KTMissouri
10-05-2006, 08:16 PM
RiderDown makes a visit to Jeremy Bader
I would like to take a minute to tell all of you about my visit to Jeremy Bader in Midland ,Texas. Jeremy was unfortunately injured in a motocross accident in July of 2005. The accident resulted in a spinal cord injury that has left him partially paralyzed. He is just 17 years old. He contacted the RiderDown Foundation, not for help, but wanted to know what he could do to help us. I did not know what to expect when I first met him. It took about 30 seconds for him to put me at ease with his big smile and his incredible wit. He is a brilliant young man. We talked for a long time about his hopes and dreams. He plans to go to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in Aerospace engineering. This is a young guy that will not take no for an answer.
I brought a few gifts that were donated to the Foundation including about 10 posters personally signed to Jeremy by riders like, Travis Pastrana, Jeremy McGrath, Scott Summers and his favorite rider Chad Reed. The posters were obtained for me by a good friend, Malcolm Wood, who is a regional representative for Parts Unlimited. Jeremy is a huge Chad Reed Fan and was very excited when I gave him the signed posters. Then I gave him a signed jersey from Chad. Thanks to all that help me get this stuff. He was pumped.
My visit with Jeremy was awesome. He has maintained an amazingly positive attitude and continues to follow the sport that he loves. He told me that he has no regrets except one. He wishes he had jumped that big triple on the back side of the track. I think we can all identify with that mindset.
While I was there, we discussed the support group that we are putting together for other riders that have had accidents resulting in Spinal Cord Injuries. Unfortunately, we have a number of SCI patients that we are currently assisting. This support group is just getting off of the ground but is attracting a lot of interest.
I went to Midland hoping to pick up the spirits of a young guy that had been dealt a difficult hand. I hope that I accomplished my goal. The amazing thing is the strength and enthusiasm I took from him. I left his house feeling better than I had in many years and I have not come down yet. It just goes to show you when you try to help others the blessings are returned a thousand times.
I must also take a minute to mention Jeremy’s Mom, Teri. She is a great lady and has never left his side. She wants to help other families that are dealing with significant injuries. She wants to share the lessons that she has had to learn the hard way. It is obvious that Jeremy has had great support from both his Mom and Dad and Grandparents.
Here is a Pictures of Jeremy and myself:
53
My new friend and inspiration, Jeremy Bader.
I would like to take a minute to tell all of you about my visit to Jeremy Bader in Midland ,Texas. Jeremy was unfortunately injured in a motocross accident in July of 2005. The accident resulted in a spinal cord injury that has left him partially paralyzed. He is just 17 years old. He contacted the RiderDown Foundation, not for help, but wanted to know what he could do to help us. I did not know what to expect when I first met him. It took about 30 seconds for him to put me at ease with his big smile and his incredible wit. He is a brilliant young man. We talked for a long time about his hopes and dreams. He plans to go to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in Aerospace engineering. This is a young guy that will not take no for an answer.
I brought a few gifts that were donated to the Foundation including about 10 posters personally signed to Jeremy by riders like, Travis Pastrana, Jeremy McGrath, Scott Summers and his favorite rider Chad Reed. The posters were obtained for me by a good friend, Malcolm Wood, who is a regional representative for Parts Unlimited. Jeremy is a huge Chad Reed Fan and was very excited when I gave him the signed posters. Then I gave him a signed jersey from Chad. Thanks to all that help me get this stuff. He was pumped.
My visit with Jeremy was awesome. He has maintained an amazingly positive attitude and continues to follow the sport that he loves. He told me that he has no regrets except one. He wishes he had jumped that big triple on the back side of the track. I think we can all identify with that mindset.
While I was there, we discussed the support group that we are putting together for other riders that have had accidents resulting in Spinal Cord Injuries. Unfortunately, we have a number of SCI patients that we are currently assisting. This support group is just getting off of the ground but is attracting a lot of interest.
I went to Midland hoping to pick up the spirits of a young guy that had been dealt a difficult hand. I hope that I accomplished my goal. The amazing thing is the strength and enthusiasm I took from him. I left his house feeling better than I had in many years and I have not come down yet. It just goes to show you when you try to help others the blessings are returned a thousand times.
I must also take a minute to mention Jeremy’s Mom, Teri. She is a great lady and has never left his side. She wants to help other families that are dealing with significant injuries. She wants to share the lessons that she has had to learn the hard way. It is obvious that Jeremy has had great support from both his Mom and Dad and Grandparents.
Here is a Pictures of Jeremy and myself:
53
My new friend and inspiration, Jeremy Bader.