I’m writing to thank all the people who have helped me at a very difficult time. It was Super Bowl Sunday and I decided to take an early dirt bike ride with my buddies up at the Hungry Valley Recreation area near Gorman. After a good morning ride and some lunch, we decided to take a 20-minute ride before heading home to watch the game. At about 11:45 a.m., I was crossing a creek about 3 feet wide when I crashed, breaking my leg badly.
I was taken to Henry Mayo Memorial Hospital in Newhall and arrived about 3 p.m. As a result of the ongoing prison riots, I had to wait until 8 p.m. to be admitted. Shortly after, my leg was X-rayed and needed immediate surgery. With no room or surgeon to spare, my surgery was delayed until 7:30 p.m. on Monday. I underwent a 4-1/2 hour surgery with titanium and pins embedded in my left leg. I was finally discharged on Thursday and taken home by my good friend, Bill Barlow.
Upon coming home, my family and friends have rallied around to make me comfortable. A special thanks to my beautiful daughters Cristina and Tiare, my aunt Pipita De Leon, Scott Cameron and Erick Wickland, for their quick response to get help, the LA County Sheriff department and the California State lifeguards I never expected to see on a dusty trail. To Matt and Lisa Higgins, Beverly, Nathan and Dylan Higgins, Diane Welch, Joe Galarze, Tim Ryan and the L.A. County lifeguards, Steve Dunn, Dr. Atilla Uner of UCLA, Dr. Shapiro and the personnel at Henry Mayo Hospital, Brian Merrick, Lin Bolin Wendkos, Marcus Beck, Judy Gonggryp, Kim Collen-Ross, Ansley Holly, Alex Rezai and family, Tayo and Aibee Abidoye, and Malibu architect Steven Kent for keeping me engaged with work.
These fine people have met every need imaginable from providing food and groceries to a simple morale cheer. I’m writing to express my deepest heartfelt thanks for everything they’ve given. I will have a speedy recovery and continue to work from my home office.
Rick Dunlap