Nicholas Hayes

The Nic Hayes Strong support shirts and sticker are now available.
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Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 08/18/23:
Dear friends, our family would like to share a little about where we are in the spinal cord process.

Nic is still at VCU, anxiously awaiting transition to a rehab facility. He is making great strides in his ventilator weaning! Nic has impressed all staff members with how determined and strong-willed he is to get through each day’s goal. Most recently, he has been able to complete 16 hours of breathing on his own through his trach. We are continuing to work with insurance to finalize rehab plans! Even though Nic’s spirits are up and down, we know he is determined and will kick rehab’s expectations so he can be home with his family.

Thank you all again for all your support!
More updates to come soon!

 
Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 08/07/23:
We are one day shy from being six weeks in Neuro ICU at MCV. Nic has had two cervical neck surgeries, a tracheotomy, and feeding tube placement. All procedures performed have gone as expected. Nic still requires a small amount of help to breathe through his tracheostomy. His lungs continue to progress. The nursing staff has been great about consistently getting Nic out of bed and using other devices to help restore Nic’s lung capacity. Nic’s lungs have been able to rest for weeks; now he has to work much harder to compensate for the time lost. He proceeds to make minor improvements in the right direction each day.

We are in the process of looking at rehabilitation facilities with the potential of leaving next week. We are praying a bed becomes available and transfer can be coordinated.

Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 07/17/23:
Recently Nic has experienced two steps forward and one step back. He has been working well with physical and occupational therapy even while being intubated. On our good days, he can sit on the side of the bed, and on our low days, we focus on an in-bed range of motion. Nic never sat still before his injury, and it’s our goal not to let this injury stop us.

Unfortunately, his bad days have been quite eventful. Our biggest battle right now is pneumonia. His lungs require some additional support to get passed this obstacle. His physicians and nursing staff have implemented a very aggressive approach to minimize further development. Currently, we are awaiting our “two steps forward” so we can shift into a more comfortable transition of tracheostomy.

If you have ever met Nic, you know he is very much an optimist and also a “go-getter.” Even on the track, Nic may not get the holeshot, but he gives 110% to come from behind to get to that number one spot. In this race, we may not be where we wanted after the start, but we’re coming for that number one position full throttle! 🤘🏻❤️

We can’t thank everyone for their prayers and support. We feel it! This will be a long road, but we have a great team in all of you.

Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 07/06/23:
This past week has been an emotional and mental roller coaster—the physical tool of the recovery process on Nic’s body after his extensive surgeries, unfortunately, has caught up to him. After running some tests and labs, reports indicated that Nic’s lungs needed additional help functioning independently, which led to the decision to intubate him. Before and after intubation, Nic’s comfort has always been a priority to promote rest and healing. Physical and occupational therapists have supported him through this process, keeping him moving and even sitting in an upright chair position. Everyone, from the physicians to the housekeeping staff, has been extremely supportive and encouraging.

These waves come and go, but it does not stop him. Nic is determined and strong-willed not to let “right now” hold him back. We know God has BIG plans for Nic. His recovery does not stop here.

Nic’s family and I are forever thankful and fortunate to have this vast community encouraging and lifting us up. If Nic understood how many people are in his corner rooting for him, he would be amazed. Thank you to everyone for the countless texts, calls, and gifts. These thoughtful gestures surely do not go unnoticed.

On Sunday, June 25, Professional Motocross racer and two-time Loretta Lynn National Champion, Nicholas Hayes suffered a catastrophic practice crash, resulting in a C6-C7 fracture and leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. The incident occurred during a practice session with a group of Pro Riders at a private motocross facility near Chester, Virginia. While navigating a high-speed straightaway leading into a corner, Haye’s bike got a bit loose, forcing a line change onto a section of undeveloped plowed dirt. As a result, he high-sided, absorbing the full impact on the top of his helmet.

Immediately after the accident, Hayes was rushed to a local hospital in Richmond, VA., where he underwent two surgeries, both performed quickly after being admitted. The first surgery, an Anterior cervical fusion, was followed by the second, a Posterior cervical fusion both to repair multiple fractures to the C6-C7 vertebra. Hayes currently has no sensation or feeling in his upper or lower extremities and minimal movement of his shoulders. Medical professionals estimate his prognosis as a less than 1% chance of regaining any feeling or motion in these areas. While the duration of Hayes hospital stay is yet to be determined, inpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy will certainly be required upon his release. This is going to be a long and challenging recovery process.

Beyond his motocross career, Hayes is a loving husband, a devoted father, and a cherished friend. Known for his determination, talent, and grit, he has inspired everyone who knows him. Hayes temporarily put his motocross career on hold to pursue higher education and subsequently built his own successful business, NR Hayes Lawn Care. Hayes journey extends beyond personal achievements. He is a provider for his family and a mentor to countless aspiring riders. Before his injury, he was actively involved in training a promising young rider in the 250 Lites category, who recently qualified for his first Pro National race. Hayes impact both on and off the track has made him an invaluable figure within the motocross community. Nic is an inspiration in life. He knows nothing less than 100%…and this Road 2 Recovery will be no different.

The outpouring of support and love that Hayes and his family have received thus far has been overwhelming. Carley Hayes, Nic’s wife, expressed her gratitude for the continuous influx of well-wishes and donations. She shared, “The love and support we have received from the community is immeasurable. Though we may not respond immediately, please know that we see and hear you. Nic finds comfort in reading texts and seeing pictures throughout the day. Your generous gifts and resources have brought us to tears.”
 

While Hayes is not one to ask for assistance, Road 2 Recovery Foundation encourages individuals inspired by his resilience to contribute to his cause. Donations made here on his R2R page. By supporting Nic’s R2R Fund, individuals can make a significant difference in the accruing medical bills not covered by his insurance and help to take some stress off Hayes and his family while navigating this challenging time. Positive messages are also welcome to be posted below for Hayes and his family to read.

We are still determining the future, but we guarantee that Nic Hayes is a fighter worth supporting. Join us in rallying behind Nicholas Hayes as he embarks on his recovery journey.