Nicholas Hayes

Update 07/2/24:

We made it. One year post injury. We could not have made it with the community supporting us along the way. Huge thank you to Road 2 Recovery for sticking by us from the beginning and throughout our journey! We are grateful to have you behind up and supporting us financially, physically and mentally.

We are set up to start to at NextStep Raleigh in July! The program starts off with a two hour evaluation and then followed with sessions of individualized training. We are excited to try a different route in addition to the therapy we are already attending.

We are financially, emotionally and mentally trying to stay afloat! Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we are still navigating through the obstacles.

❤️

Update 05/17/24:

Hey guys, Nic here with an update on my recovery. We've been focusing on consistent outpatient therapies, and I'm excited to share that we're seeing an increase in shoulder strength. While we haven't observed dramatic motor improvements yet, I've noticed an increased sensitivity to touch down towards my elbows.

I have also experienced unusual temperature sensations down my arms and into my hands. Our rehabilitation physician wasn't particularly impressed by these changes, but we remain hopeful that they are small steps towards recovery. I'm determined to regain use of my arms and hands, and we've been advised that incorporating as much therapy, movement, and repetition as possible is crucial. So, that's exactly what we're doing.

My wife, Carley, found a paralysis recovery and fitness center in Raleigh, North Carolina, which we plan to incorporate into our routine for more intensive therapy sessions once a week. We're incredibly grateful for the continuous support from R2R in my recovery. I would not be able to do it without your all your help. Thank you!

Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 02/29/24:

We’ve made small steps of progress. Nic has gained some weight, but also has had a better appetite. Although he has not seen any progression with motor or sensation in his arms, he is able to lift heavier weights and also having longer stamina with his shoulder workouts. We are continuing to go to NeuroFit Therapy twice a week for we believe this additional therapy will help maximize every chance for improvement.

Unfortunately, insurance only approves a certain amount of visits for the year so we have cut back on doing physical therapy visits. Nic’s therapist would like to be able to have the opportunity to get him using other equipment including potentially standing up and walking with assistance. We are learning how to manipulate weights and equipment at home to optimize every possibility.

With the new year we have yet to meet our deductible, of course. Supplies, appointments and medications are adding up. In addition, our R2R funding is dwindling down and may only cover us for a couple more months. We understood this time would come. Road 2 Recovery and the community have been a tremendous factor in keeping our family financially afloat for the past 8 months. We are forever thankful and grateful. We would not have been able to get to this point without every prayer and donation.

If you feel led to give monetarily, we thank you! If you are unable to donate, please continue to keep our family in your prayers. God has provided, and He will continue to do so.

Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 01/19/24:

We're over six months into this journey, and I believe the last few months have been the hardest. The holidays were very emotional for Nic and me. It was an adjustment, to say the least. The limitation of being unable to get on the floor with our kids to play and not being as involved during Christmas hit hard. We made the best of things and are thankful that this particular "first" has passed.

Nic has experienced his first sickness since being home. Fighting an upper respiratory infection set him back. He has had to stay at home in preparation for potentially needing his cough assist device to help clear secretions. While not feeling up to par, he also has had a low appetite. We had to postpone therapy for almost 3 weeks while recovering. With the new year, Nic shared some personal goals of trying to get on his FES bike at least 4-5 times a week in hopes of optimizing his potential. We continue to attend outpatient physical therapy once a week and additional NeuroFit therapy twice weekly.

We are thankful for the continuous monetary giving and support you've given us through Nic's Road 2 Recovery support page, as well as the thoughts and prayers. We could not have gotten this far without the support of our community, family, and friends. Thank you all so much! It's a long journey, and we know it won't be easy, so we will take it one step at a time. While we do that, we ask that you please keep your prayers and support coming. We will need it. 

Update from Nic's wife, Carley Hayes on 12/04/23:

It’s been a little time since our last update. Life is more comfortable within the four walls of your own home. Our home is still in renovation mode. Our master bath and bedroom are almost complete with chair and lift accommodations. This coming week, we will be starting the process of the elevator. It has been five months since Nic was upstairs and one month since Nic had an actual full shower.

Nic is continuing physical and occupational therapy at Sheltering Arms Institute twice weekly for the rest of the year. Next year, Nic will have limited therapy sessions per insurance coverage. We will add an out-of-pocket therapy with a local exercise recovery program in conjunction with therapy. Nic continues to work on upright tolerance with therapy, hoping to be ready for his standing power chair upon approval. We continue to use stimulation to lighten up some upper body muscles and do a full range of motion.

Our weeks are pretty steady between therapy, appointments, and work. We are potentially looking into home care within the new year so I can pick up more days at work. Unfortunately, we do not qualify for at-home care through our insurance or state-approved support. Sadly, this will continue to be an ongoing battle for us.

Mentally, we are up and down. We know it is normal, but life can just be hard sometimes. We try to find the purpose and why behind this change in our lives. Some days are just filled with tears, and the next day is full of laughs. We will continue to push on and help those dealing with similar situations. This road is not one you should have to go down by yourself. We have been grateful to have an abundance of support. Our goal is to give back and share our knowledge, understanding, and experience with others as we continue to learn day in and day out ourselves.

Continue to pray for us as we navigate through the influx of bills, home renovations, and managing home care. We are thankful to be home and spend the holidays as a family. Thank you to all of you for your prayers and support, and thank you, Road 2 Recovery, for all you do.

Update from Nic's wife, Carley Hayes on 10/24/23:

It has been quite a ride. Each transition has been a learning experience, but there’s no place like home. Nic is looking forward to continuing his therapy in the outpatient setting a couple of days a week.

Since being home, Nic has been able to see, hug, and kiss Emersyn and Ryan for the first time since the accident. We were skeptical about how they would react but they truly are resilient and excited to see their daddy. Both Emersyn and Ryan have been involved in helping in any little way they can. We are very thankful to have our family under one roof again.

We would not have been able to come home without the help of our great friends. Our home was not wheelchair accessible, but now it is! Our amazing support system has rebuilt our deck with the addition of a ramp in less than 2 days! Inside our home, Nic is able to be in his chair and access everything on the first floor. We are currently working on prepping our bedroom in hopes of having him back in his own bed within time. Right now, Nic is sleeping in our first-floor living area. We are grateful to have a specialized bed to protect Nic’s skin. We currently have some bathroom renovations being done, so Nic will be able to shower in the master bath comfortably. We hope to have our elevator completed by the end of the year so Nic can access our second floor. This will allow Nic to go into the kid's rooms and his own.

We have made adventures out. Each trip has some setbacks, but we are learning to roll with the punches and patience. Sometimes, these “adventures” are quite comical and a much-needed laugh!

We are currently in the process of awaiting insurance approval for a stimulation bike for Nic to complete specialized therapy at home. Unfortunately, these bikes are quite pricey, and insurance typically does not approve. We will put up a good fight to try to optimize every opportunity we can.

Thank you for all the texts, calls, visits, donations, and meals! We are so grateful! Even in this storm, we are blessed.❤️

Update from Nic's wife, Carley Hayes on 09/29/23:

Here at physical therapy, we don’t get a lot of smiles as this journey is difficult. When we get them, we like to document them; we appreciate the prayers and support, and no one here is giving up; we’re digging deep and moving forward through the hard and good days.

Update from Nic’s wife, Carley Hayes on 09/18/23:

Just about two weeks into rehab, and Nic has been adjusting to therapy. He is worn out by the end of the day between physical, occupational, speech and recreational therapy. We experienced a little setback during week two. Nic ended up having to be readmitted back to VCU for respiratory issues. After some antibiotics and recovery, he could transition back to rehab within the week.

At rehab Nic has been trying to work on stimulating his upper and lower body. Speech therapy has been awesome with trying to build stamina with his breathing and lung expansion. Nic has made great improvements with his lungs to the point where the physician was able to remove his tracheostomy. This is exciting!

On the home front, we have multiple friends, family, and business owners who have stepped in to help us renovate our home. The volunteering and donations of time, supplies, and skill are nothing shy of amazing. We have been blessed beyond measure. I know Nic is awaiting the day to go home and be a family of four again! We continue to thank you all for your prayers and support. This injury will be a long, hard road; we need all of you.

Nic wrapped up his first week of rehabilitation. The first day has been full of assessments and visits from all therapies. Nic has a rigid program of how the team can optimize his current function but also work towards potential progression. There are lots of new faces as we have settled in, but it does not take long for Nic to make friends. He has been estimated to be in rehab for four weeks at this point, and that is subject to change. Nic has explained to all parties of therapy that he is ready to push himself to reach and exceed all goals.

He has been entirely off the ventilator since August 18th. We have slowly weaned his oxygen off, and he is tolerating his new trach valve and already handling the trach being capped throughout the day. It’s so wonderful to hear his voice! Although we are adjusting to the physical change, Nic’s mind has not stopped. He continues to be involved with his business as much as possible from his room. Nic continues to make light through all of the changes. His smile and humor are still contagious. We have been working on a motivational/support wall with all fellow riders sending in their number plates or decals. It has brought Nic such joy to see all the people supporting him; each number or sticker shares a story. We love to recap and talk a little more. We’ve had a couple of visitors as well as Nic can tolerate. Each day, Nic is getting stronger and more confident.

We keep telling ourselves that each day is a new day and a good day.

The Nic Hayes Strong support shirts and sticker are now available.
Click the images for all the details and to order.

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.