Bike Helmet Safety: Paying it Forward

2 days after surgery

July 10th, 2010 our 12 year old son Mathew fell off his bike. He ended up with a major head injury that was very serious. It happened as he was riding down-hill, lost his balance, and tried to get his tire back onto the sidewalk. He was slammed to the ground and knocked unconsious. His head hit the sidewalk, no time to brace himself.
Some good samaritans saw his fall, woke him, and escorted him 2 blocks to his friend's house.
We got the call that he fell off his bike, but had no idea how serious his injury was.

blood clot causing pressure on his brain

He had a 4 inch fracture that cut an artery inside his skull. That bleed caused a clot which put pressure on his brain. He needed emergency surgery. Mathew's neurosurgeon, Dr. Bovis told us he was just a few hours away from slipping into a coma and dying.
You can imagine how over-whelming this all was, and how long that two hour surgery was not knowing his condition. Larry and I learned a few things about his doctor that really helped us cope.

Larry's good friend Tracy is a nurse anestethist. Tracy told us during our wait that he knew Dr. Bovis in two ways. First, through personal experience he knew Dr. Bovis was top in his field. Second, Tracy went to high school with Dr. Bovis. Third, Tracy is Mathew's Godfather. Just learning about those connections when we did, as I said, really helped us cope with the trauma.

Our conversation with Dr. Bovis was limited up to that moment, right before Mathew was taken in to surgery. I was impressed and touched as a mother by just one small gesture and statement he made. It was about Mathew's favorite stuffed animal at his side, delivered by me and sent from his sister. Larry picked up the stuffed dog Scooter and remarked, "Guess he shouldn't have this in surgery." Dr. Bovis stepped in and put Scooter back at Mathews side. "Abosolutely not, this stays with Mathew." A seemingly small touch carried deep meaning to me as a mother, and of him, as a doctor.

Mathew's surgery went smoothly and we were able to see him in ICU and stay the night with him. His head completely bandaged, the doctor showed us his x-ray showing that he had two small titanium plates holding the fracture together. Dr. Bovis added that the brain sac was completely in tact, there was no injury to his brain at all.

external staples visible, titanium plates hold the fracture in place

He spent 4 days in the hospital, and a few weeks re-couping here at home. Shadowing him those first few days was a challenge, and exhausting, but I was grateful. Grateful for many things, but mainly that he was okay and would not have any long-term physical damage.
Thankfully, Mathew is completely healed and all that remains of the accident is his scar and the titanium plates.

Dr. Bovis, Mathew's neurosurgeon

Mathew made a 1 minute PSA video on his youtube account and was also interviewed by WGN August 21, 2010.

http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/50239a42-2d62-4797-bdd4-716e3089c10a/Health/Bike-Safety

Please think of Mathew the next time you go for a bike ride. It is our hope that you will wear a helmet, ride safely, and even share his story with others.

Back on his bike with his Dr.'s permission - November 2010

8th grade graduation, May 2012