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I just got off the phone w/ Mike's (chihiggs) roommate... Mike was in a terrible, terrible accident last Sunday. He is in the hospital and finally breathing on his own again. They just took him off the respirator. He is still in ICU though. He has a broken collar bone, shoulder, every rib on his left side, his pelvis, a punctured lung, ruptured spleen... there's more, but thats a fair idea of his injuries. No one knows what happened yet... the police found him unconcious and not breathing along side the road. He had crashed his motorcycle, but there were no skid marks, no other vehicles around, or anything in the road. He hasn't been able to talk yet, but they are hoping he will be able to soon. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep posting as I hear more.

Another update: Mike's shoulder surgery went well. He is being released in the morning. He is going home w/ his father for about a week, then he will come home to his roommate, Gary. Mike lives in the Scottsdale area. I talked to Gary and he said the meals idea is awesome. So that is definately a GO!! He isn't aware of any food restrictions at this time, but will keep me posted.
Also, Mike doesn't have any appointments for about two weeks, then eventually he will have rehab appts. But Gary said that he will be taking care of Mike by himself and he is not too proud to ask for help. So, let the organizing begin!!

Just a little side note to everyone who is volunteering for the meal service... when you email or pm me, would you also include a phone number that is best to reach you. It will help w/ the final scheduling and organization.

And, Thank you to everyone for all your help and generosity. You're a great group of wonderful individuals and I'm glad to be a part of it!!

Do you know if the hospital will forward get well cards ?

In 1973 a big ol' Pontiac tried to cut my little ol' MGB...and me...in half; I had the same injuries that Mike has and lost 20 pounds in the three weeks I was in the hospital; also really screwed up my senses of taste and smell for a while which didn't help me gain back the weight. Strongly suggest you check with Mike about what he really wants and likes to eat now before showing up with meals.

Thanks Hooli... thats what I was discussing w/ Mike's roommate last night. He hasn't had much of an appetite, but is regaining it. By the time we start w/ the meals week after next, which Gary thought was an excellent idea, Higgs should be much, much better. Its always touch and go in the beginning... thats why I've been kinda slow to get things going.

I called the hospital regarding mail received after a patient checks out, but no one answered. I left a message, but haven't heard back from anyone yet. I will let you know.

So far, only 5 people officially signed on to cook a meal for Mike next week. Is there anyone else that wants to volunteer before I start making up a schedule?? If so, PLEASE let me know A.S.A.P.
Thanks

Count me in for a meal for Mike next week. I can be in for an ongoing schedule if he likes my cooking. Let me know what the schedule looks like and when I'm needed.

Thanks for arranging all of this Jaimi.
GTG

My schedule is pretty limited - but if there is room for me to bring him some food on a Thursday or Sunday evening - I can do that. Or if someone is in the East valley that can bring the goodies to him for me - then my schedule frees up a bit more. (Night school - sorry.)

Here are some suggestions or ideas that might help others with their hectic schedules, but still want to help Mike...

1) a gift certificate to a food establishment that delivers, like Dominos, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, etc.
2) gift certificates to grocery stores, Wal-mart, Target, Oscos, Walgreens, etc.
3) There are some individuals that would like to get together w/ others to help prepare meals and/or deliver meals... they are only available for a short amount of time and need help as they can't do it all.
4) Volunteers to run errands like grocery shop, pick up prescriptions, take Mike to medical appts, do laundry/ dry cleaning, etc.

Let me know if any of these sound like something someone would like to do instead of preparing and delivering a whole meal... or if anyone else has any other suggestions.

And, thank you to everyone for all the great responses!!

THANK YOU ALL!!

I apologize as I am at a lose for words.

I am home now and starting to move around some (slowly, but independently!) Thank you all for thinking of me and keeping me in your thoughts. I can not begin to tell all of you how much it means to see myself and family your posts, thoughts, cares and concerns. I am moved. I am rather fortunate to be a part of such an amazing community.
THANK YOU ALL!!

So you have a little info: My injuries will not be permanent. I am recovering. My dog Toby is with me. My father is retired and staying a couple weeks to help with appts, errands and so on....Financially, I have insurance and savings---thank you all for some of the wonderful thoughts and suggestions. Last night, my roomate Gary told me about the meals idea; that is such a kind and generous offer, I do not know where to begin.
I very much enjoy being a part of our HAZ community. I do not wish to be a burden. I do not want to discourage anyone from visiting or saying hello or what ever but please remember, millions suffer daily and likley without the freinds and support you've all; already demonstrated.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank you all.

Sincerely,

Mike Higgins

ps. my e-mail is : chihiggs@yahoo.com-----if you'd like to call or visit drop me a line at the e-mail and we'll get it going.

MIKE!!! I am so glad to hear from you, as I know we all are. What great news about your injuries and recovery!!

And I know I speak for all when I say, you aren't a burden by any means. We want to help in any way possible to ensure a speedy and full recovery so we can see you back out on the trails w/ us!!

The biggest questions on most minds now are... What foods does he like?? and What foods does he hate??

Great to hear Mike. Glad things are progressing well. Just keep popping those things they give you (hehehe). You'll be fine. Something tells me you'll be all healed up and back on the trails in no time.

I've been pretty banged up riding before myself. Not much to protect you. That's for sure. All you can do is hang on and hope for the best.

It sounds like the other HAZ folks have you covered pretty well. Keep us informed about your progress.

Later,

The last post here was a month ago. How is Mike doing? Anyone have any news?

I talked to Mike about a two weeks ago. At that time, he said his recovering wasn't going too well. He was considering moving back east to be closer to his family so they could help him w/ his recovery. He told me he would let me know what he decided, but I haven't heard from him since. I called him Wednesday to wish him a Happy Thanksgiving, but I got his voicemail. When I hear from him, I will post an update. In the meantime, keep praying for him.

JB, you're a very nice person.

Bummer, that's bad news. Please keep us posted.

We hear on the news about these accidents, but we don't hear about how lives are changes so drastically afterwards.

GOOD NEWS!! I've talked to Mike twice in the last week and just got off the phone w/ him... He sounds so much better!! And it sounds like he's gonna stay here!!
He really sounded good tonight. His spirits were up, his mood was light and fun again... I just had to share the news. I'm very excited!!
He is still recovering from the surgeries and bones are still mending, but everything sounds much more encouraging. He's back out doing a little walking and playing a little ball w/ his dog in the park. He's even attending a class at school on Thursday.
I want to take a moment and say Thank You to everyone here at HAZ that voiced their cares and concerns, and volunteered to extend themselves to lend a helping hand (even though that never actually came together). The whole event, I think (my opinion) was just too tough and traumatic (understandably so), and Mike just needed some quiet time w/ family and friends. I respected his situation and feelings (after attempting to change his mind MANY times), and finally ceased the whole meals program. I know the kindness shown by everyone was appreciated.
So, please... everyone smile a little smile w/ me and sigh a little sigh of relief tonight... as for me, I'm gonna say a little Thank You prayer before I go to sleep.

Mike, I dont know you but I can tell that you are held in high regard by people around you.

If you need some help I can be of assistance :] I dont have alot of money but I have alot of time... I am in Mesa so I am close by...