Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Children Get Teddy Bears At Miracle Come Back First Anniversary Block Watch Event

Top photo: Jesus Gloria, Milwaukee Police Officer and Community Liasion
Bottom photo: Yasmeen, 12, Rasheed, 13, Bilal Markis (father) and Elijah posed with the mangled bike. Photos by HNG

Teenager celebrates one year after bicycle accident that almost claimed his life

By H. Nelson Goodson
August 3, 2010

Milwaukee - On Tuesday, Rasheed Markis, 13, celebrated his one year anniversary after almost losing his life at the age of 12 in an accident. Rasheed on August 3, 2009 was riding his bicycle and following his brother along S. 16th Street and W. Greenfield Ave. when he went through a red light and was then hit by an SUV involved in a two vehicle accident. His brother was not injured.
Rasheed was able to meet both Thomas McMeniman and Harold Johnson, members of the Milwaukee Fire Engine number 12 that responded to the 911 call. They are credited for saving his life along with a police officer and paramedics.
Rasheed's injuries were so severe and wasn't expected to live through the night, he lost one kidney, lost half a liver, broke his pelvis, crushed one lung and lost 46 pints of blood through surgery (red blood cells, platelets and plasma). Rasheed remained in an induced coma for five days, until he woke up.
A therapist had told his family that it would take at least to two years to recover fully. But, Rasheed after three months he no longer needed therapy, according to Bilal Markis, Rasheeds' father. "Today my son is doing better mentally and physically,than before the accident," Bilal said. 
Rasheed left the hospital on August 25, 2009 and his best supporter while at the hospital was his younger sister Yasmeen.
Today, both Rasheed and Bilal have created "MCB clothing or Miracle Come Back clothing," which was inspired by his son's near death experience. They began to advocate for bicycle safety and have made presentations at events to educate other children and teenagers about safety while riding their bicycles.
To celebrate, an outdoor Miracle Come Back community block watch event was held on Tuesday at the 1700 block of W. Bow St., between Union and W. Muskego Ave.
At the event, Jesus Gloria, Milwaukee Police Officer and Community Liasion gave a total of 25 teddy bears to children at the MCB event. The teddy bears were donated by a local FM radio station in Milwaukee, according to Gloria. Officer Gloria has been instrumental in creating community block watch programs in the South side.

For information about Miracle Come Back, check out link: www.miraclecomeback.com

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