Ross Update

by swapmoto | Sep 29, 2009 |

Before my brother Ross crashed last Friday, he had just spent a week in Italy on vacation, visiting some friends and riding at various tracks across Italy. Of course, he had a great time and had lots of stories to share with me about his trip. Sadly, he’s only told me a couple thus far, as there are some obviously more pressing issues at hand.
Currently, I am in Italy myself. I came a few days early for the Red Bull Motocross of Nations, along with my wife Eileen, and fellow editors Chris Kinman and Brendan Lutes. We will visit Alpinestars and take a tour of the boot-making facility before this weekend’s events.

A couple days ago, I told Ross that I was going to bail on my trip, so that I could stay by his side at the hospital. Of course, he insisted that I still go. Not because I needed to do my job, mind you, but because, “Italy is so cool!” After he said that, Ross told me a couple stories about his recent trip and I could tell that he really wanted me to go. “I’m going to be okay,” he said. “You go. There’s no sense sitting around here with me. I’ll be fine.”

In case you didn’t know this already, my brother Ross is amazing.

Thanks to all of you who have posted positive comments, sent texts or e-mails, and even called to show your support. Here’s an update on Rossi’s condition, as best I know it, as of Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. California time.

- Ross’ surgery went as well as could be expected. The three broken/displaced vertebrae are held in place with titanium rods. Thankfully, the spinal cord was damaged, but not severed. Doctors, of course, haven’t promised that Ross will regain the use of his legs, but they have not ruled it out. This is positive, in my eyes. Ross is a bad dude. He can heal from this!
- The EMT who called me right after the accident mentioned a broken collarbone and a possible broken wrist. Thankfully, Ross suffered neither of these injuries.
- Ross did break several ribs, and one of them punctured his right lung. He still has a chest tube to drain the blood from his chest cavity.
- After many torturous hours without food or drink, Ross is now allowed to drink and eat as he pleases, within reason. He sent his daughter out to fetch a burger yesterday.
- Ross is positive and in good spirits. (All things considered.)
- He has been transferred out of ICU and is now in a regular room.
- The family is looking into having him transferred to a facility that specialized in spinal cord injuries.

I’ve been regularly forwarding e-mail messages to Ross, and friends and associates of his who wish to send a message his way can direct them to me at donn.maeda@transworld.net

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