Kade Tinkler-Walker

Update 05/08/24

Hey, everyone- Kade here! I wanted to give another quick update for y'all.

I'm still attending physical therapy regularly, and I've been pleasantly surprised by the progress I've been making. It's allowed me to hike, hit the gym, and even get back on my mountain bike. However, I know I still have a long way to go before I'm fully back on a bike. In these past few weeks, I've had the chance to hang out at my local tracks like Glen Helen and Sun-Fair with the SLR Team. It feels great to be back at the track and surrounded by my moto community again.

When I'm not focused on my recovery, I've discovered a new passion for training the younger generation of racers. It's amazing to use my passion for racing in a different way.

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me throughout my entire recovery journey! Your support hasn't gone unnoticed, and I wouldn't be where I am today without it.

Road 2 Recovery is excited to announce an incredible opportunity to support Kade Tinker-Walker's recovery, while also standing a chance to win big! From now till June 1st, you can enter to win and potentially win an impressive 2023 CRF 250r, designed to replicate Kade's 2023 NGPC Pro II Championship-winning bike.

For $20 per entry, you could become the proud owner of the replica of Kade’s iconic 2023 NGPC Pro II Championship bike, donated by SLR Honda. Plus, here's the best part – all proceeds from this raffle will go directly towards Kade's ‘road 2 recovery,’ providing essential help for him as he recovers from a traumatic brain injury.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to make a difference and potentially win an extraordinary prize. Secure your entry today and join us in rallying behind Kade's recovery efforts!

Go to tinklerwalkerraffle.com!

Winner will be announced June 1st, 2024 at Baja 500!

Update- 04/05/24:

It’s been a while since I dropped an update, so here’s what’s been happening on my end. I’ve been going to physical therapy about three times a week to work on getting stronger and healthier. In the short 4.5 months since the crash, I have gained some movement back on my right side. This has been a work in progress and thanks to @zeropointathletics for helping me get this far but we are not done yet and getting more movement back is looking promising, but no definite time line on this. With more movement I can hopefully start driving again soon. When I’m not at @zeropointathletics , I’ve been enjoying some simpler hobbies like mountain biking and hiking. Additionally, I’ve had taken up the opportunity to mentor some kids, sharing my expertise and helping them improve their riding skills.

Kade Tinkler-Walker Update- 01/10/24:

We're thrilled to share some fantastic news about Kade. @kwalker651 is now back in the US, receiving specialized physical therapy tailored specifically for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) recovery. We're fortunate to have access to a facility that's not only renowned but also committed to crafting a personalized recovery plan for professional athletes like Kade that have suffered a TBI. This program focuses on enhancing his unique skill sets, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to recovery.

Kade will be utilizing some groundbreaking TBI-specific medical equipment and services. These advanced tools are designed to accelerate recovery time, offering the best possible care. We're optimistic that these resources will play a crucial role in his healing process.

We are incredibly grateful to have Kade back stateside and to have access to such specialized care. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who has supported Kade and his journey to recovery. Your encouragement means the world to us and to Kade! 🙏❤️

This is going to be a long and extensive recovery but Kade is commented and excited for this phase of his journey.

Let’s keep cheering for Kade as he makes strides towards getting back to his best!

Official Update provided by Kade Tinkler Walker’s family- 12/15/23:

Dear Friends!
We are reaching out with heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers you have extended towards Kade Tinkler Walker during this challenging time. Your love and encouragement have been a beacon of hope for Kade and our family.

Both challenges and milestones have marked Kade’s journey towards recovery. As many of you know, Kade sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which, while not outwardly visible, requires considerable time and effort for internal healing and rehabilitation. Each day brings its own set of victories and hurdles, as brain injuries are complex with unpredictable recovery trajectories.

Despite these challenges, we are thrilled to share some positive developments. Kade has shown encouraging signs that have enabled his transfer from Scripps Mercy Hospital in Southern California to his home country, Canada. This move marks a significant step in his recovery process, allowing him to embark on an intensive therapy regimen under the care of a dedicated team of specialists, including a sports medicine doctor, a rehabilitation doctor, a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist.

The decision to start Kade’s recovery in Canada was challenging but ultimately made in the best interest of Kade’s physical and financial well-being. As a Canadian citizen, Kade will benefit from the healthcare system there, which is instrumental in facilitating his long-term rehabilitation. This move aligns with his ongoing medical needs. It ensures continuity in the high-quality care he requires, with the ultimate goal of coming back to Southern California to receive specialized therapy once medically approved.

While we are optimistic about Kade’s progress, the road ahead remains long and requires substantial resources. The extensive nature and expected long-term needs of his therapy, coupled with the looming concerns regarding the final medical bill from his hospital stay in California, a figure that remains uncertain but is expected to be substantial, adds another layer of complexity and ultimately assists in making this difficult decision a bit easier.

In this moment of reflection, we are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts of everyone involved in Kade’s emergency response and medical care. From the individuals who ensured his safe transport from the accident site to the medical professionals who have been relentlessly working towards his recovery – your dedication has not gone unnoticed. While we hesitate to single out individuals due to the sheer number of contributors, please know that your efforts are deeply appreciated and have made a significant difference in Kade’s journey. And thank you to everyone who has generously donated thus far; your contributions have been invaluable. You have helped provide the support and peace of mind to navigate these ongoing financial challenges.

We remain hopeful and inspired by Kade’s resilience and the unwavering support of our community. We will continue to update him on his progress and are thankful for every gesture of kindness and support extended to Kade and our family.

With deepest gratitude,
Kade’s Family

Official Team SLR Honda Update- 11/30/23:

Thank you all for your concerns and prayers for Kade. It’s been an enormous blessing, and it’s working. There is a lot to be grateful for as Kade keeps improving day by day. Kade has been able to get his breathing tube out as well as his feeding tube. (Huge milestones at this time) he is starting to wake up and can reply with jesters when asked, like moving body parts or signals. He cannot speak yet, mainly from the breathing tube being in (normal). He does recognize his Mother, Aunt, and Mark and is making considerable improvements in the right direction.

The Family and team can’t thank you guys enough for the extensive prayers, thoughts, and donations you have made to Kade. It’s truly touching in these times. As we have been working through all of these steps, Kade, being from Canada, is not covered for any medical expenses here in the USA until he returns to Canada. Road 2 Recovery is working on this for us to help ensure Kade gets the best possible care while here and helping us fundraise to help cover the costs he will incur. So, thank you to everyone who has helped, and please share the Road to Recovery link with everyone.

We will keep you posted in the next few days with more updates as Kade keeps progressing.

Official Update from SLR Honda’s team owner Mark Samuels- 11/22/23:

Professional Off-road Racer and the 2023 NGPC Pro2 Champion Kade Tinkler-Walker sustained critical injuries while competing in the 56th SCORE Baja 1000 in Baja, California, on Thursday, November 16, 2023. Kade, riding for team SLR Honda, was airlifted to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, where he is currently undergoing treatment for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and remains unconscious.

Medical professionals at Scripps Mercy have confirmed that apart from the TBI, Kade has no other emergent physical injuries. To support his recovery and minimize any potential strain during unconsciousness, he is under medical sedation to facilitate healing. The medical team is encouraged by Kade’s progress in body functions and response to external stimulation. In response to this positive progression, this afternoon, doctors plan to closely monitor his ability to breathe independently without the support of a ventilator.

The duration of Kade’s unconscious state is uncertain, with estimates provided by his medical staff ranging from 30 to 60 days, depending heavily on individual factors and injury severity. Upon regaining consciousness, Kade is expected to face a lengthy recovery period. We request that everyone respect the privacy of Kade and his family during this sensitive time.

To help keep everyone accurately informed of Kade Tinkler-Walker’s recovery, all official updates will be released via the SLR Honda website and social media pages and then updated here on Kade’s R2R Cause Page. Kade’s family and the SLR Honda Team extend their heartfelt thanks for your continued support and outreach.

Road 2 Recovery Foundation encourages those who can to contribute to his cause on his R2R page here. Your donations will significantly aid in managing medical expenses and provide relief to his family. We also welcome positive messages for Kade and his family, which can be posted below.