Kris Younger crashed in race #2 Sunday at Blackhawk Farms, fracturing his T7 thru T10 vertabra. He is undergoing surgery today at 6pm at Rockford Memorial to fuse them. He also had bleeding in his chest that they were suppose to take of this morning.The doctor said he has seen several less severe cases where the patient was paralized. Kris has full feeling and range of motion. Thank God. He was in good spirits when I left last night and said it only hurt when he moved. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. KC124
And I think he might of broken his left foot. Not sure, though.
Where can we send cards etc to let him know we are pulling for him
i give him our blessing and will hope to hear that he come out ok and ready to ride next year ???
Hi Kevin,
Sorry to hear that. Didn't realize he had crashed. Let him know we will be praying for him and we are all hoping for a speedy recovery.
Edgar
Holy chit man! I just met him face-to-face this weekend... glad to hear it sounds like he'll eventually be OK.
From one injured racer to another (although my injuries look like a stubbed toe compared to Kris's)... I wish him well and hope he gets better.
This was NOT a good weekend as far as crashes went...
oh man this sucks. :'( Kris is my homey! Kevin.. let him know all his homies are thinking about him and wishing for a fast painless recovery. Get well quick brother so that we can chill and get drunk like we talked about.
He is in room 412 'B' Wing of Rockford Memorial Hospital, Rockrord, Il. Info.# 815-971-5000
Your in my prayers. God bless and a full and speedy recovery
Damn! I didn't know he crashed either. Let me know if there's anything I can do!
He's definitely in my prayers!
Get well soon Kris.....
The Buxton's
I just met Kris for the first time face to face this weekend also. I wasn't aware he had crashed either. I am so glad the prognosis is positive! I wish him a speedy recovery. I will print this post tomorrow after I get home from work and go up to the Rockford Memorial and try to see him and let him know we are all wishing him well and hoping for a speedy recovery. Does anyone know any more details as to what happened? Did any one happen see it? Get well soon Kris.... Mark and the Kegel team.
Yeah, any idea what turn?
Get better soon!
It was the last lap of Am LWSS. He was going into the kink before turn 7 with a couple of other bikes when they came up on a lapper. He didn't think he could make it through and went off the track. He ended up in the weeds but I don't know the details of the crash. Anyone see what happened? Cornerworkers? Kim, have you heard anything?
Get well soon
Update. They started the surgery about 7:30. It suppose to take 5 hours. No broken foot but maybe a broken wrist. His girlfriend Sunny is suppose to give me a call tomorrow. Hang in there, Kris!
Kris, I'm so sorry to hear about your crash and injuries. Hope you get well soon.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kris. Glad to hear its not as serious as it could have been. Hang in there.
Hi Kevin and everyone,
This is Kris's friend, Amber.
His mom just called us to let us know Kris just got out of surgery.
It was much more severe than previously thought and Kris is incredibly lucky that this didn't turn out much worse for him.
He had a 3rd column fracture all the way from his 4th through 12th vertebrate.
He's going to be in Rockford hospital for probably at least a week, and will have a long recovery.
He is no longer in 412B. They now have him in room D206 for those who might want to call this week.
The doctor said it is no less than a miracle that he was able to walk Sunday after the crash happened.
Kevin, we'll be going to see him again tomorrow. I PM'd you our number in case you want to give us a call.
QuoteUpdate. They started the surgery about 7:30. It suppose to take 5 hours. No broken foot but maybe a broken wrist. His girlfriend Sunny is suppose to give me a call tomorrow. Hang in there, Kris!
Kevin... call me today on my cell when you get a chance. 815-243-2003 I get off of work at 2:30, but you can call befor that and leave me a number to call you back. Thanks... Mark!
My thoughts are with you
Get Well Soon!
Please keep us posted.
I know I'm in the boat with Jack and some others...
We're probably about an hour and a half away. If there is something we can do, we're available.
262-391-0012
I just got wind of this and can't believe it. Kris has been a great friend to me, and his parents are the best. I hope everything turns out ok. Shelby and I will be praying for you and your family.
Wanted to add my well wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery for Kris.
Hello everyone,
I'm Kris' girlfriend Sunny. I'm so touched by the outpouring of thoughts and concern from the racing community. Thank you so much. I'll be going up to see Kris tomorrow, so if anyone wants to send me anything to print off for him, my email address is troxells@missouri.edu. I think a group at fireblades.org is going to be setting up a "Give Kris a Dollar" fund, so when I get more information on that I'll pass it along. Most of you know that the ambulance ride alone is hundreds. Again, thank you for your prayers.
Sunny
Indeed! Ride, probably $450 to $750.
Totally keep us up on everything...
And, of course, the Wegman Benefit fund is available too. http://www.wegmanfund.org
This is the classic example of why it exists.
And the community is here for support.
Oh man. I raced/ traveled with Kris all summer. I went back to MIssissippi for vet school and I just found out about this today. Get well buddy!
Sunny,
Please email me directly about helping with the costs... I'd like to see how the Wegman Fund could lend some assistance.
Russ
russ@starnetusa.net
I just found out through the other post about this...I'm dumbfounded. He has been moved to room D206, and was glad to hear the surgery went well. Kris has been a great guy to have at the races. Let me know if there is anything Mike or I can do to help. We would be more than happy to.
Get well buddy,
Update,
Just talked to Chris's Father Rex. He said the Surgery went very well and they are even planning to send the Physical therapist in to get him up walking later this afternoon!! Wow, he is as luck as you can be give the situation. He has a FX bone in his hand and they are planning on casting it soon also. then just a bruised leg and are beyond that.
Chris, Our thoughts are with you from Mike and Chuck at MC Racing. You have always been there for everyone when we needed help. So please do not hesitate to call on all of your friend with anything you or your family needs thoughout or following this event.
We are all pulling for you in this.
Mike
Just read this. Thank god for the Wegman fund. Kris, get well soon. I'm so relieved to hear that it wasn't worse, although, bad enough. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
There is a local Florist on North Main St. in Rockford, IL called Cherry Blossoms. Thier number is 815-654-1188 if anyone would like to send a small package.
What a terrible crash this is........... :-/ As others have said, thankfully he turned out much better than it could easily be. Speedy recovery!
QuoteIt was the last lap of Am LWSS. He was going into the kink before turn 7 with a couple of other bikes when they came up on a lapper. He didn't think he could make it through and went off the track. He ended up in the weeds but I don't know the details of the crash. Anyone see what happened? Cornerworkers? Kim, have you heard anything?
Kevin, I was working in turn 7 on sunday. There was an ambulance sent to turn 6/main gate sunday that I can remember. Only thing I can recall happening near the kink was a guy ran off track in the weeds before 6a (the tower at the kink) but that guy apparently walked away.
The guy that walked away was Kris. He got up after he crashed and stood on the side of the track because he was afraid nobody would find him in the weeds. It's amazing he was able to walk after that... I'm setting up a PayPal account this morning and will post details. As soon as I find out anything else about cost I'll let the appropriate people know. Thanks again for your concern..
Sunny
OK Sunny. Clears up which crash it was. I didnt see it. That area is not visible to turn 7's station where I suspect he went off.
QuoteUpdate,
Just talked to Chris's Father Rex. He said the Surgery went very well and they are even planning to send the Physical therapist in to get him up walking later this afternoon!! Wow, he is as luck as you can be give the situation. He has a FX bone in his hand and they are planning on casting it soon also. then just a bruised leg and are beyond that.
Sheezus. Somebody buy that boy a lottery ticket QUICK!!! ;)
Mike, Kevin and Marc, you need to call me. (847) 644-4495. I'm gonna be heading through Rockford on Saturday and am planning on stopping at RMH to see how he's doing.
I was working in 5, so I had no visibility to what happened, other than hearing the call go out for an incident in T7. Damn! $)%*@#)%#@*%)#(*%$#.
Wells wishes for a speedy recovery!
I just got back from the Hospital and am glad to say that Kris is in pretty good spirits. His injuries are very serious but recoverable. I met his parents and they seem pleased with the outcome of his surgery. They wanted me to tell everyone here to continue to keep Kris in our prayers. They did have him up for a short time this afternoon. So things are heading in the right direction. But its going to ba a long hard road.
Keep the well wishes comming.... Mark.
get well soon !!!!
QuoteI just got back from the Hospital and am glad to say that Kris is in pretty good spirits. His injuries are very serious but recoverable. I met his parents and they seem pleased with the outcome of his surgery. They wanted me to tell everyone here to continue to keep Kris in our prayers. They did have him up for a short time this afternoon. So things are heading in the right direction. But its going to ba a long hard road.
Keep the well wishes comming.... Mark.
We arrived today during his first physical therapy stint. The whole time we were there he was sitting up in a chair and he managed to take it pretty well. The guy's a trooper!
He said, "Mike and Chuck sent me flowers. I don't know why they did that." LOL I think he and his parents were really touched by the flowers, calls, and outpouring of well-wishing by everyone.
His mom was so surprised by all the calls and from all over the place, and I think she really appreciated it, so feel free to call his room and talk to her. I think it really meant a lot to Kris and his parents.
He's got two very wonderful parents, another thing he is very lucky for, so he is in good hands. And, his Dad said that many people have told him that the spinal surgeon was one of the best in the country and how lucky Rockford is to have that surgeon there. Another good thing.
His mom tried hard not to show too much frustration with the ambulance guys at the track when she talked to us today, but apparently they were a little careless with him. The doctor said that just the act of them taking his leathers off, with the twisting and contorting he had to do to get his leathers off, could have caused paralysis. And, yes, Kris walking away from the crash site could have caused it as well, so he is one hell of a lucky guy.
Kris's parents said he was expected to remain at Rockford Hospital for another 5 days. After that, he will be going to stay with his parents while he recovers.
Please continue to call and send your well wishes; it has been a big pick-me-up for Kris and his parents.
Unbelievable. I'll be pulling for Kris big-time. Hoping and praying for a full recovery.
QuoteHe said, "Mike and Chuck sent me flowers. I don't know why they did that." LOL I think he and his parents were really touched by the flowers, calls, and outpouring of well-wishing by everyone.
Chris,
We sent you the flowers because we think you are "sweet". LOL Really, it was our second choice to help the mood in your room. We wanted to send a few umbrella girls to liven the mood, but we are too broke to afford them after an entire race season.
Keep working at getting better, we are pulling for you and can't wait to visit you when you get out.
Mike
We all race safely protected in the knowledge that something like this will never happen to us.
But then it does happen.
Thank God for corner workers, doctors, parents, friends, safety gear, the Wegman Fund....
Heal quick, Kris. We're all pulling for you.
K3
your in our prayers Kris! Get well soon!
Stumpies
Just a quick update for everyone:
Kris will be transferring from Rockford Memorial to Van Matre HealthSouth Inpatient Rehab, also in Rockford.
They want to get him going with more physical therapy so that he can get his strength up and make the 7 hour journey home without too much discomfort.
The number at the Rehab place is 815-381-8500. His mom told me to post it for anyone who would like to call, so that they know where to reach him after tomorrow afternoon.
We saw Kris today and he looked much better than he did on Tuesday. He even walked down the hall and back.................then he fainted! (just kidding-just kidding!!!). He has some color back and his sense of humor is more like I'm used to, so that is another good sign.
I'm sure he's in a lot of pain, but he's handling it very well. We saw his x-rays; he's got about 14 LONG screws in his back, and a couple rods. :-/
Looks like he'll be at the rehab clinic until Wednesday at the earliest, and then his mom is going to see if he can make the trip back to MO ok. His dad might rent a big van and transport him that way, so he isn't sitting up and having his back jarred by every bump and pothole on the road (it's about a 7 hour drive).
Feel free to call him at the new number after Friday afternoon and tell him hello. :)
Amber
Damn! I'd offer to let you take my motorhome, but it's a 1979, and I just got it a week ago. I don't trust it yet for a trip of that duration, because it has ancient belts and hoses, and a sticking brake caliper.
How long until you need to go?
K3
Quoteyour in our prayers Kris! Get well soon!
Stumpies
WHAT the STUMPIES just said....
you're in our prayers Kris! Get well soon!
Ike/Chef
Good news Chris glad to hear your getting better. Talk to you tommorrow.
Kris we have been thinking and prayig for you and a speedy recovery. Does anyone have any updates since his move to therapy last Friday?
Just tried to call Kris at the number listed above for in patient therapy, looks like he's been discharged! YEY!!!!!!
Let us know how your feeling Kris when you get a chance. I don't have your cell or I'd call it.
A HUGE thanks to everyone for their well wishes and prayers. I'm now home in Columbia under the watchful care of my girlfriend. ;)
I'm proud to be part of the racing community. You guys always step up when needed.
More later. 8)
Kris,
When you need us we'll be ready. Let me know as soon as any bills not covered by insurance start coming in.
Glad to hear you're home and recuperating. Best wishes!
Gordy Lunde
Wegman Benefit Fund
Did you put my Ducati model together while you at your folks? I left it in the truck. ;D
Kris,
I havn't gotten a report back from your doctor yet. Did he add the extra couple of vertebrae during surgery to make you taller like I asked him to? ???
Just thought I'd try and help out so that Sunny could feel comfortable wearing her high heels again when she goes out in public with you!!! ;D
Glad to hear you're on the road to a good recovery!
Rick
Great to hear you are home, I am sure it feels good to finally make it back.
Sunny, be gentle on our boy, he will be fragile for a while.
Mike
[sigh]
Good to hear... :)
QuoteDid you put my Ducati model together while you at your folks? I left it in the truck. ;D
I think they said they have a case of Suzuki oil anyway...
QuoteKris,
I havn't gotten a report back from your doctor yet. Did he add the extra couple of vertebrae during surgery to make you taller like I asked him to? ???
Just thought I'd try and help out so that Sunny could feel comfortable wearing her high heels again when she goes out in public with you!!! ;D
Glad to hear you're on the road to a good recovery!
Rick
Thanks for the help Rick. I think they forgot to make me taller though. Sunny's still about an inch taller. Oh well, close enough. ;) ;D
Quote[sigh]
Good to hear... :)
If only I could bounce like Super Dave... :-/ ;)
Forgot about the case of oil. Thanks for reminding me Kris "2004 LW Supersport Champion" Younger. :)
QuoteForgot about the case of oil. Thanks for reminding me Kris "2004 LW Supersport Champion" Younger. :)
Has the torch been passed for the title "Yellow Plated Sandbagger"? ;D
QuoteHas the torch been passed for the title "Yellow Plated Sandbagger"? ;D
Hey, I never deserved that title in the first place. :P
QuoteHey, I never deserved that title in the first place. :P
Somehow the term "Target of Opportunity" comes to mind! ;)
Hey... how far is Harrisonville from you? Saw a job opening there that I might apply for. Know anything about the town?
QuoteForgot about the case of oil. Thanks for reminding me Kris "2004 LW Supersport Champion" Younger. :)
That's only because I saved my crash for the last round of the year. I'm still slow. Though I did finally pass a certain Expert in GT Lights... ;D
Bah, I would never have said you were slow.
You're still learning. We all have things to learn. ;D
What's next for you?
Involvement, rehab, work?
Let's here the real stories...details, sobbing, thinking...
or e-mail me directly...
Quote Though I did finally pass a certain Expert in GT Lights... ;D
Man! You must be hella fast! :o
QuoteBah, I would never have said you were slow.
You're still learning. We all have things to learn. ;D
What's next for you?
Involvement, rehab, work?
Let's here the real stories...details, sobbing, thinking...
or e-mail me directly...
I'm doing pretty well for being broken in half. I'm back in Columbia now. Will start going back to work for half-days pretty soon and see how that goes. I'm really just thankful that I'm not paralyzed; it's pretty much a miracle that I'm not. Two vertebrae essentially exploded (luckily outward and not inward), leaving my spinal cord completely vulnerable. My brother (soon to graduate from chiropractic school) thinks I may have actually helped myself by standing up after the accident. My muscles may have tightened and held everything in place. If I'd been unconscious and anyone moved me... might have been a different outcome. :-/
Oh, and I'll be around. In what capacity is still to be determined. ;)
Kris:
First your shoulder blade and then your back....
Two questions:
1) Do you wear a back protector, or do you just rely on the hump on the back of your leathers?
2) Have you ever had your bone density checked?
QuoteI'm really just thankful that I'm not paralyzed; it's pretty much a miracle that I'm not.
Tiger,
I sure am glad to see that you are well. I have not been on the board for a very long time and was shocked tonight to read what had happened to you. I too am glad you are doing well.
Good luck and God Bless!
Laura
QuoteSomehow the term "Target of Opportunity" comes to mind! ;)
Hey... how far is Harrisonville from you? Saw a job opening there that I might apply for. Know anything about the town?
Sorry about the delay. About 30 min. away. It's kind of a hick town but in a good way.
QuoteTiger,
I sure am glad to see that you are well. I have not been on the board for a very long time and was shocked tonight to read what had happened to you. I too am glad you are doing well.
Good luck and God Bless!
Laura
Hey, Laura...
Was thinking about you and your bro just recently. Your ears must have been itching.
Good to hear you on the board.
;D
QuoteTiger,
I sure am glad to see that you are well. I have not been on the board for a very long time and was shocked tonight to read what had happened to you. I too am glad you are doing well.
Good luck and God Bless!
Laura
Thanks much Laura. Bryan is always in my thoughts.
QuoteKris:
First your shoulder blade and then your back....
Two questions:
1) Do you wear a back protector, or do you just rely on the hump on the back of your leathers?
2) Have you ever had your bone density checked?
Always wear my Bohn Pro Racer back protector. I'm almost wondering if the "hump" on my leathers helps or hurts... :-/
I think my bones are fine. Might help if I weighed 150 lbs...
QuoteIn what capacity is still to be determined. ;)
I have an opening for a pit boy ;D
Had an appointment with the back surgeon last Thursday in Rockford. Everything looks great. To answer Dawn's question, bone density is not a problem. He said everything is solid; just more impact than it could take. ;)
Could possibly be able to quit wearing the brace in December at the 3-month point if everything keeps going as it has been. Does look like racing is out for next year at least though. :'(