Triathlete George Esahak-Gage crossed the finish line of the Soma Triathlon in Tempe on Oct. 29, adding another victory to a career spanning more than two decades.Twelve days later, he was in the Maricopa County Medical Center emergency room, fighting for his life. It took seven hours of surgery to repair his near-lifeless body after a car slammed into his bicycle at 35 mph.
After years of pushing his body to the limits, Esahak-Gage, 48, finds himself in the biggest challenge of his life. But everyone seems to agree: If anyone can do it, Esahak-Gage can.
"I'm taking whatever progress I make on a day-to-day basis," he said from his Ahwatukee Foothills home. "And in my mind I picture the finish line. I expect to be out there again."
One week after leaving the hospital, the lawyer is dealing with pain and exhaustion, two sensations not unknown to triathletes. But his multiple injuries are straight out of a physician's nightmare: five pelvic fractures, four broken ribs, two neck fractures, a broken leg, a punctured lung and broken bones in his back and shoulders.... to read the rest of this article click here.
by Ty Young
(full article available at The Arizona Republic - click link above)
How to donate: Local bicycling and triathlon group Team Vitesse has set up an online account for people to help with George Esahak-Gage's medical and recovery needs. Anyone wishing to donate simply needs to set up a Paypal account, click the "send money" tab, and enter the fund name.
Web site: www.paypal.com
Fund name: gagefund@yahoo.com.
Information: mikecdale@gmail.com.
To send a message: members.cox.net/janeandgeorge
Information about the Esahak-Gages: www.gagetotaltraining.com.
