DANVERS — Nearly 20 years ago, C.J. (Cameron Joseph) Mercier didn’t know if he would get to live another day, so the thought of getting back on a bicycle again was the furthest thing from his mind.
On June 30, 2006, he was struck by a speeding vehicle while riding his bicycle — without a helmet — which eventually led to him undergoing seven brain surgeries.
He was 14 years old at the time and besides suffering traumatic and severe brain damage, he lost vision in his right eye, lost use in his right arm, had to re-learn how to walk, read, and speak again. He was hospitalized for five months.
Now, as a 34-year-old who recently got back on a new adaptive bicycle purchased by an anonymous donor, he had a message for those who attended the Helmet Awareness Ride for C.J., earlier this month at Western Cycle in Danvers.
“(Donors) please give more helmets out,” he said.
The generosity of four donors enabled the distribution of 25 helmets to children during the third annual event, which drew more than 40 residents on June 7.
“A young boy named Zach came, and he had been hurt from playing football,” said event organizer Bryan Labell. “He doesn’t have (an adaptive) bike, so C.J. let him ride his for a while. C.J.’s eyes just lit up, and he was so excited to see this kid riding his bike. Afterward, C.J. said to Zach, ‘Next year, you’ll be riding with me.’ It was such a great moment. Hopefully, we can get Zach a bike so they can ride together at next year’s event.”
Mercier’s accident occurred at the intersection of Hobart and Pickering streets. He was flown to Children’s Hospital in Boston. He spent 44 days in the ICU fighting for his life, with doctors performing seven brain surgeries. He then went to Spaulding Hospital’s pediatric unit for another three months before spending another year at the Clearhaven Recovery Center Intensive Outpatient in Medford, where he learned to walk and talk again.
About 10 years later, with the help of his father, Jay, and local resident Trevor Hathaway, Mercier pushed town officials to make that intersection a four-way stop in February 2018.
About three years ago, he was given his new adaptive bike and rides it everywhere. He rides it to the Beverly Athletic Club (recently acquired by the YMCA of the North Shore), where he works twice a week, maintaining equipment.
“It has special foot pedals and stuff, and I just ride everywhere,” said Mercier. “I ride to work all the time during the summer. Three years ago, I went to four towns in one day. It’s amazing. I always have a helmet on.”
Mercier also rides to Agile North Physical Therapy, where he meets up with his friend Labell.
“C.J. has been so inspiring to other riders and to the people at the gym he works at, and the people he knows from attending physical therapy,” said Labell. “When I met C.J., he didn’t have a bike. This special man donated a bike to him, and it’s changed his life. C.J. hadn’t ridden a bike since he got hit, so we had to reteach him how to ride in certain situations. Physically, he is 100% independent. He doesn’t need anyone to help him. He has a smile on his face the entire time he rides his bike.
“For me personally, it’s very emotional. It brings tears to my eyes,” continued Labell. “To have someone have that kind of an injury and to be at the level that he is now, it’s just incredible. It’s so special to hear about it and see it, too. You can see it in his face.”
A few days after the June 7 event, Mercier met Labell for his PT session, and that’s when he received news that he’ll never forget.
“After I got my new brace for my (right) leg, my doctor said that (I’m eligible to compete in) the Paralympics,” said Mercier.
Labell explained that the next Paralympics will be held in 2028 in Los Angeles; none of the logistics have been explained yet.
“It’s amazing. It’s just incredible,” Mercier said.
You can reach Jamie Pote at JPote@northofboston.com.