Two updates: Steve, Fall seminar

[Mike Dolan Fliss]

Hello all, 

I have two updates to share.

First, an update about Steve Kaufmann, our long-time teacher and friend for many of us. Steve was in a very serious bike crash in July. In trying to avoid an uncontrolled pet dog who ran in front of his bike, Steve was thrown from his bike and landed on his head and shoulder. He was, thankfully, wearing a helmet. He sustained multiple fractures and breaks to his shoulder, wrist, ribs, and neck requiring emergency care. Some fractures should, with bracing, heal on their own; his multiple shoulder injuries required reconstructive surgery- specifically a partial shoulder replacement. As of yesterday we know more about his recovery expectations after a follow up visit regarding his neck fracture. 

Chances are high he will recover well. The fracture in his neck is paradoxically a large and central enough fracture to C2 to heal well on is own, but will require at least two more months of neck bracing, through early.November. After the neck brace comes off, the neck and shoulder may take more time after that for PT and a more complete recovery.

Those who want to share well wishes are welcome to do so, though remember Steve is still resting and in recovery - which is a lot for both Steve and Jesse, the whole household. We're a month out from the injury now, with more solid clarification about the recovery path and fewer urgent doctor visits, so are taking this moment to share with a larger group. 

The second update concerns our planned - and much anticipated, I know - Fall seminar. We had planned, over many months, to bring shihans Hal Lehrman and Harvey Konigsberg back to open sky in October 2025 for a Saturday and Sunday seminar and black belt testing. After locking in the date, Steve had his unexpected injury.

Because of the consequences of the injury, unfortunately, Steve and I have decided to postpone our 30th anniversary seminar and revisit the idea in 2026. Steve and Jesse have often hosted visiting instructors and longtime friends. I would be running logistics. But Steve and Jesse are focused on Steve's recovery. I am supporting them as second caregiver - taking Steve to many doctor's visits, helping around the house, and other odds and ends. 

Steve, I, and many others were looking forward to this seminar and excited to see Shihans Hal and Harvey again - and, for some, to see them for the first time. 

Personally I feel very lucky that Steve's injuries were not even more severe and that his strong recovery is very likely with rest and care. 

If you have any questions about these two updates, please feel free to reach out to me or ask at the dojo.

Mike 

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Mike Dolan Fliss, PhD, MPS, MSW

mike.dol...@gmail.com

UNC-CH Injury Prevention Research Center

NC DPH Injury & Violence Prevention Branch

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