MX photographer down

[Erbeman]

Hey everyone I was just over on Vitalmx.com on the forum and saw a thread about a photographer down, after reading it and seeing a pic of the guy, I realized it's our very own NW Scout. The guy that posted a link to his website last week and we all were so jealous of him. Well he's pretty bad off. Here is what was posted over there:

Hello all!

I've seen the moto community come through for many fallen riders and now I'm hoping you can come through for a rider who was injured photographing an MX race.

Last Thursday night my good friend Dave Schelske was injured while standing 30ft off-track on the infield at Portland International Raceways MX track. A rider lost control of his bike and blindsided Dave from the rear, knocking him out of one shoe. He sustained a broken pelvis, a broken right arm and lacerations from the incident. He has 2 surgeries scheduled this week and then a few weeks of in-house rehabilitation before he will be wheelchair bound for months afterward.

Dave has been a professional photographer and location scout for many years based out of West Linn, OR. He has shot numerous spreads for Honda, Yamaha as well as work within other industries. Due to the extent of his injuries he is unable to continue with work as a freelance photographer and he and his wife already have medical bills from their sons brain surgery earlier this year. This has not been a kind year for the family.

We are currently taking donations as well as organizing a raffle to offset medical costs for the family. Paypal donations are being accepted at kennycarlile@gmail.com, but my real intent for this post is to make contact within the industry of people who can get me in touch with riders and/or industry folk whom can provide us with items of value for a raffle. Signed jerseys, posters, etc.... I will compensate for the cost of the item as well as shipping if requested.

Please feel free to contact me at bvaughn76@verizon.net with any questions or concerns. Thanks for reading and take care!

-Brandon

[aktse]

Thanks for letting us know!

[BCSPhotoguy]

Wow... I am at a loss. I will PM you on this one.

[2whlrcr]

Terrible news.

[NorthernHorse]

Its my worst fear, being hit by a rider....:cry I'm in tears reading your post. I'll spread the word, maybe some riders here in Alaska would like to donate.

[tdinardo]

Its my worst fear, being hit by a rider....:cry I'm in tears reading your post. I'll spread the word, maybe some riders here in Alaska would like to donate.

I'll be donating some stuff for the raffle.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
This is precisely why I carry a disability policy. I've had it for the last 15 years. Shooting sports can be full of risk that many folks working in the industry don't fully realize. You could be shooting a ski jumping event and have a run-away ski take you out (or a run-away photog working without crampons). You could be working a speedskaing event in the crash zone without a clue about how the pad system works and end up getting catapulted into the bleachers (I've seen it happen). Lots of folks think it'll never happen to them. I can tell you it's like riding without the proper safety gear. It's not if it's going to happen, it's when it's going to happen. If you're not insured for it, you'll really regret it. You can get a policy that fully protects you against this risk for about $75 per month. That's way cheaper than $250K (or more) in medical bills....<o:p></o:p>

[nw scout]

Injury update

Well, still alive and kicking, with one leg at least :thumb

Its been almost 3 weeks and some rehab is just now getting started.
I had 2 surgeries to repair my pelvis, witch was broken in 8 places and my right shoulder
was broken, but no surgery, and is feeling better but will take a few more weeks till I can use it much.
I was sent to skilled nurse care after 2 weeks in the trauma ward at the hospital. One week of easy rehab here then its off to home on Saturday :clap :clap :clap
Still a VERY long road to go but it will be good to get home.
Wheelchair and bed rest till Nov 4th. Then the doc says I can start to try to put weight on my leg. Till then no weight at all, just lots of range of motion while in bed.

Other than a hi deductible, insurance looks like it is coming through. A new Mark3 and a 70-200 2.8 will replace the gear that was broken, and my disability should kick in in a few months.
Over all its looking like 8 to 9 months till I get to 100%.

Thanks to all out there who have helped out with donations and time. My family and I are extremely thankful for everything.

Even though I will be out action for a while, (work to be done when I am all better) I added a Moto Portfolio to the raffle my friends are doing at the local track. The winner will get me for the day to shoot what ever they would like. Moto, sports, family, ect.
Here is the flyer I put together for the raffle.
http://schelske.smugmug.com/photos/644537929_ci9Qu-L.jpg


Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers.
I will update again later as I get closer to standing and walking :barb

Dave

[PinkShoesRCool]

Glad to hear the update Dave! My prayers are with you for a speedy recovery! Until then, we expect photos of your view from bed! LOL Totally kidding! Good luck with everything and don't slack off in rehab, it's good for you. :ivar

[Erbeman]

Thanks for the update brother.

[BCSPhotoguy]

Sounds like a long road, but all will be ok! GREAT! You have alot of people sending positive vibes your way!

Now, if you are including air fare for your photo session - I would bid! Mind you, I dont mind road trips!

Keep us updated!

PS- You realize.. Now is a great time to switch to Nikon...Just a thought!!LOL!!!

[wxwax]

Wow, what an ordeal. Glad to hear you're slowly improving, Dave.

[nw scout]

Hey all.
Got good news today!
Doc said this morning things looked good and gave me the OK to try and start walking :barb
Feels weird and I am sure looks funny as hell, but its good to be moving on.
One month in bed, month and a half in a wheelchair and 2 weeks on crutches. Gonna be a while till I hop on a bike or even walk on uneven ground, but its a start :thumb

Here is the x-ray from this morning
http://schelske.smugmug.com/photos/717238656_bce7z-L.jpg

[Erbeman]

OMG that's alot of hardware!! God I hope I don't ever get run down like you did!! Congrats on your improvement.

[BradfordBenn]

Glad to hear you are starting to ambulate. I just wonder how much fun it is going to be passing through metal detectors.

[ian408]

Kinda looks like the rider left a bit of the chain with you :lol3

I'm glad to hear you're doing better!

[rmwphoto]

Wow nice to see your moving around with that much hardware.
I know a guy I take pics with at my family's MX club and he
broke his hip in two places riding a dirtbike .
Spent most of last summer on a golfcart taking pictures.
he's back riding and taking pictures now.

[Nwestrnr]

Hey all.
Got good news today!
Doc said this morning things looked good and gave me the OK to try and start walking :barb
Feels weird and I am sure looks funny as hell, but its good to be moving on.
One month in bed, month and a half in a wheelchair and 2 weeks on crutches. Gonna be a while till I hop on a bike or even walk on uneven ground, but its a start :thumb

Here is the x-ray from this morning
http://schelske.smugmug.com/photos/717238656_bce7z-L.jpgGlad your on the road to mending I've only had close calls and this is my worst fear what has happened here . I looked at your X-Ray man it looks as if the racer left his RK-Gold chain in ya :scratch just a joke man ! Hope your getting better and make a great recovery .... Ed