Longhorn... for Marcus?

Hi TX BT'ers!!

I am looking forward to meeting lots of you next weekend! I'm flying in from Hotlanta for a few days and will be volunteering (bodymarking, baby!) on Sunday morning. I can't wait . 

I'll apologize in advance for the length of this but hope you'll bear with me.  I'd like to share a story and an idea with you. If any of you are touched by it, perhaps you'll consider dedicating your Longhorn race to a very special 8 year old boy who is drawing on every ounce of physical strength he has right now, just as many of you will be next weekend.

Marcus was riding a Ripstick last weekend. As a car approached, he tried to stop but couldn't. Instead, he jumped off of his board and ended up jumping in front of the car, subsequently getting pinned underneath the front end. The driver of the car was sober, not speeding, and not at fault. Tragically, Marcus was not wearing a helmet. 

At the scene it was clear that he had very severe head trauma, multiple compound fractures, broken ribs with the resultant punctured and collapsed lungs. He was airlifted to the children's hospital where doctors performed emergency surgery to remove part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain. He was put into a medically induced coma to allow his body to begin the healing process. The family's priest was called to the hospital as it appeared likely he would not survive the night.

Amazingly enough, he got through that night. Every hour he was able to hang on during those first few days felt like a victory for all who know and love this kid. It has been clear all along that Marcus is a fighter. He started to break through the paralytic drugs earlier than expected and is moving his arms and legs a little, opening his eyes from time to time, coughing when suctioned, etc. He is responsive to his mother's whispers in his ears which seem to calm him down when he looks scared and confused. The doctors agree that from a neurological standpoint, these are good signs.  While there are, of course, many other medical issues with which to contend, the obvious questions and concerns surround the long term effect of such traumatic brain injuries.  It is going to be a long road to recovery.

Marcus has always been an athlete. He loves to run and bike and is an amazing soccer player. He is inspired by athletes of all kinds.  He has the spirit of an athlete and recognizes and appreciates that spirit in other people. He has shown his incredible strength through this ordeal and the phrase "Marcus is Strong" has become the mantra for us (I'm wearing a bracelet with that phrase on it as I type).

His family has been touched by the outpouring of love, support and prayers from many different places around the country, often from strangers. They've received countless messages of hope and well wishes. Each one is read to Marcus. His mother, especially, gathers great strength from this and it gives her something with which to fill the hours she spends by his side, and many of us would like to continue the momentum.

This is where you come into the picture. 

The family has many connections to Texas and, knowing what an amazing community BT is, I realized this morning that it would mean the world to Marcus and his family to know that a group of athletes were all sending healing thoughts his way on race day in Austin. Therefore, I'm wondering if a few of you would consider dedicating your Longhorn race to Marcus and his recovery.

What does that mean? Well, really, it's whatever it means to you. Whether it's having his name (or the phrase Marcus is Strong) written somewhere on your body, your racebelt, the back of your helmet, whatever. Maybe it means holding up a sign that says "For Marcus" prior to or after the race or wearing a Marcus Is Strong bracelet while you race (I'm working on getting some to bring with me but, as you can imagine, they are in very high demand).  Maybe it's simply sending a race picture and a get well wish... or even just lifting up a pre-race thought, good vibe or prayer in his honor.

I am also hopeful that someone might consider gifting their finisher's medal to Marcus. I recently read about the Medals4Mettle program and was very inspired by that, and from it, this idea was born. I think Marcus would feel that dedicated races and a medal are about the.coolest.things.ever.

If you're willing to contribute to this effort, you can simply email me a picture of your Marcus tribute (or a note about it if it's a non-visual kinda thing) at marcus_is_strong @ yahoo dot com. I'll also have my camera with me on race day to capture as much as I can! Feel free to add a message to Marcus and/or his parents and sisters if you're sending a picture. I will forward everything I receive to the family... who will be touched beyond words.

Thanks a million for reading this very long post and, hopefully, for helping me with this!