On April 4th, 2006 I was told not to expect my son to live. I was told if he did live, he would probably live the remainder of his life in a bed or best a wheel chair. I am so thankful they were wrong. I am so thankful for every day with my family...
We just received a new batch of Raisin Hope Jerseys. They will make great Christmas gifts for all your bicycling friends. If interested, email me and I will send you information about them.
Jim
raisin@optilink.us
Randy's post brought back some memories of Saul's recovery. Saul also had to be strapped down. At first it was a belt around his waist to keep him in bed. They had to add arm/hand restraints after he pulled the breathing tube out way before it was ready to come out, They put the tube back in and quickly noticed Saul reaching for the tube with his foot, so they had to strap them down. After the tube came out, Saul stayed on a strap at night for another month or longer. He hated it and let us know… Continue
At 7:08am on November 28, 2009, DAVID DEMERY said…
Jim
Yes we live only about two hours away. I have been there before and it is really nice. We would enjoy coming to meet you all.
At 7:53am on November 27, 2009, DAVID DEMERY said…
Mr. Raisin We live fairly close to Sanibell. We live near Tampa in Brandon. Would be nice to meet you all and get my Tour de Life book signed or go for a ride.
Yes Mr. Raisin good to hear from you. I m still riding the Felt SR71 hybrid bike everyday. Getting ready for my next flight with Air Combat USA in December I got the new Raisin hope jersey and it fits better than the other one did. Have been view Saul on Facebook. He is on my wall. Just heard from Dave Shields on Facebook too.
Thanks Jim, my brother Dave is making really good progress. However, I'm a little concerned that now that he's out of the acute rehab facility that he may not be getting the kind of oversite/management on his overall recovery plan that I think is really important right now. From what I've read there a 6 month window of opportunity to get the most benefit from rehab. But I guess having little lulls and bouts of depression along the way is all part of the process. It's hard being 400 miles away and not really in control of his rehab. Just gotta trust that those that are empowered to be responsible for him will do the right thing. I'll tell you, it's really inspiring to read about Saul's recovery (I still haven't read his book, but plan to). When Saul first contacted me shortly after Dav's accident and I heard his story, I didn't really think Dave would have a chance at the same kind of recovery. I'm much more hopeful now. It's a long process though. Thanks for your encouragement.
Met him at Soldier Ride in Key West. I'm a Master Chief in the Coast Guard and helped out with the ride. My wife works for Margaritaville and we had a very good time with Saul. Have read Saul's (and your) story. Proud to know him and work to gether with him for a cause. You have a special family and we admire what you do. WE too try to give back as much as we can. WE advertise Raisin Hope and spread Saul's story where we can. Sorry the ride was cancelled - we would love to do it one year. The PIerce Family are hard fast Raisin fans - regardless of his endeavors... if you ever get to New Orleans look us up!!!
Liam is definitely quite the renaissance guy. He has walked on all of us, too....we all hate to admit that we feel better after, but it really works! I would love to come and visit at some point in the future. School has just started here, so life is on hyperspeed....getting everything set up :-)
Hi Jim!
Thanks for the message!
Those where the days, when both your son and I races as a pros. It was nice. I have great memories. I stopped riding as proffesional in 2007. I moved back to Norway and have started a quite different life. I have a firm with other formes athletes and we helt people, companies and their employees to get in shape trough a team building consept we have created. Besides that I work with cycling for a Norwegian tv channel and study at the UNI. I will get married in two weeks. Soul know with who:-)
I still ride my bike. But only for fun and to stay in shape. I raced with Thor yeasterday in a show race here i Norway. He has had a great season and is really strong. I think it was good for him to change team.
Say hi to Saul and your wife from me!
We stay in touch!
Kind regards Mads!
Hi Jim,
Yes, I just finished Tour de Life the other day. I really enjoyed it as it was very close to the same experience I had. I was not in a pro level race however, i was with one of my riding partners who told me we were going between 35 - 40 mph setting up for a sprint to the town sign. I was on his wheel and the next thing I knew I was looking at the hospital ceiling. My friend assures me I didn't hit his wheel. The book brought me to tears several times as i can relate to some of the experience Saul had. I am grateful to be back on my bike. I've never returned to the same ability level or fitness as before, however, I still love riding and look forward to being in lead groups on group rides. My left foot is still numb from a buldging disc. However, In the hospital my whole left side from the hip down was paralized. I am very interested in riding in the Raisin Hope ride with my son
who is starting to race some himself. This year might be out because of a wedding. I still might try to make it anyway. Thanks for the feedback. All the best to you and yours,
Mike