This story Is about my cousin Mike Schultz (Monster Mike) who races for Ski-Doo. He Is a pro rider who's always competing every year at the X Games. He races against all the big name racers such as Tucker Hibbert, Levi LaVallee, and many others. This year he didn't make the X Games- Here's what happened...... Mike received a devastating injury to his lower left leg while racing at this season's 2nd National race in Ironwood, MI. December 13. Around 10am Saturday morning half way through his first race of the day, Mike was jostled on his sled while coming down the last big hill. His left leg came off the sled and contacted the ground resulting in a compound fracture right below the knee/brace. The doctors referred to it as an auto amputation. The staff at the track transported him by ambulance to Grand View Hospital near Ironwood. After stabilizing him they transported him by ground to St Mary's, Duluth. Air lifting him wasn't an option due to the fog and cold weather in Duluth. Sara was able to ride with. A trauma team of 15 were waiting for them in Duluth. Immediately upon arrival (2pm), they did a CT scan. It appears the lower leg is the only area that received injury. The tibia and fibula severed the main artery, veins, and nerve to the lower portion of the leg. The surgeon said if they would have reached the 6 hr mark with no circulation, they would most likely have had to amputate. At 3 pm they wheeled Mike in to repair what they could. A vascular surgeon was able to harvest a portion of artery from Mike's right leg to repair the torn one and installed an external fixator (leg brace). At that point they didn't do any reconstruction to the bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. The extent of nerve damage will be determined. A week or so later the doctors and Mike came to the decision that taking his leg just above his knee was the best thing to do. Obviously Mike was hoping a few surgeries here and there later was going to save his leg but the doctors advised against and rightfully so I Imagine. I've done allot of bowhunting with Mike and his family, he's a 1st class guy. I can't believe how strong my cousin Is, he's got one of the best attitudes I've ever saw In my life. This miss hap of his doesn't seem to phase him one bit, he's handling this much better then I would be! My hats off to ya Mike!! Well as you Imagine the hospital bill and everything else that goes with this type of thing Is going to be outstanding. The team he races for put on a benefit for Mike to help with the bills, they raised $40,000!!! Outstanding I thought, there must be some good folks left In this world yet. Here's a link to the benefit that they had. It was aired on FSN the other day, I had no Idea It was even on TV until I got the email tonight from the Schultz family telling me about It. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMZpL7BQpG4 I just thought I'd share a small part of this story with you all, pretty Inspiring! Take care Mike and keep up the good spirits!! We'll get you back out In the woods bear hunting again my friend, I guarantee you that one!!
Simply incredible Steve. I just want to thank you for sharing that story. Gosh, you have one amazing cousin there pal. And to see him in such good spirits. When he said he wanted to run some cross country stuff next year, that just brought a smile to my face. :D
Glad you enjoyed It Dave! Once In a while good things can come out of something bad. Thanks for the kind words my friend!
I am a firm believer there are no coincidences in life. Everything happens for a reason, and your cousin isn't letting his accident define his future. I love that. Amen to all you have said here tonight Steve. Tell your cousin his spirit and attitude is an inspiration to many!
WOW!! The guy is a tough one for sure. Thats a big deal in someones life and he handled it good. That was good read Steve, hate hearing it though. Im a big X game fan, I have alot of respect for those guys as athletes.
My prayers are with him, Steve ... praise God for the monies raised and the fact that he has a strong family structure!
Schultzy what a fine young man your cousin is! Please provide an address for those here that would care to make a donation.
I can't find anything anywhere saying where to send donations Scot. If I do I'll post a link. Hell of a good Idea Scot, thanks much for the great thought!
Im glad your cousin is in good spirits Steve, that means EVERYTHING in this world. I believe that you 2 will have many more memories in the woods.
Wow, that's a great story, Steve. Your cousin is certainly a strong individual, especially to have a career that was big as his ended like that. Glad he is doing well, and I'm sure he will live a very fulfilling life.
