Anchorage Daily News

Robert Graeber, a 17-year-old up-and-coming snowmobile snocross rider from Willow who competed in the 2008 Winter X Games, suffered serious neck, back and spinal cord injuries last Sunday at a race in New York.

Graeber, who competes Outside most winters, was leading early in a pro-class race when a trailing rider sprung off a jump, then unintentionally landed his snowmobile on top of Graeber.

The studded track ripped away Graeber's protective vest and shredded away most of the skin on his back. The impact crushed Graeber into the steering column, injuring his heart. He suffered a broken neck and cracked vertebrae in his lower back.

Graeber was airlifted to Upstate Medical University in Syracuse and underwent 12 hours of emergency surgery. Plates were inserted into his neck, vertebrae were fused in his lower back and a stent was inserted into his aorta.

He underwent further surgery to remove debris from his back and to have it sealed with a protective sponge.

Initially, Graeber was unable to move his legs. He's regained some feeling down to his toes and is able to move a knee, his mother, Chris Graeber, said Saturday from New York.

There was some damage to Graeber's spinal cord, and it's unclear if he'll be able to ride again.

Chris Graeber said her son will have to learn how to walk again. He's expected to stay hospitalized for another month, then begin physical therapy.

"He's in for the long haul," she said. "We're lucky to have him alive."

One bit of good news: when the plastic surgeon removed the sponge, he was "shocked" to find how quickly Graeber's back was healing, according to Chris Graeber. He was expected to need up to four skin graft operations, but that may not be required now.

He's been awake and alert since midweek, and e-mails and phone calls from concerned riders, fans and family have poured in, Chris Graeber said. Robert has been competing Outside for some time, previously in the upper Midwest and currently with a circuit in New England, and he knows many riders around the country.

In January, he was the youngest snocross rider to compete in the Winter X Games in Aspen, Colo. He finished ninth in the second round and didn't qualify for the finals.

"It's been his life's dream to get to the X Games," said his father, Jim Graeber, from Willow. "Eventually, he wants to win it. The kid has talent."

The Graebers are posting updates on www.robert graeberracing.com. A Wells Fargo and PayPal account have been set up for those wishing to send contributions. Information can be found on the Graeber's Web site.

Also, the Alaska Motor Mushers Club (www.ammcracing.com) and the Anchorage Racing Lions (www.mxalaska.com) are planning fundraisers.

"We're still in the early stages," said Chris Graeber, a past president of AMMC and a manager at Hatcher Pass Polaris. "He's just now starting to realize that he's in for a fight. In this profession, we all know the risks. I as a parent know the risk every day. He's been racing since five years old. You always hope for the best. I just hope we can all get through it."

Find Ron Wilmot online at adn.com/contact/rwilmot or call 1-907-352-6712.

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