From: Nicki
Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 12:26 AM
So here is a long overdue update.....
On March 16th it will have been 9 months fom the date Marty was run over. Marty has gone from never knowing if he will walk again, to a wheel chair, crutches, a cane, and now he is walking. Marty has been walking without aid for about 6 weeks and just started physical therapy. We are going to San Francisco in 2 weeks for the second to last surgery.
Marty is not working. He is focusing on healing. He is beginning physical therapy and receives massage and energy work regularly. Marty is taking a history class at SLCC and will be starting the U in the fall to get a bachelor degree in History.
Marty went to the Clutch concert last night. When he got home he said it was the first night he has gone out and felt like himself. This has been a long process emotionally and we are finally at a staring point of regaining our lives and happiness. It's a good feeling!
We stil have a lot of support from friends, family, and the bicycle collective. I don't know how we would be where we are without all the support we have been given. This experience has deepened many of our friendships and created many more.
10-10-2007, 08:44 AM
From: Nicki
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2007 10:39 PM
To: kenny
Subject: Update on Marty Kasteler
Marty will have been home for 3 weeks this Friday. I can’t say how nice it is to live in our house again, to be able to snuggle together and being able to hang out with the dogs. Marty is doing awesome! He has been becoming more active every day. By this I mean that he has been getting out in his wheelchair. He is only able to sit in it for a few hours at a time, but has been slowly increasing the time.
Last weekend we went out to dinner together for the first time to the Bayou. It was the first time we left the house and went somewhere besides a doctor’s appointment. We had a nice dinner and it was about the perfect time of 2 hours, just enough to make Marty a little sore. Marty noticed the way in which people react to him differently due to being in a wheel chair. He said that people are afraid to look at him and it is a strange feeling. We talked about the fact that if he had a cast on his legs or something visible to show he had an injury that would heal people would probably not avoid him as much. It’s different to get a new perspective on life, from a wheel chair. Since last weekend Marty has gone to Cabella’s one day and shopping to revive our aquarium another. It has been good for him to dress normal and get out of the house.
We went to the orthopedic doctor last Monday. Marty was really disappointed because we thought this would be the appointment that he would get the okay to bear wait on both legs and begin the walking process. However, Marty was told that his CT Scan showed bone healing in his left side, but not as much in his right side. Marty is now able to bear weight on his left leg only and will need to go back to the orthopedic surgeon in 1 month to look at the right side again. We have been doing so much to promote bone health and health in general we were sure that the surgeon would be amazed at Marty’s progress and healing. When he asked if he was healing normally the surgeon said yes and then said that there are bad pelvic injuries, worse pelvic injuries, and then there’s Marty’s injury. This is something we already knew, but not something we wanted to be reminded of. In the process of staying positive and moving on with life you have to forget things like being told that this is the worst pelvic injury the hospital has seen and that Marty is lucky to be sitting. So the reminders are like a slap in the face. However, today is a new day and Marty is Marty again… Obsessed with learning about windmill power so he can build a windmill for our pop-up trailer and obsessed with cleaning and reinventing our aquarium with goldfish.
Marty has been excited and nervous because he is doing a speech this weekend at the Josie Johnson Memorial Ride. He’s excited to support the biking community because he loves biking and anything bike related and because of the huge amount of support we have received from the Salt Lake Bicycle Collective, friends, family and the community. We had a pot luck dinner benefit not too long ago which was a big success and Marty got a maypole with messages written on it for him which was fun to read.
Thank you again for the continued support. It has been three months and we still have so many people helping us through this and reminding us of how amazing and giving people are and what great friends and families we have. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Nicki
09-13-2007, 01:41 PM
From: Nicki
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 12:51 AM
Cc: Kenny
Subject: Marty Kasteler update
Marty will be home today (Friday 09.07.07) at 1pm! It has been a crazy week trying to get everything organized and set up for him to come home. We don’t yet have the wheel chair ramps, but we have friends and family who are getting the materials and building the ramps (hopefully within the week). Marty will finally be home and be able to play with the dogs, get on the internet and just hang out. In short, he will still be as bored as ever only at home. Me and my mom packed up all of his stuff from the rehabilitation center tonight. I have no idea where it will fit in our house. We have video games, games, movies, and all sorts of stuff that people borrowed Marty to help the time pass. Goodbye to Avalon Valley which has been a good rehabilitation center.
In the last couple weeks, Marty has been getting in his wheel chair regularly. We have taken regular walks around the rehabilitation center and a couple around the block. Marty has had a few firsts in the last week. Last Sunday Marty and I went to a friend’s house and hung out for about an hour and a half. I walked and Marty wheeled his chair there. It took us about 20 minutes to get there each way. It is the furthest Marty has traveled in his wheel chair and he was sore the next day. It was fun and stressful all at the same time. I am a super worry wart and am sure I will be that way with everything. Marty’s second “first” was driving in a car today. He came home and visited my grandparents who were doing some yard clean up today. They cut down the forest of weeds on the side of our house. It was the first time Marty has been home, although he only was outside as we have no ramps yet. Marty also went to the church for the first time where he was run over which I have yet to do.
This weekend should be a busy weekend. There is a pot luck fundraiser on Saturday which is listed on the www.helpmarty.org site. I also have a good friend from elementary school getting married. Monday Sept. 8th is our neighborhood clean up day, which we just got a flyer for in the mail today. Marty has been stressed out about getting our back yard cleaned up since before he was hurt. We have a trailer which needs to be taken to the dump, a water heater and many barrels that need to be thrown out and a messy yard in general (It’s a big job). Marty loves doing yard work and gardening and not being able to do this is a big stress for him. So if there is anyone that would like to help clean up our yard this weekend it would be greatly, greatly appreciated. Call Marty and let him know if he hasn’t already called you to ask for help with this.
Thank you to everyone for the ongoing support. I know I say this every update, but it is amazing and has kept me and Marty going and staying positive.
Nicki
08-28-2007, 08:51 PM
Quick question:
Did anyone who made it to Saturday's benefit show for Marty take pictures? If so could you please drop us a line, we would love to get copies. Thanks.
Update on Marty:
From: Nicki
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 10:03 AM
To: Kenny
Subject: Marty Update
Mr. Marty will be coming home soon!!!! It looks like in about a week. I am so excited and so frantic to figure out what needs to be done. He has been getting in and out of his wheel chair on his own and has made up a workout routine while he’s in it, which consists of pushing himself up a steep hill over and over until he is drenched in sweat. That is Marty for you. He wants to try and take the dogs on daily walks when he gets home. He still has to work his way to staying in the wheelchair longer and will be in bed most of the time at home. Marty wants me to move our couch out of the living room to fit a hospital air mattress. Our house is very small, but we’ll figure it out.
Last week was a good week. Marty went to the pain clinic and had some med changes. We’ll see how that works, but so far so good. His pain has been much less the last few weeks since he was put on Neurontin and now Lyrica.
This will be the first time has been home in 2 ? months. Our house is not really “home” right now. It’s a place to sleep and get dressed. But now, we will be able to hang out at home and do the little things together that don’t seem that important, but mean a lot (like folding laundry or cooking a meal). It feels like our lives are slowly piecing back together.
Nicki
08-25-2007, 05:20 PM
Update on Marty:
From: Nicki
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 9:45 AM
Subject: Update on Marty
Marty is doing better and better. He has been getting into a wheelchair almost daily and can usually stay in it 1-2 hours. The physical therapists have been helping him work on transferring himself into a wheelchair on his own. He can do this, but it is a lot of work and painful. However it gets easier every time. I think this is frustrating for Marty because he was so excited to work on transferring until he felt how painful and hard it was. He still does it every day, but it makes his body really sore. Marty is becoming much more mobile though. His upper body is in good shape and he has been able to move his body more easily. He is also able to bear sitting for longer periods of time and is sitting up taller. I look at pictures from 2 months ago and think that Marty has made amazing progress. I wonder where he will be in 2 more months. Our tentative timeline is that Marty will come home in under 1 month, Marty will be able to try and stand in 1 ? months and start that process of walking. After that, Marty will have another surgery to look at on his bladder. They can not do that until he can stand and his pelvic area is more healed.
Marty’s attitude has been much better the past week. When he is able to transfer himself into a wheelchair easily than he will be able to come home. I don’t know when that will be, but we are thinking under 1 month. So I need to start looking into getting a wheelchair lift on the van and having ramps made at our home. Home is not home without Marty. I have had friends staying with me from out of town. It has been really nice to have someone in the house.
Marty has been asked to speak at the Josie Johnson Memorial Ride. Josie Johnson was killed while riding up Big Cottonwood Canyon on September 18, 2004. She was an avid road and mountain biker. This event helps raise awareness of cycling safety and brings the community together with a common goal. It also allows friends, family and the community remember those that have died in cycling accidents and celebrate their life. The ride is Sept. 29 at 10:30. The ride is from Sugarhouse Park to Mill Hollow Park in Holladay. Marty will be speaking at Mill Hollow Park, but I’m not sure what time. I know Marty wanted to do this ride before we had a better idea of what his healing process would be, I think next we will both do this ride.
Marty has been crocheting a blanket for the last few weeks. It is brown, tan and pea green. It is very beautiful and thick. He wants to make it a camping blanket for our pop up trailer. I think today we are going to play with painting and see how that works out. Other things Marty has been doing is listening to books on tape, watching movies, and cuddling with the dogs. He gets bored…..but now he is able to browse the internet on his phone which provides another distraction.
It feels like we are living day to day. We are so focused on the present and each day of healing and progress that is made. Sometimes it’s scary to think about the future with all the what ifs. Sometimes it’s easier not to think about it. We have discussed our future a little bit. Marty is going to spend the next year rebuilding his body and health through physical therapy, yoga and whatever else there is to offer. Marty is also going to go back to school and finish his history degree and then go on to a master’s degree in education. Marty has always wanted to be a teacher. We were planning on trying to get pregnant this August. That is delayed, but we are still looking forward to starting a family when we are able. I think we are more focused on us and doing what will make us happy and going for it.
Sorry for the long time between updates. I have been working a lot more the last couple weeks. Thank you again to everyone who is offering us support and keeping us in their hearts. We feel truly loved.
Nicki
08-18-2007, 03:07 PM
Marty is still working on his recovery and he was able to sit in a wheel chair the other day, but not for long due to the ammount of pain that he was in. I am going to go see him today and take him all of your letters and kind words that you the reader has taken the time to send, he loves each and every one of them and it gives him a break from the monotonty of being stuck in a hospital bed. I want to thank you all for your continued help and support and I would like to point out that there are some new benefits, so please check out the benefit page.
08-08-2007, 11:33 AM
In the news: Marty is being interviewed by Channel 5 today. The story will be on the news tonight at 6pm.
More beneifits: The benefit page has been updated and this week there will be a sort-of Marty dine 'o round. The following restaurants will be donating a portion of their earnings for the day to Marty and Nicki:
Monday, 08.06.07 the Pinon Cafe
Tuesday, 08.07.07 The Park Cafe
Wednesday, 08.08.07 Donate right here
Thursday, 08.09.07 Eggs in the City
Friday, 08.10.07 the Blue Plate Diner
Monday, 08.13.07 Noodles and Company on 4th South (from 5-9 p.m.)
Update on Marty's condition:
From: Nicki
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 3:50 PM
To: Nicki
Subject: update 8/6
Update on Marty
Marty got a new roommate 3 nights after his old one moved out. He is a 19 year old who only speaks Spanish, but supposedly has similar injuries as Marty. Marty asked for his Spanish dictionary and verb book to try and write him a letter. Marty has always wanted to learn Spanish so this may be a good thing for him to focus on. If you know Marty, then you know is always going. He is always focused on learning about or doing something new. Lying in bed for so long is really hard for him. I wish he had the internet, but the rehabilitation center doesn’t have access.
I got to sleep over at the rehabilitation center for 2 nights. It was nice to wake up and get to go cuddle with Marty in the mornings while he listens to books on tape. I am back at work and feel like I don’t get to see Marty enough with all the errands and medical paperwork that needs to be done. I will be able to go part-time at my work soon and spend more time with Mr. Marty. My work has been really supportive too, I’m lucky to be able to set my own hours so I can go to all Marty’s medical appointments with him.
His pain has decreased after he was put on Neurontin about a week ago, a nerve pain medication. Marty is starting to seam more like himself, joking around and being more social, since his pain has gotten more manageable. I can actually touch his toes without him flinching and I keep sneaking touches on his legs and feet when I do physical therapy with him and he is not flinching as much in those areas either.
The bicycle benefit last Saturday for Marty went really well. It was cool because it was the first family event for Marty and there were children who participated in the ride from Liberty Park. Thank you Erin and the Bicycle Collective and everyone else who has helped organize events, volunteered at them, and participated in them. I was surprised and happy to see all the people who participated in the bike ride. It’s very inspirational to have so much support. Marty loved hearing about it and wished he could have been there. The allycat ride afterwards was something he wished he could do. We have always loved taking night bike rides around town.
The Bicycle Collective has been really supportive and has helped raise over $10,000.00 for Marty and I. With all the benefits and fundraisers thrown by Piper Down, Alchemy, Big Deluxe, Moes/The Sex Kittens, Jackalope, Club Sound, Abode, No Brow, (not to mention everyone who has donated services and gifts for these events) we have received so much financial and emotional support from friends, family and the community. Wow. Thank you!!!!!! This week there will be an ongoing event sponsored by local restaurants, deli’s, and caf?’s. More information will be posted on the www.helpmarty.org website.
Marty had an appointment with his orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Hillyard, today. We were both really nervous because we were afraid to get bad news. But, it went really well. He has new bone growth and got the okay to start sitting up. When Marty is comfortable with this then he can work his way onto a stroke chair (which is a mix between a stretcher and wheel chair), then wheelchair. I know that Marty will love being able to go outside. So things are progressing more now with him gaining a little mobility and having less pain.
Marty is being interviewed by Channel 5 this Wednesday. The story will be on the news Wed. evening at 6pm. I’m not sure what type of interview they want it to be, but I’m hoping it will focus on all of the support from the community we have received.
Marty has been taking pictures of his room from his perspective. I think in my next update I will share a couple of them. It’s easy to take for granted simple things like being able reach a drawer or not drink out of a straw because you can’t sit up, stretching your body, or taking in your surroundings fully. I’m reminded of these things every day. Marty has been really strong and positive, and patient. We have both been able to re-evaluate our priorities in life and on a positive note this is going to be a new start for us. We have such a strong relationship and love for each other, a future together, and what feels like endless support. This is our drive and our strength.
Nicki
08-07-2007, 02:35 PM
First and foremost I want to apologize to all of those that stop by on a regular basis to check on Marty's condition. About two weeks ago my back started hurting and then last week this escalated to the point of being unable to walk or move and a trip to the ER. The funny thing about it was when I was hurt, Marty knew - he called me a few times to check up on me and make sure I was doing ok. Further proof of just how amazing and wonderful Marty truly is. Right now I am taking a break at work but I just wanted to let you all know what was going on as well as share an update on Marty's condition and let you know that I am going to work on the site this evening and try to get it up to speed.
-Kenny
From: Nicki
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 10:18 AM
Subject: Update on Marty Kasteler
This last week has not been much different for Marty. He still has a lot of nerve pain and it is constant. The doctors are fiddling with prescriptions to see what they can do to help, but so far nothing has helped the pain. We did get an appointment for the pain clinic, but it is at the end of August, which seems to be the average amount of time it takes to get into a pain clinic. In about 2 weeks Marty will be able to start sitting up and when he is able to get into a wheel chair we will be able to look at him coming home. Neither one of us can wait.
The Tour de France ended leaving Marty with not much to do. We have been watching a lot of movies and Marty is listening to books on tape (Harry Potter). Sometimes we play Go Fish because Marty is not much for cards, but it’s fun. We can’t really play many games or create art because Marty is laying flat. When he is able to sit up, then we will have more stuff to do. Someone sent Marty some mini origami cranes in a card and he had fun turning them into a mobile. We have tried to do origami ourselves, but Marty has a hard time concentrating that much when he is in pain.
Marty still has really good days and really bad days. On good days we are able to talk and tease each other and everything starts to seem normal. When he has good days it almost erases the bad days. When Marty has bad days it is usually because his pain seems worse or he has a harder time dealing with it for the day. On these days he pretty much sits in pain and doesn’t engage much. I usually just sit with him to be a comfort on those days and help him when he needs it.
Mentally, Marty is generally happy to be alive, waiting for the day when he can start physical therapy and rebuild his body. Obviously he is not positive everyday; sometimes the constant pain gets him down. He doesn’t like people to see this, so please keep visits short. Especially if he is zoning you out for the television. He does this when he can’t concentrate on keeping a conversation.
Physically, Marty is still healing from his surgeries and is counting down the days until he can try to sit up. I have been doing Marty’s physical therapy (passive range of motion) exercises with him daily. His legs are getting stronger. He is not suppose to try to move them, while I exercise them. He’s getting more mobility and strength in his legs and his feet. He is able to give resistance. He likes and hates the exercises, they seem to help the nerve pain settle down a bit.
I’ve been able to climb into Marty’s bed and cuddle with him. I don’t even know what to say about how wonderful this has been. I have also been bringing Olive, our Border Collie, to cuddle on the bed with him. She will lay on the bed for hours and it makes Marty happy. I have taken Jack, our German Shepherd, over a few times too so he can lick Marty’s face.
Marty’s roommate is gone and I will be able to sleep there once again! I don’t know how long this will last. I hope for a while.
There is a benefit bike ride starting at Liberty Park this Saturday Aug 4th at 6pm, registration at 5:15pm. I am going to do this. It will be the first time I have ridden my bike since the night Marty was run over. Weird.
Thanks to everyone who has helped me and Marty, all the benefits, donations, and thoughts and prayers. I have had people help walking and grooming our dogs, cleaning my house, and yard, collecting donations and running errands so that I can spend as much time with Marty as possible. I know I say this every time, but all of this help and support has kept me and Marty going and able to stay more positive. There are so many people working behind the scenes too. I don’t even know where to start with thank you’s. Please know how grateful and blessed me and Marty feel for all the efforts and support we have been given.
07-17-2007, 11:01 AM
From: Nicki
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 10:49 AM
Subject: Update on Marty Kasteler
Last week was our anniversary. Somehow, Marty was able to get me a beautiful ring and he made me a card. The ring was custom made by John a local titanium artist. It was a titanium band with a citrine. Marty is still Marty. He has always been the sweetest guy ever.
Marty has been in the rehabilitation for a little over a week. As predicted by his surgeon, his nerve pain has gotten worse. His right foot and leg is the worst. It often feels as if it has been hit by a hammer or has been burned. I think Marty has had a really hard week trying to deal with the pain as the pain meds he is on doesn't really do anything for nerve pain. We are looking for a pain doctor for Marty. It seems like this healing process cannot go by soon enough. Marty's handling it as well as he can. He is such a strong person physically and emotionally.
Marty got a roommate last Saturday, which means I can no longer sleep there with him. It is really hard to be away from him at night and I hate being at home without him.
Yesterday we went to the orthopedic surgeon's office for an appointment. We went in a patient transport van. At first we both had a lot of anxiety because Marty had to be moved from the bed to the stretcher. Everything turned out okay. It was actually nice for Marty to get out of the rehabilitation center and be able to see outside. I told him that when he is able to come home and be in a wheel chair we will go on short fieldtrips/dates together like for coffee.
We did get some new timelines from the surgeon, Dr Hillyard, who has done so much for Marty. In about mid August Marty can start sitting up and using a wheel chair. He cannot bear weight on his legs for 3 months. After that he can start doing stretching and weight exercises leading up to trying to walk. After he is able to walk, he can then start physical therapy.
Thanks to friends, we have a lot of things to do to pass the time... watch movies, play cards, video games, art projects, books on tape, and so on.
I spoke to the detective on this case and they are still getting a lot of calls, but are no closer to finding the person who did this. The detective said the best thing I can do to help catch the person is to keep people looking and aware of the situation. He said that someone out there must know what happened and will hopefully come forward. I pray that someone will come forward with details leading to an arrest. Please keep people aware and looking, repost this bulletin. The longer time goes by, the harder it is to not focus on what an irrational act this was and how it has changed our lives.
Marty's sister is going to print up some flyers advertising the reward leading to an arrest and we are going to post them at local businesses to keep people aware and looking for this truck and person. We could use some help dispersing them.
Marty is still staying positive. He watches Tour de France daily. Someone sent him a bunch of cheesy 80's cycling movies that have been fun to watch. He has such a life force. We can't wait until he can come home and be a little more mobile.....hopefully less than 2 months.
Please keep your positive thoughts and prayers with Marty through this time.
Thanks to the SLC Bike Collective and Hektik, helpmarty.com has updates and events to help us.
Thank you to everyone!!! We have so many people doing things for us. The support of friends, family and the community still amazes us and keeps are spirits up.
Nicki
07-14-2007, 12:57 PM
I have been trying to see Marty as much as possilbe lately, even if just for a few minutes. Yesterday he was doing good, there is still nothing too different in his current situation aside from the fact that he stated that he seems able to sleep a little better at night, but he is still in a lot of pain. I just printed off more of your e-mails to take down to him, he appreciated them and it is really good to see him smile. If you would like to mail him something feel free to sent it to the address below:
Marty Kasteler C/O Koi
1301 S. 900 E.
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
I want to thank you all personally and on behalf of Mary and family on all that you have done to help out through these rough times.
Side note: There is an article on Marty in this months Cycling Utah (http://www.cyclingutah.com/july/July2007Issue.pdf). It appears on page 3. And there have been some additions to the benefit page along with some extra photographs added to the help page.
07-09-2007, 10:51 PM
From: Nicki
Sent: Monday, July 09, 2007 5:36 PM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxx
Subject: Marty Update
Marty is still doing well. It seems like a slower time as all he can do is lay in bed and heal. But the rehabilitation center is nice and quiet. We found out that his next surgery will about three months from now and can't be done until his pelvis has healed.
Tomorrow is our 4th wedding anniversary and almost our 8 years together anniversary. We are wanting a quiet day and asking that visitors only stay a couple minutes tomorrow.
We appreciate all the love and support that is still pouring in. Thanks!!! I can't say it enough, but it is what keeps us going, sane, positive.
Nicki
07-07-2007, 03:14 PM
Donation booth: Since this is such short notice I figured that I would just mention it here. There will be a donation booth tonight at Sequence for all of those attending.
Update on Marty:
From: Nicki
Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2007 11:24 AM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxx
Subject: update on Marty
Marty moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center yesterday 7/06/07. He is doing increasingly better each day. He can not sit or stand for 5 more weeks while his surgeries are healing. After that we will look at in-patient or out-patient physical therapy.
We are still staying positive. Now is the time for healing. Marty is still in a lot of pain. He is making sure to keep his upper body strong and do his respiratory exercises. He is good at taking care of his body.
The rehabilitation center we chose partially because they have the VS channel and Marty can watch The Tour de France. Day one was today. I'm trying to think of other activities for us to do beside watch TV that require s little movement . Any ideas and suggestions are welcome.
We did another interview with channel 4 news yesterday, but didn't get to see it. If anyone has any of these taped I know marty is really interested in watching them. Also if anyone has saved any news articles, Marty is really interested in making a scrap book. We would love copies.
Thanks again for all the love and support. We really could not being this without it.
We both have so much gratitude and thanks in our hearts for the cards, donations, help with our dogs, and emotional support that we are receiving.
Thank you!!!!!
Nicki
And a reminder: The person has not yet been found. Keep searching and help keep the word out that there is a $3000.00 reward for info leading to the arrest.
07-06-2007, 12:48 AM
I just thought that I would take a moment to talk to all of those that stop in daily to check on Marty's condition. I just got back from the hospital and Marty was awake and in good spirits. His ribs are a bit sore, for they are broken and yesterday he had to get x-rays, so being moved around doesn't feel good. There are a couple of other issues but it is not my place to delve in to those. I did put a new picture up in the photo section a couple of days ago, it is Marty in his hospital bed, and of course he is still smiling. It was good to see him tonight, it was good to see the smile. It's just one of those beautiful things that give you hope. And while he remains amazed at how so many people have been helping him out, I do not. If you really know him, then you look to him. It did not occur to me that I did at first, but I do. There is just so many good aspects that surround him and his wonderful life. So again I want to personally thank all of you for your help and kind words. I have been printing out the e-mails that you have been sending in so that he can read them. And they blow his mind with how much love is out there. It's nice to see so much love in this community, and it makes me proud to be part of it. Before I go I wanted to share a snippet from an e-mail that a mutual friend sent out the other day. It just further attests Marty's poignant character.
-----Original Message-----
From: thbrickey@xxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 6:31 PM
To: xxxxxx@xxxxxx
Subject: About my Friend, Marty Kasteler, and Late Invite to party!
------(snippet)------
But before I say more, I want to tell you a little bit about my friend
Marty, and why it's so important that we help him. You see, it is my belief
that Marty is one of the special souls placed upon this earth. Let me tell you
why I say this.
Several years ago, not long after I'd met and become friends with
Marty, I was called by another dear friend who lives down in Southern Utah. She
called to ask me a favor. Her 99 year old German Grandfather was determined to
shovel his sidewalk and driveway after a nasty series of snow storms (you know
the ones we get here in SLC every couple of years?) and she was worried he would
fall and sincerely risk his life by breaking a hip or something.
Now, my dear Mother and Father (who are living examples of loyalty to
friends and their 'word') kindly instilled in me the importance of the virtues
of integrity in your word and deed, and of the imperitive need to be fiercely
loyal to your friends and family. I hope I have lived my life in this way, I
hope you all feel I have been a good friend.
So, without hesitation, I told my friend, "No problem, Carol. I'll take
care of it." The problem was, I couldn't do it myself! It really didn't take
me very long to decide who to call, because even though I'd only known Marty for
a relatively short time, I had recognized in him the virtues of unquestionable
generosity and kindness, sincerity, dependability, and compassion. You see,
Marty grew up helping to care for his severly handicapped sister.
On the phone with Marty I began to explain how important this person down
in Monticello was to me, and how much I would be indebted to him if......., and
Marty cut me off and says, "Don't worry about it, Tom. What do you need? and
where do I need to go?"
It was years later that I learned in a casual conversation that Marty and
Opa had become close friends. It turns out Marty had continued to go up there
multiple times to help shovel snow, without being asked or paid. He even went
up there 6 months later in the Autumn and raked his leaves.
What kind of a person does that sort of thing?? Goes out of his way,
without being asked more than once, with no form of payment? who just does the
deed because it's a nice thing to do? Because it NEEDs to be done?
A Good person. That's the kind of person.
And then I find out two days ago while retelling the story that Marty did the
same thing for an elderly lady who lives next to Koi, where he works, who had
received a ticket from the city for not clearing her sidewalk of the snow.
Marty got upset when he saw the ticket, and said, "I'm not letting that lady get
another ticket! That's B.S.!" and so he just went over there and shoveled her
walk every time it snowed for the remainder of the winter.
Why? Because it needed doing. And because it was the Right thing to do. And
because that's the kind of person Marty IS.
And so, now I am asking you all for any and all the help you can give to
me and my friend, Marty. I vowed to ask each and every person I knew for
$10.00, if they could spare it, or for any goods or services that they might be
able to provide. With the promise to return the favor should you EVER need it.
If you know me, hopefully, you'll know it's a solid promise. But right now,
it's my Friend, Marty and Nikki, who need our help.
It's the Goodness and Kindness in people like Marty that should be
rewarded and supported in this world. In this world and time which seems to be
full of FEAR and Anger toward the 'OTHER' guy, we need to dig deep to show the
world that we still DO have compassion for each other.
And now, I am asking a favor of you all.
------(/snippet)------
Well that will do it for now. Keep your positive letters coming in, they keep that smile on his face big.
07-04-2007, 01:11 PM
Reward Information: There has been a $3000.00 reward issued for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver who ran down Marty.
An E-mail From Nicki:
Date: Jul 3, 2007 10:39 AM
Subject: Marty $3000.00 reward for info to lead to the driver-
Marty is just recovering and doing well. No new news except he will only be bed ridden for 6 weeks instead of 3 months. He is in good spirits most of the time.
So after my last bulletin, Marty let me know he is ready for some alone time and independance. We do not need people to sit in the room with him at all times. However, he does appreciate visitors in moderation. So close friends and family come on by by, but keep it short and make sure you are not sick as he still has risk of infections. (That's the nagging mom coming out in me).
The truck still has not been found, and despite rumors their is not one in impound. If the truch doesn't fit the exact decription don't discount it. Some of the news pictures have been different and nor Marty's saying the cab may not have been separate fron the body of the van. He thinks it is similar to a P30.
It lookks similar to a UPS delivery van only all white. We are guessing mid 80's with an older engine or diesel engine. Also the broken passenger mirror front damage and undercarriage damage.
Please keep people looking as it's are only hope of catching this person.
Thanks again for everyone's support. It has lifted Marty's spirits and mine immensely.
Nicki
06-30-2007, 01:23 PM
Alert!!!: Now that Marty is able to talk and examine the website he has informed us of something very important. The truck that was pictured on the site was not accurate. He thought it looked similar to a p30 mid to late 1980’s and junky. Below is the best picture that we can find, so please keep your eyes open for a truck matching the truck below, but white.
Update on Marty's Condition:
From: Nicki
Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2007 12:48 PM
To: 'kenny'
Subject: Marty Update
Marty's surgery on his sacrum yesterday was 9 hours. The surgeons said the surgery went very well and that they were able to fix the sacrum to the best of their ability. Marty has requested no visitors for a couple of days while he recovers. We are both positive as now we can only move forward and begin Marty's recovery.
I am trying to find close friends and family that will set up a schedule with me so that Marty will have someone at the hospital with him at all times (My idea is that someone will commit to stay with him maybe once a week or once every other week). He just needs someone to quietly sit in the room while he sleeps and help him when he needs it. Conversations tire him quickly. I want Marty to have constant support and to not have to be alone right now. I am sleeping there at night. I need someone to stay with him during part of the days while I work or run errands.
Thank you again to everyone!!!
06-28-2007, 12:47 PM
Notice: Marty just finished an interview with KUTV which will air on tonight's newscasts. Earlier this afternoon Nicki took a moment to update everyone on Marty's situation & condition, you can read that below.
From: Nicki
Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 12:39 PM
Subject: Marty Kasteler update
Since Marty’s last surgery he has been living day to day. He will have one good day and one horrible day. He has a lot of anxiety and pain. Marty was moved from Shock Trauma ICU to the regular ICU after his stomach was sewn up and his throat tube removed. It was so wonderful to hear his voice and have a conversation with him. Marty has surgery tomorrow, Friday June 29th at 7:30am on his sacrum. It is estimated to be an 8 hour surgery. He has fractures in both sides of the sacrum. The surgeons will only be able to operate on one side as his other injuries prevent them from working on the other. This surgery is scary for me and Marty. It has a higher risk of infection and nerve damage than his pelvis surgery. I think the risk of infection is our main concern. After this Marty will need a surgery on his bladder in about 1 month. The long term view is that Marty will not be able to get out of bed for about 3 months while his body is healing from the surgeries. He will not be able to attempt to walk during this time. I don’t yet have a clear view of what happens after that.
Marty is so amazing and beautiful. He made a choice to survive this. He has a lot to deal with and he is being so strong and brave and active in his recovery already. All we can do is move forward. We have a positive view of what our future holds with each other, the hard part is making it through each day right now.
Marty is not accepting many visitors as he has been trying to rest and recover from his surgeries. He started crying when he heard what everyone was doing to help us. He sends his gratitude and love to everyone who has been supportive to us and our families.
Please keep sending cards as they raise his spirits.
Thank you again to everyone who is helping us get through this hard time. Me and Marty have amazing people in our lives.
Nicki
06-26-2007, 12:00 AM
It has been a quiet weekend with a lot of waiting. Marty went in for his second surgery earlier today and I just left the hospital less than an hour ago and I have great news to report. His abdominal area was sewn back up and there appears to be no infection. The tube that was put in to his chest due to fluid in his lungs has been removed and his breathing tube is no longer needed.
Today was the first day that he has been able to talk and just hearing his voice offered quite a bit of comfort. He does have one more major surgery coming up later this week but as it sits right now he is doing a lot better and so is his wife Nicki.
There will be a site up in the next day or so dedicated to Marty and how all of you can help if you have the means. Once again I would like to take the time to thank you all for coming together and helping so much in this time of need for his family. It means a great deal to Marty and his family.
Before I go I would like to remind you all to continue keeping your eyes and ears open. There still has been no information leading to the person who committed this heinous act and I fear with other news stories taking precedence that some might forget. Someone somewhere knows something that could help bring this violent criminal to justice.
06-22-2007, 07:39 PM
Marty’s current condition: Marty made it through his first surgery yesterday and everything went well. They were able to get his hip pieced back together and put in place and the doctor said it went surprisingly smooth. As of this morning I saw him, and while stable he is still in a lot of pain and he has two more surgeries scheduled, the next of which is slated for tomorrow and it will be just as perilous, but they are hoping to close his abdominal area up and it looks like the internal bleeding might be under control. I want to thank everyone personally and on behalf of their family for all of the love, support and help that you all as a community have provided. It is greatly appreciated.
Updated donation information: The kind folks over at the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective, who are a non-profit organization have agreed to help and they will be accepting donations so this way business’ can get a tax break. For those of you wanting to make donations through them below is their information:
Make checks payable to the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective (or SLC Bicycle Collective), in the memo note that it is for Marty Kasteler.
Their address is:
Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
P.O. Box 2400
Salt Lake City, Utah 84110
Future planning and events: A few local businesses got together today and some plans were made to help offer assistance. Before the weekend is out I will be trying to get a small web site up that will be dedicated to Marty which will be a central location for his condition, how you can help, upcoming benefit shows and of course any and all information that we have that can help in apprehending the person responsible for this appalling tragedy.
Once again I want to thank you for all of your support in this matter and please continue to keep your eyes open, your ears peeled and please keep Marty in your thoughts and prayers while he continues to undergo his next few surgeries.
06-21-2007, 06:14 PM
Surgeons just called and let Nicki know that he is doing well and stable, but it will take another hour or two.
06-21-2007, 12:40 PM
Keep him in your thoughts.
06-20-2007, 11:04 PM
Vehicle update: Marty was able to write down that he was able to hit the windshield before he was run over, this leads us to believe that the truck would more resemble the above picture, since this would be difficult had it been the first truck photo circulated in the news I turned the above picture over to several news stations that I have been in contact with (today fox 13 and KSL), but dividing my days with work, truck hunting and the hospital I have not been able to verify that they did in fact point this out. This could be a critical key in helping to find the vehicle.
Reward information: There have been a few talks in regards to putting up a reward for any information in regards to the arrest/capture of the individual responsible for this heinous crime and I have gotten word tonight that there are two parties willing to kick start this fund off. I will have more information on this later in the week as soon as I get some concrete information. Until then if helping out with the reward is something that you are able to do - please contact me directly.
Marty's condition: Nicki want's everyone to know that Marty is going in for a high risk abdominal surgery tomorrow and to please keep him in your thoughts, hearts and prayers. Below there is an e-mail and a post that Nicki made to help update you all on his situation as of last night.
From: Nicki
Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 1:10 AM
Subject: Marty Kasteler - Update and Please Help us Find the Guy
Marty Kasteler - Update and Please Help us Find the Guy
I want to thank everyone for the amount of support Marty and I have received. It amazes me at how many people's lives Marty has touched.
I'm sorry that I am not able to talk to everyone with updates on how he is doing, I'm trying to spend as much time with Marty as I can at this time. Kenny has posted updates and information on what happened on www.hektik.org on how Marty is doing so you can check that for details.
This was a deliberate act. There are no real suspects / leads yet. If anyone sees a truck matching the description or hears anything please call the police department at 799-3000. The details we have on the truck are that it was a white panel van. Marty thinks it was diesel with a flat front windshield. The truck's size was probably larger than a UPS delivery truck. The truck should have a damaged side mirror, front end damage, and possibly undercarriage damage. It's hard to remember the exact details so if you see something that doesn't exactly match the description dont hesitate to call it in to the police.
Marty has a long road of recovery and will need many surgeries. As it stands today the doctors and surgeons are estimating 6 months. He has an open abdominal wound that will not stop bleeding although it is slowing. He has a broken pelvis and femur. His pelvis is one of the biggest concerns because it shifted up and out. The right side is detached from his body. The extent of nerve damage is not yet known. He may possibly have damaged ligaments in his knees. His spleen was removed and his bladder ruptured. There are also many other things we do not know about yet because we have to wait for the bleeding to stop and for him to become more stabilized to began to explore the extent of his injuries. There are still many concerns with the risks of surgery and the risks of infection.
Marty is stabilizing more every day. He is very drugged and sleeps a lot. He also has a sense of humor. He is unable to speak because of tubes in his throat, but is communicating through writing and has already pulled a couple of pranks on me. Marty being the amazing person he is is trying to comfort those around him.
Many of you know that Marty's passion was bicycling. He has many concerns of what his abilities will be in the future. I think this is where he is having the hardest time. Prior to this accident he was cycling over 100 miles a week to train for a race in Durango Colorado. As of right now, we do not know. We are trying to be positive and take it one step at a time. If anyone can overcome this it is Marty as he is the strongest person I know.
We are receiving a lot of support from family and friends. Thank you so much to everyone. I can't say how much it means to me and Marty. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers.
I don't know how often I will post so please go to www.hektik.org for information on Marty.
Thank you again for all your support.
Nicki
I will let you all know as soon as I hear anything else, until then get praying and keep your fingers crossed.
Thanks.
06-20-2007, 01:38 PM
Marty's donation fund: This was set up at Wells Fargo earlier this morning, checks can be made out to either Marty or Nicki Kasteler. You will not need an account number, just a reference which is the Marty Kasteler fund.
It is important to note that these donations are not tax free, so if anyone knows of a non-profit organization that would like to handle the donations we could at that point make them tax deductible but until then you may now donate money to Wells Fargo on behalf of Marty and Nicki Kasteler.
On a positive note while Marty’s assailant is still at large, the leads are still pouring in and we are all thankful for any and all help. An estimated 50 to 60 calls a day are coming in to the police department we spoke with about possible suspected vehicles. So thank you and please keep your eyes peeled and maybe we’ll get them.
06-19-2007, 03:54 PM
OK, first off do not believe the nut jobs on KSL's website. No matter what happens there and no matter who it happens too there are always a ton of trolls that know the person or know what is going on. I read through a few of the comments and I stopped - it's obvious that most of them are off their medication and their inside information is far from the truth. So I will continue to update here, and only here.
Marty's donation fund: This will be at Wells Fargo but Nicki has not had a chance to get in to sign the paperwork so it should be up and ready to go tomorrow. I will post as soon as it is live. (See below)
Marty's condition: Since so many of you have expressed concern with his condition and answering hundreds of e-mails is tough when you have hundreds of phone calls - here is the latest. He was slated for surgery at noon today but an emergency surgery took precedence so he was pushed back, he should be going in anytime. He is getting blood flow and color back in to his leg and while he shouldn't lose it, there is no telling the extent of nerve damage at this point. It is still too early. So if you pray - keep him in your prayers, but it is looking a lot better. Also his facial swelling is going down so his condition continues to stay very promising.
Marty's assailant: While there have been a couple of leads, nothing has panned out yet. The attacker is still very much at large. So please keep your eyes and ears open any little tip could help. If this person lashed out like this on a bicyclist, what else have they done and what is to say that they won't do it again.
06-18-2007, 11:15 PM
He is going to be in ICU for a week, at least - so the updates are slim. He does appear to be stabilizing and he is responsive and starting to show his sense of humor. Due to the seriousness of his injuries this thing will be long and drawn out so the amount of information that we get trickles in. We are visiting every day and the number of concerned people really puts it in to prospective of just how great of a guy he is and how much love he has.
As of this time there is still nothing concrete as who ran him down, there have been a couple of tips but nothing that has panned out as of yet – so keep your eyes and ears peeled.
Also, since Marty will not be able to work for a while we are collecting money for him and his wife. To contribute to the Marty Kasteler Fund, visit any Wells Fargo bank branch. Money will be collected to pay for medical bills and their mortgage. If you have heard anything else that we have not publicized here, it is more than likely not true. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me us (losers@hektik.org).
Thanks for all of the help, love and support thus far.
P.S. The news links have been updated above to include today's coverage and Nicki's interview on Fox 13.
P.S.S. I have opened a "Marty thread" under random discussion for others to chime in since I am trying to keep this strictly for information on his condition and catching the bastard responsible.
The Marty thread:
http://hektik.org/forums/showthread.php?t=3466
06-17-2007, 10:10 PM
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Salt Lake City Police Department at (801) 799-3000 or feel free to e-mail us (losers@hektik.org).
Local news coverage:
KUTV channel 2
KSL channel 5
Fox 13
Fox 13 (Video/Interview with Nicki)
The video that aired on KUTV last night: (choose your format)
Windows media (9MB)
.AVI (11MB)
.Mpeg (26MB)
We are looking for your help in tracking down some worthless prick. Last night our dear friend was riding his bike home with his wife when a truck started to run him off the road, he slapped the side of the delivery truck with his hand to alert the driver that pedestrians were on the road. The driver of the truck, in a sheer fit of rage turned the vehicle around and targeted him. They went up on a sidewalk, took out a street sign, ran him over and plowed down a fence. During this the scene points to the truck losing a side mirror (the passenger mirror more than likely) and some kind of undercarriage damage.
Below are some pictures of the area in daylight, and this is where you can do us a big favor; examine them and keep your eyes and ears peeled. Take a back road home from work, drive around a few extra blocks on your way to and from work and just look for any near matching vehicle. Keep in mind that the delivery truck may very from the picture below (and description a slight amount other than color), his wife was terrified at the time of this incident - so anything that might broadly match up, with some form of damage resulting from the aftermath below could be valuable information. There have been rumors that some one has been arrested as a suspect but as of now this is not the case. When this post is no longer at the top of hektik, there will be information that someone was indeed found. Until then we need all available eyes and ears alert.
Thank you for your time.
06-17-2007, 10:09 PM