Deputy Completes Bicycle Trip for Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness

In July of 2004, Christopher Wilson was riding his motorcycle at a very low rate of speed when, because of a bump in the road, he flew over the handlebars landing on his head.  Tragically Wilson was not wearing a helmet at the time, and what should have been an off-road motorcycle accident with minor injuries, turned into an off-road motorcycle accident with life-threatening injuries. 

In the crash, Wilson, who was in a coma for five days, sustained a broken neck, broken back and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Wilson, a 42-year-old Army veteran, is now a passionate advocate for wearing helmets when riding both motorcycles and bicycles.  To bring awareness to a “Share the Road” program in Alabama, he chose to complete a cross-Alabama bicycle ride last month, as March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Wilson began his ride on Sunday, March 17th in Athens and finished the 380-mile trek across the state in Gulf Shores on March 20th.  To complete the journey in just three days, Wilson rode one hundred or more miles each day.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury the disrupts the normal function of the brain, and can range in severity from mild to severe.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that TBI costs this nation $76.3 billion each year in direct medical costs and indirect costs as well.  TBI contributes to one-third of all injury-related deaths in this country each year, and 3.1 million people live with lifelong disability as a result of TBI.

Original story found here.

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