Jul 28, 2022 Reporting from Niles, MI
Scratched but not broken - Don Wilson
https://www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/how-we-compare/our-patients/Detail/scratched-but-not-broken/?utm_source=Scratched_but_not_broken&utm_medium=PatientStory_Landing&utm_campaign=InternalPages
Jul 28, 2022
Jul 28, 2022
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
Less than three feet. That is all that stood between avid cyclist and triathlon participant, Don Wilson, and a quickly passing car one morning blocks from his home.
With over 25,000 miles under his belt, Don is no stranger to the rules and safety
Scratched but not broken - Don Wilson
SpectrumHealth Lakeland
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Scratched but not broken - Don Wilson
Jul, 2022
Less than three feet. That is all that stood between avid cyclist and triathlon participant, Don Wilson, and a quickly passing car one morning blocks from his home.
With over 25,000 miles under his belt, Don is no stranger to the rules and safety precautions of riding a bicycle on the road. He is an advocate for wearing proper gear, like a safety helmet, obeying traffic laws, and even uses a GPS traffic radar system which alerts him of nearing cars.
While Don biked his training route, his GPS system notified him of an approaching car. The car was inching close into his pathway, so Don slowed his speed. The car passed by him and left behind a large gust of wind aimed directly at Don. It threw him off his bike and into the street.
“It was as if someone shoved my entire right side as hard as they could,” said Don. “I could feel my knee hit, then my hip, my shoulder, and my helmet. My body struck the pavement so fast I didn’t have time to brace myself.”
Don was knocked unconscious in the middle of the road while a bystander quickly called 9-1-1. He regained consciousness as the ambulance arrived and was taken to the emergency department at Spectrum Health Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph.
As a most welcoming sign of coincidence, fellow triathlete and friend, Jodi Peppers, RN, was working in the emergency department when Don arrived. Seeing a friendly face as he entered a scary situation helped put him at ease.
“We see trauma every day as part of our jobs, but our patients and our families do not,” said Jodi. “It’s important to not only treat our patients' injuries but also to provide care with compassion.”
Jodi aided in getting Don triaged and prepared him to be evaluated by the doctor. Jodi knew how costly biking gear can be, so she took the added time to help the care team remove Don’s gear without having to cut it. She also contacted Don’s wife and daughter to provide them with updates about his care.
“We’re fortunate to have a health care system that’s filled with our friends and neighbors,” said Don. “Some way or another you know someone who works for Lakeland and it’s nice knowing you’re in caring hands.”
Following his head scan, Don met with his neurology care team. He learned that wearing his helmet likely saved him from serious brain damage or death.
“I was lucky to have only suffered bruises and a concussion,” said Don. “If I would not have been wearing my helmet this would have been a different story.”
Don began to heal and recover. He was determined to get back on his bike so he could enjoy doing what he loves.
“It was tough getting back on the bike at first but letting something stop me is not who I am,” said Don. “I continue to ride, be as safe as I can, and be thankful for the life I have.”
Since the accident Don has completed two major Ironman 70.3 triathlon races. At both races Don wore his scratched-up helmet he had on during the accident as a symbol of what he’s overcome in life.
“It’s a reminder that even if you take precautions to ride safely you can still be injured,” said Don.
According to Michigan Law, drivers must give at least three feet of space for people who are on the roadway, shoulder, or in a bike lane. These few extra feet make all the difference keeping bicyclists, runners, and walkers safe.
“Whether you’re an adult or child on a bike, it’s important to learn the laws of the road and always wear a helmet. It’s also a good reminder for drivers to stay alert while driving. It could save a life.”