With the outpouring of support and interest in Sam’s situation, we thank you for your patience in awaiting this more detailed update on Sam’s recent crash. With the type of accident Sam had, there are a lot of unknowns that had to be addressed before the doctors could give us a better idea of the extent of Sam’s injuries.
On Sept 10, 2016, Sam had a training accident on the local Chula Vista BMX track where he was airlifted to the hospital and operated on that evening due to sustaining fractures in his C6 and C7 vertebrae which severely compressed his spinal cord and left him with no movement below his chest. The operation involved removing his C6 vertebrae, replacing it with a titanium cage, and fusing his C5-C7 vertebrae with a plate and 4 screws. Fortunately, this surgery was successful enough at decompressing his spinal cord and aligning his vertebrae that a second operation for further stabilization was not necessary.
At this stage, Sam still has no movement from his chest down but has regained use of his arms and is slowly regaining some sensation in his legs. Sam’s next step is to begin a long road of recovery at a rehabilitation centre and while the details are still to be finalised, at this stage it is expected that Sam will be transported to a USA based rehabilitation centre in the next few days.
The huge outpouring of support from friends, family, fans and supporters has been incredible and many of you have already asked how you can provide assistance to Sam in some way to ensure he has access to the best possible rehabilitation treatment.
As a result we have set up this portal www.road2recovery.com/strengthfor91 where you can offer support, both through financial assistance and messages for Sam, and can also keep up to date with Sam’s progress. Any donation, great or small, and any message of support will assist in Sam remaining strong throughout his road to recovery.
#strengthfor91
Comments 7
GOD SPEED ON YOUR ROAD TO RECOVERY MATE . FROM ALL OF US @TX13 .GRANDS IS NOT GOING TO BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU .IN RECENT YEARS YOUR THE FIRST ONE COLE WANTED TO SEE AS SOON AS WE WALKED IN THE DOOR .THANKS FOR BEING THE CHAMP AND A MODEL TO MY SON GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAM
Thinking of you Sam. Your prognosis does not seem all that encouraging having read your report.
But I will continue to pray for you and I will be watching 60 mins on OCT 16 2016.
SAM MI NOMBRE ES IGNACIO LARRONDO YO Y MI HIJA DE 8 AÑOS DE EDAD SOMOS FIELES SEGUIDORES DE TI Y ALISE, TE QUEREMOS DESEAR LA MAYOR DE LAS ENERGÍAS POSITIVAS PARA TU RECUPERACIÓN SE QUE SERA ASI, UN ABRAZO DESDE CHILE Y SEGUIMOS ORANDO POR TI SALUDOS!!!MACHINE!!!
Sam….. I want to give you a bit of motivation for your recovery. It’s all I needed to hear for my recovery. Google “Patrick Rummerfield”
our arms are wrapped around you mate from thousands of miles away… Aussie BMX family is sending so much love and support and we know the passion you put into your sport will go on to see your recovery a successful one with your determination…
Dear Sam, Like all I am so sorry to hear about your accident! We have known each other now for over 12 years and to me it never was about the number of wins or medals it was always about the character of the man that makes me so proud of you ! You showed that to me at a very young age and it is your character that will get you thru this . If you need someone to talk to ” outside” of your tremendous support group I am always available! Take it one day at a time and you will do well , I KNOW you will!
Wishing you a speedy recovery Sam, hope to see you on your bike soon. Recovery may feel slow for someone as energetic and young as you but keep chipping away, each day brings new light and progress.
To Sam’s Mom and Dad and fiance be stong take time time out for yourselves. To his friends don’t stop visiting San and his family need you more now than ever. God Bless you all.