INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. -- Two best friends are setting off this week on a cross-country, life-changing bike ride -- a ride that many thought would never be possible. It’s a journey of second changes, overcoming obstacles and making the most of life.
Eleven years ago, Motocross bike rider Jimmy Button had every reason to celebrate. He was a 4-time winner on the Motocross circuit and beginning a new season where he expected to compete for the sport’s top title. But in one brief moment, the good life took a terrible turn.
In January of 2000, Jimmy crashed during a practice for the AMA Supercross at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. It was not a particularly bad crash – at a slow speed from a low height – but he fell at a bad angle and landed on his head.
Jimmy suffered paralyzing injuries. His spinal cord was pinched from C2 to C6 and he could not move from the neck down. Doctors told Jimmy he might never regain movement and might never walk again.
Cory Worf, from Indian Trail, was Jimmy’s trainer and best friend. He stayed by Jimmy’s side 24 hours a day willing Jimmy to move again. Three months after the crash, Jimmy moved his thumb. Ten months later, he took his first step. And he has never looked back since.
“To see someone go from the situation where he was to where he is now is just amazing,” said Worf.
This week, Jimmy Button begins the next step of his recovery. He and Worf are setting off together on a 42-day, 2400-mile bike ride from coast to coast.
“I have gotten this second chance to walk and to use my legs,” Button said. “I’m going to try to do something with that chance that will impact people.”
Button fully acknowledges the challenge.
“Me riding across the country – it’s crazy,” he said.
Jimmy still suffers some lingering problems from that bike crash a decade ago. He can’t sweat, he has difficulty balancing himself, and he tires easily. But his best friend from the Carolinas, Cory Worf, fully believes he’ll be able to make this journey from coast-to-coast.
“Not worried at all,” Worf told NewsChannel 36. “Not worried because I know if he wants something how hard he works for it.”
The bike ride will raise money for Jimmy’s organization, Miles for Miracles. Button and Worf are trying to raise $1 million. The proceeds from the ride will benefit the Reeves Irvine Research Center, a California-based research facility devoted to the study of spinal cord injuries.
“If we can help one person be able to do even the simple things like brush their teeth, much less walk or feed themselves or do something on their own again, it will be 100 percent worth it,” Worf said.
To learn more about the ride and how to contribute, go to:
http://www.milesformiraclestoday.com/
