Thank you for supporting one of Dirt Rider's All-Time Greats — Flying Mike Brown.
Welcome to the Give Mike a Leg Up page, created to support anyone who is ready to see Mike get back on his feet! To be sure, you can make a difference in improving Mike's outlook and quality of life. Friends and long-time fans urge you to contribute any amount to help fund a doctor-prescribed "C-Leg transfemoral prosthesis." No strings attached, no conditions, and your donation is tax-deductible. The people behind this appeal are determined to give back to a genuine dirt-riding legend.
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Give The Legend a Chance to Walk Again
Because Mike's original artificial leg failed to give basic stability and was ultimately deemed unfit by health care providers, Mike was falling more than walking and — in his own words — "was afraid to use it." And when Mr. Fearless admits to fear itself, the dirt riding community takes notice. A lot of people have rallied to fund a limb to ensure Mike's safety, stability, and confidence, but we're not there yet. We need more help.
What Most of Us Take for Granted
The demons of physical and emotional challenges are constant — and dispiriting — for a man who thrives on independence and what most of us take for granted. That is, moving from room to room with relative ease.
As undisputed champion during the 1970s, Flying Mike Brown has entertained and thrilled thousands of fans. Now it's our turn. For all his accomplishments, let's do the right thing: let Mike know we care. All donations are greatly appreciated. No amount is too small. Your tax-deductible donation is pooled by Good Samaritan Ministries, an accredited 501(c)(3). Through your generosity, we're able to help regain hope for a life he thought he'd never get back!
Thank you for your support!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I'd like to contribute. Who do I write the check to?
Q. Who is Flying Mike Brown?
Q. What is the monetary goal — how much is being raised?
Q. Where can I get information about the recommended prosthesis?
Q. When did the fateful "last jump" occur?
Q. What is Mike doing now?
Q. Is there a reason for Mike's "trademark" is #0?
Q. I'd like to contribute. Who do I write the check to?
Thank you! Your check needs to be payable to Good Samaritan Ministries and mailed (via post) to the administrator of the fund Eddie Cole at SixSixOne c/o Give Mike a Leg Up.
Eddie Cole
President & CEO
SixSixOne, Inc.
c/o Give Mike a Leg Up Campaign
28744 Witherspoon Pkwy
Valencia, CA USA 91355
Eddie Cole is a long-time friend and supporter of Mike Brown.
Q. Who is Flying Mike Brown?
In the early '70s — when mini-bike racing was just getting started — Mike Brown stood out. He was the kid rock star, who slapped wings on his famous #0 and brandished gold stars on his black leathers. He rode one of the fastest Indians around. At age nine, Mike scored his first victory, at Indian Dunes, Calif., and within years he was one of the most-sought-after dirt riders in the world. By age 17, Mike was competing on the world's stage in pro-series events.
Q. What is the monetary goal of the Appeal — how much is being raised?
The prescribed prosthesis has a price tag of $50,000, which does not include therapy and followup care.
Q. Where can I get information about the recommended prosthesis?
The recommendation is for Mike to be fitted for an Otto Bock C-Leg Transfemoral Prosthesis. Although there are more expensive options, specialists say that the Otto Block configuration combined with a companion "microprocessor knee" would provide optimum stability and reliability. For more information about the manufacturer, go to www.ottobockus.com.
Q. When did Mike's fateful "last jump" occur?
On Sat., June 5, 1999, at a Twin Falls, Idaho, freestyle dirt-bike competition, a Flying Mike Brown jump was the featured "half-time exhibition," where he attempted to fly across a 151' gap and land onto a flatbed. Because of a series of miscalculations and a slick, wet surface, Mike failed the jump and nearly lost his life. He suffered from broken ribs and punctured lungs, a stretched brainstem, compound fracture of his right femur, and the amputation of his left femur.
Q. What is Mike doing now?
Despite being in a wheelchair, Mike remains very committed to the sport and helping others. You can often see him visiting Southern California tracks where he's always eager to offer tips to riders of all ages.
Q. Is there a reason why Mike's "trademark" is a zero with wings?
A trusted mechanic told nine-year-old Mike that he needed a number that was better than #1. Easy, Mike figured — he adopted #0 for the rest of his career. The gold wings were an added flourish, which seemed to capture Mike's showmanship and fearlessness.
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