Murray Speaks to Crowd at Benefit Hosted by Nastazio
Oct 07 2007 / Tehachapi, CA
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Pro BMX rider Cory "Nasty" Nastazio hosted a fun-filled benefit for injured friend and fellow rider Stephen Murray at his home in Tehachapi, CA on Saturday (October 6). Murray suffered a career-ending injury to his spinal cord and vertebra on Friday, June 22, 2007, while competing at the BMX Dirt Finals of the AST Dew Tour's Panasonic Open in Baltimore, MD. Murray spent six weeks recovering in Baltimore and was airlifted to Craig Hospital in Denver, where he continues to go through rehabilitation treatment.
While progress has been slow, Murray continues to inspire his family, friends, fans and fellow athletes with his spirit and hard work in physical therapy. Murray taped a greeting that was played at the 2007 NORA Cup Awards in Las Vegas that touched everyone who saw it. Murray is scheduled to return to Southern California by the end of the year though no date is set at this time.
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Many BMX pros showed up to show their support including TJ Lavin, Luke Parslow, James Foster, Diogo Canina, TJ Ellis, Ryan "Biz" Jordan, Joey "Whitesnake" Marks, Sean Logan, Chris Gerber and more.
More than 300 people attended the event and $15,000 was raised, all of which is going to help purchase a new wheelchair for Murray. Peter Dericks from Vans also presented a check for $10,000 from Vans Canada and Vans UK.
Everyone had a great time as the riding went on through the cool late afternoon and evening in Tehachapi with temperatures hovering in the upper 40's. Jay Miron, a former BMX rider who founded MacNeil Bikes said, "Everyone here loves Stephen. It's so cold….he's the reason everyone is here and having a good time."
One of the highlights of the evening was when Nastazio called Murray at Craig and put him live over the sound system so everyone could hear Murray's voice. The crowd loved it when he said hello to everyone.
Others in attendance included Romvald "Bibi" Noirot, Jerry Baddus from Vans, Tim "Fuzzy" Hall, former BMX pro who is now team manager for OGIO, Bryce Sheridan from Rockstar, Joey Garcia former pro and legendary BMX rider, Carter Holland, Black Market Bikes, Lance Boyett from Black Flys, brothers Mike and Rick Lakin who hosted a Murray Benefit in July and members of the Taiwan National BMX Team. Steve and Denice Parslow, parents of Luke Parslow, were also there and are visiting the U.S. from Australia.
Nastazio's mother Angel and step-father Mike helped Nastazio make the Murray Benefit happen along with support from Vans, OGIO, Rockstar Energy Drink and SoBe Beverages.
Keep up with all the updates re: Stephen on our Stephen Murray update page and visit www.stephenmurrayfamilyfund.com to donate to help Stephen and his family.
- Jeff Rowe
