Lynne and I are totally overwhelmed by the kind words and offers of support and encouragement for Christian and our family during this sad time.
Many families have emailed us expressing their sorrow and words of encouragement; we are humbled and truly grateful for the support being shown.
The injury Christian has sustained is devastating for our family but we are strong and we know just how fortunate we are to still have our young man in our lives.
I am writing this at 7.40am Sunday morning and reflecting that this time one week ago we were a different family, facing another wonderful days racing. Christian was excited about racing at Taupo, having only recently moved up to the 8-10 85cc class. As a family we had decided to not attend all the Winter Series events in an effort to reduce the ‘competitive’ element of MX as Christian learns his new bike and the riding skills required to compete on the senior tracks.
I am sure many families have experienced the same, but it seems that regardless of what we say or do to encourage our riders to take it easy, they will inevitably make their own decisions; for Christian this has always been to get out on the track and ride his best.
We are not sure why Christian decided to jump the Energy Centre point on Sunday morning but we do know that he has faith in his ability and this coupled with his determination to be competitive were likely influences on his decision. For Christian and many of his race friends, the Energy Centerpoint jump is the premiere obstacle at Taupo; one not to be taken lightly and in some ways, a measure of a riders jumping ability. I heard there was a buzz around some of the 85cc riders when they learnt that the jump was open and I guess this goes to show how much our young riders love the opportunity and challenge of taking on this obstacle.
Before heading out for the practise session, Christian had briefly discussed his plan for the day; he said we wanted to learn the obstacles and was going to ease himself into each obstacle, jumping first to land on top of the obstacle and then a little further and if time permitted and he was happy, he said he would attempt to clear each obstacle. It never occurred to me the Energy Centrepoint would be included in his list of obstacles, however true to his competitive form and courageous nature he used the first lap of practise to land just forward of the halfway point on the table top. During lap two Christian popped over the jump landing in a sweet spot on the down ramp; observers have told me that he landed nicely, although a little wobbly on the front but he was seen to give the air a little punch in celebration of his achievement.
Lap three saw Christian approach the jump pretty quick, I didn’t realize just how quick until I saw him pop into the air. I was with Shane Waller at the time near the pit side of the start line fence, so we couldn’t see the entire landing area; Shane commented that Christian had gone high and we could tell that he had well and truly over jumped the obstacle. I did not see Christian’s landing but we could see people running towards the landing area and we knew things had gone terribly wrong for Christian.
When I arrived at the side of the track near the base of the Energy Centre Point jump, Christian was on his back. Some people were untangling Christian’s bike from the fence.
Christian was conscious and said that he had no feeling from his chest area down. He was a little teary, saying “I shouldn’t have done it, I shouldn’t have done it”. I told Christian that it’s okay and that everything will be fine, and he replied to me that “It’s not okay Dad – I can’t feel my legs” Christian new things were serious but remained calm while paramedics, friends and bystanders ensured he was safely removed from the track and into an ambulance.
Thank you to all the people who were so quick to help Christian trackside; The Paramedics were wonderful and we are grateful for your professional efforts. A special thanks also to Angela McCulloch and Natasha Allan, who comforted Christian and helped me with some of the decisions I needed to make. Thanks also to our friends who sorted out Christian’s bike and our race trailer – cheers guys.
After being evac’d to Taupo hospital, Christian was assessed and moved with another young rider, Troy Taylor from Whangarei, who had a broken femur as a result of a crash on the mini track. All the best for a speedy recovery Troy.
From Taupo it was a chopper flight to Waikato Hospital and on Monday a road transfer to Starship Hospital in Auckland.
Christian underwent a 4 hour surgery on Tuesday morning to fuze 8 vertebra together – T3 to T10. Christians crash had basically exploded three vertebra and fractured another. Rods, Screws and bone grafts were used to complete this operation. The surgical team have done an amazing job of cleaning up the injured tissues and bone, realigning his spine and securing the damaged areas to good vertebra at the top and bottom of the injury area.
Christian’s injury is of a very serious nature and we have been told that his likelihood of regaining the use of his legs are slim at best. That said, there are positive signs that Christian has a chance. Christian’s spine is pulsating which means blood is flowing throughout it. He has good circulation to his toes with his feet and legs nice and warm to touch. These signs are small but with Christian’s courage and determination, and our resolve, we have hope and faith that Christian will have the best possible chance of regaining some movement. As Christian recovers from his operation we see glimpses of his old self and this reminds us that we are so very lucky we still have Christian. He hasn’t changed as a person, and for that we are forever grateful.
We have been in hospital for seven days now. This morning Christian has had a phone call from his mate, Bill (Factory) McCulloch, #727. As I watched Christian chat with Bill and reflected on the many race friends that have visited it occurred to me that as adults, we can learn a lot from our children. Their ability to speak so plainly and positively about things is really amazing, and Lynne and I believe that some of the best medicine Christian can have is contact with his mates.
Today, Christian is undergoing breathing exercises as his lungs have suffered a little as a result of lying flat in bed for most of the past week. Pain relief continues and our next step here is to move from a morphine infuser to a morphine tablet. This is a big step, but one that will mean Christian is no longer required to have a line into his arm and he will then be allowed to leave the ward for short periods of time, once he is in a wheel chair.
Christian is starting to regain some appetite and managed to have a piece of toast for breakfast today’ this is awesome and another sign that he is recovering from surgery.
Twice a day Christian is hoisted into a chair for about one – two hours. This is really important and is the first step in his path of rehabilitation.
Lynne and I have been absolutely blown away by the level of care Christian has received here at Starship. Christian’s surgeon, Mr Hamish Crawford and his team of Josh and Jeeves are amazing. They are a very professional and caring team who know how to relate to the kids here at Starship. In addition to the surgical team, Christian has had the attention of some amazing nurses, pain doctors and physio staff.
His favourite two nurses are Dan and Lisa; two senior nurses who have really taken a liking to Christian.
Christian, Lynne and I would like to thank the entire team and Auckland’s Starship Hospital. Thank you so very much for all you have and are still doing for us and many families from all over the country who for various reasons find themselves in your care. You’re the best and we are all fortunate to have such dedicated and professional people caring day in day out for our loved ones.
As a family we also wish to thank the wonderful family of motocross. The support being offered and shown by clubs, riders, friends and caring families is overwhelming and a true reflection of the wonderful people that enjoy our sport. Thank you all. We are facing an unknown pathway forward and knowing that we have your support gives us strength.
Lynne has had a particularly hard time lately, with our 4 year old daughter being admitted to Starship as a result of a low glucose reading. Gabrielle was recently diagnosed with type one diabetes, (from a virus of all things) and we are still learning about the changes and monitoring we need to be doing for her.
In addition to the team at Starship, we are experiencing amazing support and care from the staff at Ronald McDonald house where we are staying. This facility for accommodating the families and whanau of sick children is incredible. Ronald McDonald house is essentially made available by way of donations and fundraising efforts. Once we are back on our feet, it is our aim to do something for Ronald Macdonald house via our Dirtstar web presence as a small gesture of thanks and gratitude from our family.
We will continue to keep you updated on Christian’s rehabilitation and please feel welcome to continue leaving your comments. Christian has really enjoyed reading your cards and blog comments, and we view this as a really positive way to help Christian and our family move forward.
As a family our attention is with Christian however we are aware of other motocross families with injured riders currently in hospitals around the country. Our heart goes out to you all and we wish your rider a speedy and full recovery.
Thank you all again for your continued support. Good luck to all riders competing in the upcoming Wellington Champs, Manawatu 85cc and Under Champs, and other regular events throughout the country.
Ride Hard – Ride Safe – Have Fun
Damian Nisbet and family.
(Check out the cheesy on #602)
