Paul Plewa- SCI in Canada

[plewa771]

Hey guys!

I don’t really like asking for help, and I wish I didn’t have to, but times are getting tough.

My name is Paul Plewa and I'm 17 years old. I live in Ontario Canada, but I race Motocross all over the US and I've even flown to Europe to race. Motocross is my passion and my life. I have been racing for the past 11 years now. I grew up racing in Canada, but a few years ago my family and I started making bigger trips to be able to race in the US; as the Motocross scene there is the largest in the world. From then on, I mainly raced in Western NY but more recently I have been participating in larger AMA races.

This year was going to be my big showing, I managed to qualify for the Amateur Arenacross Championships in Las Vegas. I qualified 1st in the 450 B class, 2nd in the 250 B class and 2nd in the Schoolboy class in the Central region. I was planning to do everything to qualify for the Loretta Lynn Amateur Nationals in August. If everything would have went I would have tried to test my skills against the Canadian Lites pros by racing the East Coast Canadian Nationals.

Unfortunately my season was cut short. On March 18th 2012, I had a gnarly crash in Batavia, NY and broke my back – I had suffered a spinal cord injury. I was immediately airlifted to ECMC in Buffalo where I received emergency spinal surgery. I stayed in the ICU for a few days, then was transferred to McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton Ontario, where I slowly starting working on my recovery. I started regaining sensation and some motor function in my legs and trunk, but I have a very long road ahead of me. I’m currently at the Hamilton Rehabilitation Center doing everything I can to walk. Basically, I spend all day working out and learning to use my legs and body again. Right from the very beginning, I was told that I have less than a 2% chance of walking, but I’m going to prove those doctors wrong and get out of this wheelchair!

My parents have started receiving medical bills from ECMC that are through the roof! Their insurance company has denied my claim, and we have submitted an appeal...it was denied the other week.

I am very very grateful for all the support I have received, especially from the motocross community. I am thankful to still be here and for everyone who is standing behind me.

I don't really want to be asking for donations, but at this point, I know that we need the help. Any and all of your help will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for the love and support!!

[Tatonka]

Paul - everyone here at RiderDown.org is pulling for you and wishing you all the best as you go through this difficult time. Please keep us posted on your progress, there are many here who may be of assistance as you travel this road.

[plewa771]

Hey Tatonka, thanks so much for all the support. I just got your stuff in the mail, Thanks again for everything. Hopefully everything will keep moving in the right direction.

This past Monday was actually my last day at the Hamilton Regional Rehab center. I was there for a total of 6 weeks, so not very long but they insisted that I head home. I had a great time there and learned a ton about the spinal cord and about living with one. I have some gains, I have much more mouvement and we are working on walking. Maybe I'll be able to get on the bike again after all....


Pauly 771

[plewa771]

Hey Guys!
Recently i've caught the attention of some people in the media world and was featured in a few articles. Here they are, enjoy

http://www.cbc.ca/hamilton/news/stor...ton-plewa.html

http://www.hamiltonnews.com/news/inj...l-to-be-alive/

Pauly 771

[Tatonka]

That is awesome Pauly!! Great articles, love the attitude and commitment! RDF is here pulling for you.

I'm originally from Western NY and I've got to tell you...there was a lot of love, concern & support shown by your friends back there in the WNYRA and District 4.

Also, loved the video clip! We've got some great friends down there at Monster Mountain. Did you happen to meet Chase & Johnny Borders while you were there? They are the best!!

Keep the reports coming and I hope you get a chance to speak with Tony G soon!

[TwinTurbos]

Thanks for posting the links and keeping us updated Pauly!! We're thinking of you!!!