Prayers Needed
by swapmoto | Sep 26, 2009 |
My big brother Ross has been my hero since I was a little kid, and I’ve idolized him for as long as I can remember. He is the reason I started riding motocross bikes, he is the one who sparked my interest in photography, he taught me how to ride and race, and he is the person I bounce magazine ideas off of when I need a second opinion.
Yesterday, Rossi crashed and suffered paralyzing injuries. He broke/displaced three vertebrae in his lower back and underwent a seven-hour surgery to repair the damage. Only time will tell if he will ever be able to walk again. Ross is a bad ass, though, and I know that if anyone can bounce back from this, it’s him.
To say that I am devastated would be an understatement. I’ve always said that Ross is my guideline as to how long I will be able to be the Editor of TransWorld Motocross. At 54, he still hauls ass on a mx track and has been a source of inspiration for me. “If Rossi can still rip at 54, I want to, also,” I’d think. I don’t want to be the editor of this magazine any longer when I can’t get around the track at a decent clip, so that’s why I’ve always looked to Ross for a time estimate. Now…I don’t know.
Ross is a fighter, and I know that he will get through this. All we can do is stay positive, think good thoughts, and keep him in our prayers. Think a good thought about my big brother for me, will you?
16 Comments for this entry
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Help Ross Today
September 26th, 2009 on 2:13 pm
Donn,
Ross is the man. I remember riding with your badass brother at the self proclaimed “DOME”, in Corona hills. His style , speed and grace on a bike are amazing. and my prayers are with him. call you later
September 26th, 2009 on 3:07 pm
Hey Donn your brother is in my thoughts and prayers. You brother has sponsored me for the last 6 years and I deal with Craig Decker back here in the Midwest. Your brother truely is a fighter and class act. My best wishes and thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
September 26th, 2009 on 3:42 pm
Hey Donn..Fo texted me today and told me about Ross..just like you, I looked up to Ross as a teacher in the sport..my prayers go out to Ross and his Family..
September 26th, 2009 on 5:11 pm
DONNIE.
E-MAIL ME WHEN AND WHERE I CAN VISIT ROSS.
I AM OFF WORK FROM A SHOULDER INJURY AND CAN VISIT HIM BETWEEN MY PHYSICAL THERAPY SESSIONS. I KNOW IT IS STILL TOO SOON BUT WOULD LOVE TO COME OUT AND SEE HIM WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT.
ROSS HAS ALWAYS BEEN MY HERO SINCE WE USED TO RACE BACK IN THE 70′S!!! I ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU GUYS AT THE SX AND MX SERIES. LET ME KNOW.
THX!!!
September 26th, 2009 on 6:33 pm
The News hit me this afternoon in Sweden. First thing in my mind is that it can’t be true.
I first met Ross in 98 after chatting on the motocross.com chat room. At the time it was both mop and swap making jokes in there.
Ross is the inspiration for my work today, with suspension. He guided me, thought me how to think and work suspension he’s the smartest and kindest person there is!
I’m out of words right now!
My prayers are with you now!
Niklas Mansson
Sweden
September 27th, 2009 on 7:14 am
Donn,
I heard last night about Ross and it has been really hard for me to believe this has happened to him.If you can please provide me with information about where he is, I plan to stop and visit him in the hospital when I come to LA at the end of the month.I know that if anyone can pull this out it well be Ross so please give him my regards.
Dan Fitch
September 27th, 2009 on 10:48 am
Known Ross since 2000 when we were over in the States to riding mx. He is truly the nicest and kindest person I know.
Always helpful and easy to talk to,
My prayers go out to Ross and his Family
/ Henrik Sandstrom
Sweden
September 27th, 2009 on 4:39 pm
Donn,
I was devastated when I read this, this morning. You see I just recently spoke with Ross about some kit suspension he was selling. I never spoke with him before. He told me the history of the forks , we ended up talking for over an hour about suspension. I bought the forks and rode with them. I never knew anything could work like that.
I called to tell him how pleased I was , but never got a response. Now I know why.
Please tell him I said Thank You , and dont give up. I had the same injury as David Bailey, and God allowed me to walk .
Prayers and faith are very strong allies. Keep the Faith.
Your Moto Brother
Paul Mundt
September 27th, 2009 on 8:01 pm
Donn,
I heard about accident yesterday while we were testing in Nor-Cal and was hoping that this was a mistake of information.
Finding the news here has has just got me shocked.
Ross… be strong, you can pull through this and our prays are with you.
The Marquez Family
September 27th, 2009 on 8:36 pm
Sorry so upset.. now I see I made a type O…
Our “Prayers” are with you Ross.
The Marquez Family
September 27th, 2009 on 9:57 pm
Donn,Our thoughts and prayers are with Ross, you, and the Maeda family, and hoping for the best.
The Lutes Family
September 28th, 2009 on 8:22 am
Best of luck for your brother Donn , from portugal.
September 30th, 2009 on 4:40 pm
Hey Donn,
I heard about Ross on Friday from Buck and Chris. I am sure the docs have done all they can. Now it’s up to him and his attitude. I have looked up to Ross for more than 30 years as much for his technical skills as for his positive attitude and focus. He has what it takes to recover to the fullest extent he can. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Ross and his family.
Tom
October 14th, 2009 on 7:37 pm
Hey Donn,
I just read about your brother Ross and have seen all the rossi stickers around your blog. I would like to show my support by posting these stickers around The College Station/ Houston Texas area and on my helmet and toolbox. If that would be ok with you please email me and we can work out where to send them.
Thanks,
Trenton
October 27th, 2009 on 7:45 am
I met Ross in Cremona, with Cabro and Ozzy last year.
I really spent a great day laughing and talking with him like a good old friend, even if it was the first time we meet.
He gaved me like present a small Enzo sticker taht i really keep with extrem jelousy.
Ross we all believe in You and we are all sure we will be waiting again You to ride togheter in Italy
Stay strong Man, our hearth is always with You!!!!
Ciao!!!
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