Hello everyone.  I apologize that we haven't sent an update on Mike and Pawel's progress sooner...I've been waiting for pertinent information before contacting you all.

Pawel is doing really well.  Today, he was moved to the Rehabilitation Institute to continue his recovery. Now he has a new army of nurses to charm!  Pawel had another surgery on his hand the day before yesterday, to reduce some pressure that was building up.  While the tingling that he was experiencing in the hand hasn't quite gone away, it is getting better.  He also went vertical for the first time a few days ago...quite the feat for someone so tall.  He can't put weight on the leg of course, but it was good to get him standing even if it did make him a little dizzy.  Laura Seaver will be flying to visit him next Tuesday.  So, on your behalf, I'll be sending a care package along with her...just the essentials you know...  Like the Star and Enquirer mags, some chocolate and comic books, a toy and balloon...things that the boy in him will like...and something to make him smile.  We're so glad that he's healing and his spirits are getting better and better.  Helge called him a few days ago....a conversation they were both happy to have.

I know Pawel would love to hear from you. 

Contact Information:
Pawel Chrobok
Rehabilitation Institute
Morristown Memorial Hospital
95 Mount Kimble Road
Morristown, New Jersey  07960
Phone: 973-971-8782.

Mike is still facing some challenges in terms of his healing.  He has had 5 more surgeries on his leg since arriving to Harborview, to repair the leg and to remove dead or dying tissue which can cause serious infection.  Mike's leg has sustained a very serious injury. It is likely that there has been severe nerve damage. He has lost two of the three veins that supply blood to the foot, (this cannot be repaired),  and he has lost so much tissue, that at this point, the possibility of amputation is becoming more likely.  Mike has seen many specialists...they all agree that should the decision be made to try and save the leg, Mike would face several more surgeries, skin and muscle grafts and several years of therapy. Even after all of this, the leg may not be strong enough.  Mike and his family are considering the options, but the decision remains as Mike's alone. 

He is receiving a ton of support. Mike's family has taken care to insure that Mike understands the seriousness of his injury and the decisions that he faces.  Sometimes Mike is quite lucid...talking pretty well, teasing them. His long-term and short-term memory are good.  But sometimes Mike gets confused, has trouble concentrating or staying present, slurs his words a bit, has issues about his safety.  It's clear that he sustained a head injury, but the extent of the injury, and the amount of time it will take him to fully recover, is not known. Keep in mind that each time he goes into a surgery, there are more drugs, more anesthesia. which challenge his ability to "get back to himself".  He cannot eat prior to surgery and he is not sleeping well, so sleep deprivation is not making his recovery any easier.  But he has definately improved his brain and motor functions since arriving home, so we are hopeful that he will continue to progress and reach 100%.
Mike is still in Harborview's ICU. At this time, there are no guesses as to when he will leave ICU or be able to see his friends. Mike will need your help and support, when he is able to take visitors and when he goes home. Friendship will make all the difference in Mike's recovery.  He's strong and he has spirit and we're pulling hard for him. So keep those cards and well wishes coming.

As for the guys in Europe...they arrive in Brno, Czech Republic tomorrow.  GT Mork, who was injured early in the tour and shipped home, has returned to the group and is completing the tour with them.  Ah, you GlobeRiders....just can't keep you away.  Remember?  Mike did the very same thing. Helge says it felt really good getting back with the group...they're coming along.
Helge has also made the decision to cancel the 2004 Africa tour, which was scheduled for October. It's too much, too soon, and he wants to be here to help Mike however he can.

Lastly, our thoughts remain with Dennis's family.  We can't begin to understand how you must feel, having lost so much.

Take care everyone.

Karen Ofsthus for Helge Pedersen
GlobeRiders

Back to the Beginning of Norm's Adventure

1st Journal Entry - Beijing China
2nd Journal Entry - Shenyang China
3rd Journal Entry - Towards Russia
4th Journal Entry - In Siberia Russia
5th Journal Entry - Continues through Russia
6th Journal Entry - Marches on through Russia
7th Journal Entry - The Great Potato Field of Russia
8th Journal Entry - Russia Final (next Poland)
9th Journal Entry - Motorcycle Accident in Russia
10th Journal Entry - The Crimea - Ukraine
11th Journal Entry - We have Crossed the Finish Line
12th Journal Entry - Update on injuries
13th Journal Entry - Poland, Czech Rep.
14th Journal Entry - Returning Home