Tony Gardea of Next Level Management sent out an industry-wide
e-mail last night giving everyone an update on Team Honda's Ernesto
Fonseca, who suffered a practice crash earlier this month in
California:
I know it's been some time since we've released information on
Ernesto's recovery, so I thought I'd drop a quick note so we can all
continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers!
The overflow of support has really been impressive and it's been
overwhelming to watch how our sport can come together for one of its
own. We've received thousands of letters and warm thoughts from all
over the world (and Ernesto has us read them all to him!) and told him
that several race wins were dedicated to him, including those of RC and
Roger Lee Hayden at Daytona and the recent victory in Paris by world
class bicyclist Floyd Landis. This support, as well as the many who
have sent along their well wishes through internet posts and word of
mouth, has been relayed to Ernesto over the past few weeks.
Tomorrow (Tues) will mark three weeks since his injury and he continues
his recovery at the hospital in Riverside. He has been slow to regain
full strength in his lungs, but his overall health has been good and
the doctors continue to remind him that his road to recovery will be
long (especially when Ernesto asks "when do I get to leave?") and to
look for results over time, and not day-to-day. The movement in his
arms and hands continues to show improvement and all other progress
with his legs will begin with rehabilitation, time and prayers .
He has the heart and determination to fight this thing and also has an
excellent support group that begins with his wife, Carolina, and
parents, who have been at his side the entire time. He also wanted to
send along his gratitude to the many who have shown their support
through these tough times. He will be leaning on that support group as
he begins his road to recovery.
P.S. Several programs are being planned to generate support for
Ernesto, including "Fonseca 10" wristbands, "collector's edition"
wallpapers for both desktop and mobile phones, t-shirts, stickers and
other support-related items. Announcements will be released in the
coming weeks to inform everyone on just how they can get behind Ernesto
in his fight!