. It is where countless memories have been shared with Johnny and Chase. It is also a track that is important to Alabama motocross and to the Southeast.

For those that have a favorite track, or a series you're committed to, support them. But if you're not sure, you just want to see all the new changes, or you want to come out and ride with Ezra and Shae come on down to the Monster. Let's all get behind Andy and Audrey and go racing because they certainly supported Chase when I called and said "Can you help us help Chase by holding a school at the Monster?"

I'll post the flyer for the Faith Racer's Saturday event in my next post.

Thanks in advance for your support,

Tom B.


Tom - thank you for all of these updates & please let Johnny & Chase know that we are all continuing to pull for them! !-!

[50ccMoM]

Tom,

Thanks for the update on Chase. I will continue to pray for him and the rest of his family.


Angie

[Tatonka]

Support Stefy's ebay auctions for Chase!!

!=!

[Tatonka]

Update from Tom

BIG NEWS! Monday, October 30th, 8:36pm, CST.

Five months and two days after he entered the TBICU, Chase was transferred from room 9501 on the 9th floor of the UAB North Pavilion to the 6th floor Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in the UAB West Pavilion. There he will be under the care of a pulmonologist and his team. Johnny and Terry got to meet the MICU team today and are excited about the move.

Chase was moved late this afternoon--signalling a new chapter in his incredible story. Obviously the hospital staff made the determination that Chase was strong enough to move and healthy enough to be taken out of the trauma unit dedicated to some of the hospital's most critically ill patients.

Chase is in Room 13 in the MICU. For the superstitious, Room 13 might be a little disconcerting. For SuperChase that's no big deal. With the removal of his chest tubes just around the corner, it is conceivable that Chase will be rehabbing at the Shepherd Center before the Halloween candy is all eaten.

As this new chapter in Chase's recovery opens, we need to say a heart-felt "Thank You" to Doctor George and the TBICU nurses and staff who cared for Chase around the clock for over five months. It has been a very difficult time--yet I'm sure everyone shares a degree of pride knowing they participated in and contributed to Chase's progress. Chase literally would not be here to make this move today were it not for the TBICU staff. It's been a long haul--but we thank you and wish you well in the very difficult job you do everyday.

Now for the numbers. Chase's vent had been turned up some over the weekend, but the numbers are coming back down now. His PEEP is at 10 and the vent O2 at 50. At the last visit his sats were around 92. They were just getting Chase settled in around the 5:30 visit. Hopefully I'll hear from Johnny after the 8pm visit. If anything changes, I'll make another post.

Thanks again and best wishes to the TBICU staff, congrats to Chase on the big move to the West Pavilion, and thanks to all of you who have supported the Borders for the last five months.

Good night and God Bless,

Tom B.

[TwinTurbos]

The move is great news! We hope to hear he's rehabing soon. Many well wishes and prayers have been answered.

[50ccMoM]

That is great news ! Prayers sent !!


-Angie

[Gatlin5]

Update from Tom

Quick Update and Great Picture: Monday, November 13th, 7:40pm, CST.

The good news is that we went to see Chase Saturday night after practicing at Monster Mountain. He looked awesome! He was in good spirits and his numbers all looked great. His PEEP was at 5 and vent O2 at 35 and he had sats in the 97 - 98 range for our entire visit.

The bad news is that Johnny got mugged at knife point while walking back from the hospital. He managed to take the knife away from his attacker, but still lost his wallet in the attack. The suspect got away.

Thank God Johnny did not get hurt in the attack.

Instead of ending on that sour note, I thought I would close with a sight for sore eyes. Here's one of the pictures I took of Chase in his new room in the MICU. They say a picture is worth a thousand words....I think that is true.

http://www.riderdown.org/forum/photopost/data/500/medium/Chase_Borders.jpg

[Gatlin5]

Tom and Mike,

Thanks for passing along the update. That's an incredible sight after everything that young man and family has been through!

Fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!

[Tatonka]

Right on Chase - way to go!! You guys have been through so much, please know that we are all still pulling for you. Keep up the good fight!!

[mark975]

If you have a chance go to www.jmrpowersports.com/forum and click on the Chase Borders update page 39 and there is a link where you can send an encouraging email to Chase. He has had a lot of ups and downs that you can read about but he needs prayer and encouragement.

Thanks!

Blessings,
Vikki Smedley

[Tatonka]

as posted by Tom B.

Latest Update: Sunday, January 21st, 9:30pm, CST.

Been on the phone for the last hour--most of it with Chase.

He sounded good but said he didn't feel all that well. He's been fighting a fever that's been running between 99 and just over 101. While we were talking, the nurse came in and started an IV on him so they can start him on some anti-biotics. He has a urinary tract infection. Those are pretty common from what I understand for patients in Chase's condition.

Chase said he is tired of being sick because it's slowing him down with him progress on the vent weaning and the physical therapy. He is really motivated and is working hard to get off that vent. If he can get over the fever quickly, I think he's on the verge of making major progress toward getting off the vent.

He told me he wants not only to be off the vent for the Atlanta Supercross--he definitely wants to be vent free and mobile in his wheel chair come April. He wants to be able to take Abby to her Senior Prom. He said he never could dance very well--Chase told me he plans to just tool around in his wheel chair and call it dancing!

The casts have worked really well on Chase's arms. His right arm is almost completely straight already! And the left is not far behind. They are scheduled to re-cast them on Monday and Thursday. That should be the end of that since he's done so well already.

While I was talking to Chase, I heard him turn and say to Johnny, "Look Dad, I'm moving my wrist!" I asked him "Chase did you just say you were moving your wrist?" He said "Yeah. I'm pretty sure when I get off the vent I am going to the use of my arms back." AWESOME! It's not the first time he's moved his wrists--but it's been a while since I've seen him do it. It's great that he's starting to get that movement again!

With that kind of positive attitude and a prom date with Abby to look forward to--I have no doubt he's going to do both: get off the vent and get his arms back!

On the logistics front, Johnny closed on the land for their new home Friday. So now we need to round up all the support to get the land cleared, dirt hauled, a septic tank installed, the pad built, and his trailer moved.

That's a tall order, but with all the offers of help, I think we can make it happen.

More news later.

Have a great week,

Tom B.

[50ccMoM]

Wow ! That is great news ! Keep up the fight Chase !

[TwinTurbos]

We're all so glad to hear you are going to make it to this weekend's supercross Chase!! Hope you have a great time!!:bounce:

[Tatonka]

We have continued to work with Chase (& Johnny) throughout this year and I have had the privilege of meeting both of them at this years Loretta Lynn's Amateur National in TN. Chase's spirit showed through loud and clear to everyone he came in contact with and he was full of pointers for his dad who was there racing! :D

Chase we are all still pulling for you and have some additional help for you on it's way!! Stay tuned.....................:cool

[Mud Shaver]

Wow, what and amazing story. It is unbelievable what one can pull pull thru when there is the determination and will to survive. I am glad to hear chase is doing so much better. I can only imagine and feel for everyone involved. Chase is definite proof that anyone can beat the odds. Truly a remarkable family. God bless you all!

[50ccMoM]

Keep up the good work Chase !

[TwinTurbos]

You're still in my thoughts and prayers Chase! You and your dad are awesome and inspiring!:thumb

[mommotox]

I'm excited about the "additional help"! Chase has been an inspiration to so many!!!

[Tatonka]

Just a heads up, Chase turns 20 on January 1rst. :) Give him a big Happy Birthday!!!:thumb

[50ccMoM]

Happy early birthday Chase !!

[Tatonka]

The "Race4Chase" continues. RiderDown has been working to get Chase a special mattress to help alleviate and avoid the pressure sores which are such a common and threatening problem. Knock on wood it looks like we've been successful. I'll have more info to report soon.

Also - Chase is in need of an E-Stim bicycle and is currently working hard to raise the $15K needed for this piece of equipment. They are roughly 1/3rd of the way. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or can offer some help with this effort! :thumb