When University student Mike Bitton was struck by a car while cycling on River Road, nearly everyone said his life was over.
Four months later, armed with an against-all-odds comeback, Bitton is hosting a blood drive Saturday at Chelsea’s Cafe from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to raise awareness for the people who saved his life — first responders.
Bitton, a coastal geography graduate student, said he lost a total of 19 units of blood from his hit-and-run accident in May 2010 and suffered serious injuries, including a split sternum and 14 broken ribs.
“By all medical standards, I should be dead,” Bitton said. “The first responders at Baton Rouge General [Medical Center] kept me alive.”
Bitton said the paramedics who brought him to the hospital were integral in controlling his blood loss.
“Whenever there is an emergency, you can always count on them to be there,” he said.
The goals for the drive are to show support and gratitude for Baton Rouge’s first responders and to find as many blood donors as possible.
“[Blood] could save a life down the road,” Bitton said.
During Bitton’s recovery, LifeShare Blood Centers held a blood drive for him at Chelsea’s Cafe, which is why he decided to use LifeShare and Chelsea’s to host this one.
The blood drive will include music by Bryce Cain and Friends and face-painting. The University’s cycling team and Triathalon Club will volunteer at the drive.
Courtney Lang, president of the Triathlon Club, said she knows several cyclists who have been hit by vehicles, and first responders deserve recognition for treating them. She said Bitton’s comeback is inspiring.
“I’ve been around Mike before, during and after his accident,” she said. “The comeback he made is just incredible.”
Bitton called his recovery slow, but said he is progressing more quickly than expected thanks to his physical trainer, Gloria Wall. He is riding bikes again and training for an Ironman triathlon.
Chelsea’s Cafe is located at 2857 Perkins Road.
 
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Contact Andrea Gallo at [email protected]