Encinitas CA— A fundraising page [Link] has been set up for Brad “The Bullet” Baker, a Flat Track athlete who was critically injured at the X Games.
On July 22, 2018, during Flat Track race practice at X Games, Brad Baker high-sided over the handlebars and suffered a spinal cord injury. He was immediately transported by EMS to a local hospital in Minneapolis where he underwent surgery to repair the multiple fractures to his T6, T7, and T8 vertebra. These fractures released bone fragments that were putting pressure on his spinal cord causing paralysis from the middle of his back down. His surgeons fused his T3 through T10 together, placed a drain in his back to remove a hematoma, and addressed his bilateral broken 7th ribs. The good news is that his spinal cord was not severed and the surgery to repair his vertebra and release the pressure on his cord went well. On Tuesday the 25th, his doctors were able to remove the drain.
As of now Brad has not regained movement of his lower body. He states that he has some tingling and burning sensation in his feet and can feel some vibrations in his knees. Brad is already starting in-patient therapy at the hospital and is looking into in-patient therapy hospitals closer to his home in Washington State.
It is still too early to know the outcome from his injuries, however Brad and his family remain hopeful and positive. His injuries are extensive and it is going to be a very long and hard road ahead for Brad and his family. Being the 2013 Grand National Champion and third youngest to become a champion in the history of the sport; Brad is no stranger to hard work and the dedication that will be needed in the upcoming months.
He does have insurance that will cover some of his hospital expenses but not all and he will have years of physical therapy ahead of him. If you are able to donate to Brad’s R2R cause, please do so by donating here. If not, please share and keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
#6Strong