March 4, 2012, 6:00 pm

Yesterday morning Cole, Tom and Grant went to Racetown 395 motocross track in Adelanto, Ca for a day of motorcycle riding. This would be the first ride for Cole after recovering from a broken arm. Shortly after arriving, Cole crashed his motorcycle while riding on the pro track. There were no witness to the crash so no on knows exactly how it happened. Tom was alerted to Cole's crash and was at his side in less than a minute. Tom found Cole unconscious, and unresponsive with shallow breathing. Tom saw that Cole's motorcycle helmet chin strap was very tight around his neck possibly blocking Cole's airway. Tom released the chin strap which seemed to help Cole breath a little better. Medical aid arrived within minutes and Cole was ultimately flown by helicopter to Loma Linda University Hospital in Loma Linda, Ca.

Once at Loma Linda Cole underwent a battery of tests including x-rays, a CT scan and a MRI. The tests showed that Cole has some small bleeds around his brain which is consistent with a traumatic head injury. The tests also revealed there were no broken bones, no damage to any other organs and no spinal damage. The only other injury Cole seems to have is a swollen right arm, misc bumps, bruises and abrasions. Later that night Cole was moved to Pediatric ICU where he currently resting.

Late last night doctors drilled a hole in Cole's head and put in (what they called) a bolt in to monitor the pressure on his brain and for drainage.  So far for the most part his inter-cranial pressures have been okay.  The nurse said that swelling can occur for up to 72 hours, so they are checking this regularly.  Although Cole currently remains in a coma and under sedation, he shows movement to both sides of his body when stimulated and sometimes when his Mom asks him to squeeze her hand.  He is also intubated (so they could put him under anesthesia for the MRI, and to maintain his airway,) but the doctors are already weening him off and we are hopeful that possibly by tomorrow he will be totally breathing on his own!

Tom asks if anyone riding at Racetown Saturday morning witnessed Cole's accident if you would please let us know it would be greatly appreciated!

Tom and Rhonda appreciate everyones thoughts and prayers (which we think are going around the world!) and although visitors are welcome, visitation is very limited in the ICU so please call first.  Grant, Stieler and Garrett have all been together with their Mom and Dad today encouraging Cole-man to open his eyes!  Somehow we all know that anytime Cole will open his eyes and say "hey guys, what's everybody doing?" and be very upset that he missed that helicopter ride to the hsopital!

We will try to update the blog regularly to keep a little pressure off Tom and Rhonda and the boys!

Jay (Harry) Stewart, Tom's brother....