Bryce Rafferty

Upcoming July Fundraiser Event

2010-07-19T13:13:00.001-04:00

Please join us on Saturday, July 31st from 5-9 for a "Bash and Fundraiser" benefiting Bryce and celebrating Brookfield High School's 50th birthday for the class of 1978. Bands include Vital Signs, Waiting on Wednesday, Highway 49, and more. Located at the Brookfield Town Hall.
Brookstock Facebook Event Invitation

We look forward to seeing you there!

July 9th, 2010

2010-07-12T12:52:00.000-04:00

Time has flown by since we got home on May 6th, the day before Bryce's 21st birthday. We had a small family gathering that day, and began the arduous process of unpacking to settle into our terrific new home at The Taft School. Taft took a carriage house, located just behind our former house, and renovated the upstairs apartment and the existing three car garage into a phenomenal single-family home that is....handicap accessible! It is hard to believe that a garage could look anything like what we have now. Bryce's bedroom and bathroom, and a one-room kitchen and living room concept are on the first floor, and a two bedroom, two bath, den and office are upstairs. Taft's headmaster, Willy MacMullen, Chris Torino, the Dean of Faculty, and Jim Shepard, manager of the buildings and grounds of Taft deserve special thanks for helping Bryce and our family to move forward with the help that we need. Also, Kevin Conroy, my wonderful friend, had to move out of the carriage house so that we could move in. He was ever the gentleman about this! Bryce has an incredible well of patience, and I cannot tell you how many days are spent waiting for van rides to therapy at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, CT or dealing with autonomic dysreflexia. This last thing is a reaction to something that is wrong in the paralyzed part of one's body. Since Bryce cannot feel there, the reactions include high blood pressure and sweats. When those signals come, it becomes a mad dash to figure out what is wrong in time to have the blood pressure lower and some degree of normalcy to ensue. We have been making plans for Bryce to pursue his degree once more and to find new ways to compose with a keyboard and computer software or to play a lap steel guitar, which I am ordering for him with the money that I made in grading the AP Lit exams in Kentucky. We do not know if Bryce can play this with a slide and a special pick, but it is worth a try. TJ Thompson, a music teacher at Taft, has been coming over to help Bryce with computer software music programming. Bryce is taking an online course on the Government and Politics of Latin America at Central Connecticut State College, and he hopes to have these credits transferred to Colorado College - he is enrolled there full time in September. Bryce's Taft and CC friends continue to sustain him, and they visit frequently along with Grandma, Aunt Leslie, and cousins. Bryce continues with his calm demeanor of determination and understanding. We have a couple of fundraisers coming up - July 31st, Brookfield Class of '78 is throwing a 50th birthday bash for the class and a fundraiser for Bryce called "Brookstock" in the mode of Woodstock with five bands and other special guests along with a bring your own picnic party. Then on October 12th, there will be a golf tournament at the Watertown Club for Bryce. We are so grateful for this support since we need to buy a handicap van and other adaptive devices to make Bryce's life easier. Thank you to our friends who continue to support us, to my sister, brothers, and Mom who are always ready to help with the daily needs Bryce has, to Keefe who has stepped up to the plate in every way, to Cara who is our resident financial and logical mind, and to Bryce who teaches me every day. There is something truly otherworldly and eternal about someone who can see past the mundane silliness, the petty mediocrity that keeps us self-absorbed. In Bryce's giving heart and almost preternatural calm, we have, as his brother Keefe often states, our family hero. - Bryce's Mom

March 28th, 2010

2010-04-05T22:44:00.002-04:00

Bryce returns on May 6th, the day before his 21st birthday. We are in a race to get our new house ready but so excited to have him home. The operation was a great success, and he has less pain and a stronger left arm as a result. Sometimes, he has slight finger movement in the right hand. Keep the faith! He hopes to take online courses this summer.

March 3rd, 2010

2010-03-03T23:22:00.002-05:00

Good news! The surgeon's assistant informed Bryce's Dad that the operation was a huge success. The cyst was bigger than expected, but it collapsed on its own, and Dr. Falci did not have to insert a shunt in the spinal cord. Bryce's pain in his left shoulder and pectoral region has disappeared and he is gaining some touch sensation in his thumb and third fingers! His recovery is in the percentage of patients who will undoubtedly have big gains in the next 6 months after the operation. He said that Bryce had a lot of scar tissue, and that he cut enough away to make a difference. The huge cyst also responded to draining, and so that is another good sign. Bryce finally got some sleep this afternoon. Full steam ahead!

March 1st, 2010

2010-03-02T07:55:00.002-05:00

I have some good news tonight. Bryce can lift his left arm high up to his ear, and the rotation of his right wrist is better as well! He goes into surgery tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. to have fluid in the spinal cord and a cyst removed. Pray for more movement regained.

The second piece of good news is that it looks very likely that the dock from which Bryce incurred his spinal cord injury will be removed in Prangins, Switzerland. The mayor and Canton of Vaud have approved the removal by June if there is no public protest. It was a very good day, and we hope for a successful surgery tomorrow.

February 24th, 2010

2010-03-02T07:54:00.001-05:00

Please join the facebook group, Supprimer le ponton de Promenthoux/Prangins. If you do, you will join in the protest to remove the dock from which Bryce suffered his spinal cord injury. Bryce is the third injury, with the first in 1988, resulting in a man who is quadraplegic like Bryce, and then in 2004, another young boy died. The town and county decided to leave the dock in place.

February 8th, 2010

2010-02-10T17:18:00.002-05:00

Super Bowl party, Colorado College friends, chili, a great game, Bryce, and brother Glenn. Bryce is doing well, and he really has the best friends in the world. Thank you to all of them - whether here or reading this. Skyped with Martin and John Leen today! So good to hear and see friends from Switzerland who are with us now on this journey forward.

- Bryce's Mom

February 6th, 2010

2010-02-10T17:17:00.002-05:00

Here with Bryce in Denver, watching college basketball and planning our Super Bowl party with his friends and Uncle Glenn for tomorrow. I learned how to transfer him to the car, and we took off to the mountains for some views and snow. The transfer is easy, and it gives us so much more mobility. So happy to be here!

-Bryce's Mom

January 18th, 2010

2010-01-22T11:06:00.003-05:00

Farewell to Switzerland! Goodbye for now to all of our friends there, and thank you for helping us to step across the threshold into this new existence. Parting really IS sweet sorrow...

We are checked in to Craig and everything is great here. Bryce has been through initial tests and will be back in the chair touring the facility this afternoon. The travel went well with no complications. We're just a little tired from almost 24 hours of travel. Nine Colorado College friends welcomed Bryce at Craig... upon arrival with laughs, hugs, and McDonalds burgers and fries. Really cool and uplifting.

December 25th, 2009

2009-12-26T08:32:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas from Bryce, Keefe, Adam and me to all of our family and friends! It is now ten p,m., and although we have no stockings hung by the chimney this year, all of us are turning in for an early night. I managed to get some xmas presents late today, and I am cooking chicken paprikash for dinner tomorrow. Our friend, Martin, will join us.

December 11th, 2009

2009-12-12T14:29:00.003-05:00

Just got GREAT NEWS!!! Bryce's triceps are coming back, and so is his wrist power on BOTH the left and the right sides! Hurray! These are real miracles that will make a difference in his life.

December 10th, 2009

2009-12-12T14:29:00.000-05:00

Cheers from Nottwil, Switzerland. Bryce looks stronger every day! Tonight we watched a wheelchair rugby video (otherwise called Murderball), and he looked like he might be interested in such competition down the road. For now, his left arm improves, and he is working on gaining more independence. I hope that everyone is enjoying the beginning of the holiday season.

December 7th, 2009

2009-12-07T20:19:00.003-05:00

Hey guys. Thanks so much for keeping in touch over the past month or so. Things are definitely getting Christmasy here in Switzerland. Snow is falling in the mountains, and the lights are going up all around the town of Nottwil.

They even have St. Nicholas in his Catholic bishop costume and two sidekicks with black robes and black body and face paint who strangely remind me of Darth Maul from Star Wars.

Apparently if you are bad, the men in black carry the kids away to scare them into better behavior. I went into Luzern the other day, and hit up the American classics - Starbucks and McDonalds. I've never seen so many big Macs in my life. We are not the only ones who make McDonalds the number one food chain in the world! 23 francs (dollars) later plus Starbucks is a 40 dollar day...

- Bryce

Tuesday, November 25th 2009

2009-11-25T08:59:00.002-05:00

I am so sorry that I have been silent for a while. We have had many, wonderful visits from Colorado College friends and family, and more to come from the Sproles (Agawam and CC friends) and Pete and Moira James (Taft friends), and these contacts along with Facebook, Blog, and website communications have been a mainstay of support for Bryce and our family.

Yet the truth is that I also have not written since there are times when I have needed to spend some time in a quiet, interior world, drawing strength and "digging deep" in the well of all that I have learned in childhood, as an adult, and through work and the people I love. I hear these voices from the past and prese...

Bryce continues to astound me every day. He has his wit intact, and while we have sad moments and some tears, he will suddenly come up with a comment that makes everyone around him laugh. He and his roommate, Martin, have a great friendship, and even now, they are falling asleep to the opening scenes of "The Big Lebowski."

There really is nothing, I believe, to compare to the care that he is receiving at The Swiss Paraplegic Center, and progress is made each day in independent tasks. Right now, Bryce is striving to use a manual rather than an electric wheelchair, and trying to tackle as much as he can while his left arm is recovering, and he is continuing to get some help with acupuncture, electric therapy, and inhalation therapy.

So much of our daily inspiration comes from listening to music, and the reggae and jazz have been so important for Bryce's mood and mine. Here is a song that is a favorite and that really sums up our overall approach to the future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx1XMgY9cN8

Despite the fact that the band is hanging from parapets, and this is just a soundcheck, the message is "Don't worry about a thing 'cause every little thing is going to be alright. . ." For all of our friends, "This is my message to you."

--Bryce's Mother

November 6th, 2009

2009-11-06T09:38:00.002-05:00

This is Cara, Bryce's cousin - I went to visit him this week in Switzerland. I walked into his room with a mixed feeling of happiness, nervousness, and shock. But, nevertheless, I walked in smiling and there he was smiling back at me. The same Bryce I've known for 20 years of my life. The same person who on every holiday we would sit down with me - looking at our family going "oh lord, gotta love them." While he is still this same person, he is so much more...his understanding of life and inner strength that is showing through as a result of this life changing accident is incomprehensible.

I was very impressed with the hospital. They put a lot of thought into the initial design and have developed the programs to be well rounded. The language barrier is definitely a challenge for Bryce, as well as my Aunt Jen, but they are both dealing with it in the most positive way possible. He started music therapy this week, which should prove to be a very important part (as you all know Bryce) of his rehab. He is also doing art therapy as well as some more basic physical therapies until he gets stronger to push harder in more intense rehab sessions.

While I was there, my Aunt Jen and Bryce discussed some of the possibilities of returning to the US for rehab. I know he is seriously considering Craig in Denver right now - that way he can be closer to CC and all of his friends out there...not to mention that he just misses Colorado so much.
Just wanted to let you all know how he was doing from a different perspective. He is still full of love and his smile has the power to captivate the entire room...

October 31st, 2009

2009-11-01T06:59:00.001-05:00

This is Bryce's Mom sending an update. We received an awesome package from Liz Toner, and Bryce loved all of the contents! Sonya's gorgeous wall hanging has been something that we gaze at each day. It is the tree of life, and I will take a picture of it and post it.

One hot item in the box for Bryce was a Pabst Blue Ribbon sweatshirt. Liz's favorite Kanga from when she was little was so touching! We will take care of it, Liz, and send it back with Mike when he visits in two weeks. We also received another box of gifts and cards from the Taft School. There is no way that we would get through this without our friends and the support of Taft.

Bryce's left arm is showing signs of improvement, and he has his old wit and sarcasm in place! I get most of it! Maybe that is one of the things that Moms are for...We look forward to Bryce's cousin, Cara, coming to visit on Monday. She will be followed by Grandma, Mike Arnsteen, Aunt Leslie and cousin Emily.

We have made some new friends, including an American quadraplegic rugby player named Tim, and two American who work for the research division of the Swiss Paraplegic Center. Dr. Aebli continues to visit Bryce on a regular basis (one of his surgeons), and today he brought delicious Swiss cookies from Basel - Basler Lackerli.

On Monday, I am going to see if I can get Sky TV for Bryce so that he can see some American football. My free time is spent walking and swimming, and these activities keep me from the early days of tears. Memories of Bryce's childhood flood in, but here he is....still the same man I love and feel so proud to have raised.

Bryce still thinks about CC, his friends, the lost semester in Geneva, his passions for skiing and guitar. He is getting acupuncture and art therapy, and soon will have music therapy with some computer composing. I can see him in a wheelchair in the future, but I also have a gut feeling that he will recover a great deal of movement. Perhaps that is a mother's faith. Cheers to my friends!

October 21st, 2009

2009-10-22T20:51:00.001-04:00

Howdy all! I finally have my computer back after my Mom spilled water on the keyboard. I am now in a very nice room with 3 roommates. The one next to me, Martin, speaks really good English and is good dude. Unfortunately, at night there is a chance for monstrous snoring from the other side of the room.

Rehab is going pretty slow as my left arm continues to be stagnant in recovery. I am doing okay mentally, although there is no escaping the harsh realities of paralysis. I really appreciate all of your thoughts. As of now, I am potentially considering moving to the Craig facility in Denver sometime this winter if there is space. I encourage you all to live life to the fullest, and to keep in touch.

October 14th, 2009

2009-10-15T12:07:00.003-04:00

Life away from ICU has already proved to be better and more relaxed. I now share a large room with three other people and enjoy sweeping views of the town and surrounding mountains. My Uncle Adam arrived today, and he will stay a week. I'm excited to make some headway toward autonomy.

Thank you all for your continued support and know that I am superb hands here in Switzerland, and I will be working hard throughout the next nine months. In the mean time, if anyone knows a good way to watch NFL games on line, let me know. I have been watching SOCCER for about a month and half straight (in German and Italian...)! To all those at CC, watch out for all those "lions, tigers, and bears," but enjoy the bounties of Colorado for me.

October 12th, 2009

2009-10-13T08:59:00.002-04:00

Bryce has the tracheotomy out, and he has already moved into his new, shared room with terrific alpine views and an awesome roommate named Martin! Hurray! This is a big day, and the sun is shining with cool mountain breezes. We expect snow on the mountains tomorrow, and fall is finally here.

October 11th, 2009

2009-10-13T08:58:00.002-04:00

Bryce will have the tracheotomy out today, and he moves out of ICU tomorrow. He will have a primary caregiver who is American and who coached quadraplegic and paraplegic skiing in Durango, CO His name is Curtis, and he already knew Bryce (because I have searched for every English-speaking and inspiring individual here in the first month!). Bryce also will have a roommate who is a new friend from Austria and who speaks fluent English. My brother, Adam, arrives on Tuesday for a week, and I am looking forward to seeing him!

October 9th, 2009

2009-10-10T13:25:00.002-04:00

I was visited by Spira today, which lifted the spirits. I have one day left in ICU, and then I will start a rigorous rehabilitation for the next six months. The tracheotomy comes out tomorrow too. Thank you all so much for the positive thoughts that keep me going in the hard times.

October 7th, 2009 (from Bryce's mother)

2009-10-08T07:55:00.001-04:00

I have some good news. Bryce is moving out of ICU on Monday! He will still have the tracheotomy for 1-2 weeks, but his signs are improving. The difficult part is waking up each day and realizing over and over again that he is paralyzed. We are truly in a state of mourning now, and while I can never know what he is experiencing, I am aching as a mother.

I so want to get Bryce to think about the future and make plans, but he is still in that limbo period between two worlds, and I need to respect his need for time to grieve. We miss you all, but here in the Alps, he can re-build his life and then return home with the bulk of the work done.

October 7th, 2009

2009-10-08T07:52:00.002-04:00

Hi. My accident continues to be hard to deal with, but my progress in ICU is a plus. I will be moving to a regular ward on Monday, and I will start a much more rigorous rehabilitation. Thanks so much for writing me every day. Your messages keep me going though these incredibly, incredibly rough times.

I am poised between one life and another. I keep thinking that I am only 20 years old, and the future is so uncertain. I hope to return to CC in the fall, but so much depends on my progress. I saw the evening light spreading over Pilatus tonight, and it was beautiful.

October 1st, 2009

2009-10-01T14:29:00.000-04:00

It was a good day. Bryce was able to get outside in a wheelchair, and see the beautiful day. The weather is warm - like early September in New England - and no leaves have turned yet. Hearing his voice and his thoughts are so incredibly great. We are still not out of ICU, but when that happens, the big job begins with rehab. Bryce is looking forward to beginning that process and re-gaining some independence. Thank you for writing, for the songs, for the love, and for inspiring Bryce so much. These words really matter.

September 28th, 2009

2009-09-28T19:15:00.002-04:00

Bryce has a different breathing machine for a few days, and then he will be breathing on his own. We are almost out of ICU. He has pain in his left arm and other areas, but the doctor thinks this may be a sign of nerve re-growth. Please be true!

September 27th, 2009

2009-09-28T19:14:00.003-04:00

The nose feeding tube is GONE! Bryce is eating so much food that they no longer need any supplements. Hurray! I am still sneaking him real food from the restaurant when I can. Progress continues to follow.

September 25th, 2009

2009-09-28T19:14:00.000-04:00

Bryce had a great visit yesterday with Andrew Parks who happens to be fluent in German. Andrew chatted with the nurses and everyone so easily that we all stood amazed. Both friends had some good "alone" time, and Andrew left feeling like is his same old friend who never stops making him laugh and love life. Bryce was sad to see Andrew go, and, of course, so many thoughts swelled over him about what he has now lost. We are still very determined to move forward, but it is difficult when we are still dealing with the need to get the lungs and breathing in control. The other good news is that Bryce can have lunch and dinner today, and I am going to the terrific restaurant down the street to order some veal and rushtie so that he has a fine dinner! He deserves it after this long wait.

A note from Bryce, September 28th 2009

2009-09-28T10:40:00.000-04:00

As I am drawing farther into the process of recovery, it is becoming more evident what actually came to pass, and in one sense, it is very humbling and frightening, but, on the other hand, it is a new door, which must entered and walked through. I continue to utilize the strength I receive from your messages every day. I look forward to increased communication capabilities. Thanks so much for your efforts at CC in terms of fundraising, and the concert dedication. It is much appreciated. Andrew's visit was phenomenal, and I told him to bring back the love I feel for all of you at CC as well as Taft, Agawam, and elsewhere. Keep up your notes because I look for your voice and thoughts each day.

September 23rd, 2009

2009-09-23T13:52:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone. Bryce woke up last night from the coma, and he had a fairly good day today. All signs are good for continued progress, and he is just looking forward to eating and drinking and talking! In spite of the fact that the doctors do not want him to speak yet, and have prevented him from doing so with the tracheotomy, Bryce had many deep discussions with me today. He is his reflective, thoughtful, philosophical self that I love. He wants to post his own thoughts, but only when he can speak again, which should be in a couple of days, if not tomorrow. Thank you for your support, and every word you write, he reads. I hold the computer up, and he smiles or tears up, and loves you all. - Bryce's Mother

Snail Mail...

2009-09-22T16:42:00.000-04:00

Below, please find the address to the hospital that Bryce is in...for sending cards, pictures, and anything else that represents your love.

Swiss Paraplegic Centre
Postfach
6207 Nottwil - CH
Switzerland

September 17th, 2009

2009-09-17T15:17:00.002-04:00

Hello again. Bryce's operation was a success, and his neck is now stabilized. I was unprepared to learn, however, that he must be in a deep sleep for 3-5 days to make sure that his lungs are in order and that he does not get an infection if th.ey put the tracheotomy back in so close to the incision site. It was really, really hard to hear that I could not look into his eyes or speak to him for so long. I know that this is best for Bryce, though, and so we need to quietly pray for his inner peace and healing. I will never forget his first song request when we were alone in his hospital room three weeks ago. It was Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," and he tried hard to hold back the tears as he listened. He will come back to us as the Bryce we know and love. It will take time, healing, learning, work, faith, and passion. Bryce already has such inner strength, and character that I know that he can re-claim his life and is eager to do so. Thank you to his true friends. He loves you all at CC and holds his Taft and Agawam friends close to his heart too.

September 16th, 2009

2009-09-17T10:51:00.001-04:00

Hello friends. Bryce asked me to update you on his status. He is going to have another operation tomorrow morning to stabilize the back of the spinal cord and to re-align the front stabilizer that is already in. There is nothing to say except that this continues to be scary, unknown, and utterly exhausting for him. We are listening to Earth, Wind, and Fire's Gratitude. So many times, we talk about the split second decision to do the dive that led to this spinal cord injury. Seconds and minutes can make a complete difference in a life. He had so many things that he wanted to do - not the least of which was to return to CC next semester and record some music with friends. There is much to look forward to, but tonight he is feeling sadness about what is lost even though he also has determination to claim a new future. I will update you tomorrow on things. Please pray for him tonight and tomorrow morning. So many treasured moments in the past, so many more to come.

A note from Bryce's mother, Jennifer Zaccara

2009-09-15T15:57:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I had not yet had a chance to learn of the contacts and donations that have come to Bryce through this website that Bryce's wonderful cousin, Cara, has set up for him, but Cara has given me the information about the donations just now, and I am so thankful and awed by the generosity and loving spirit of all of our friends. This is such a hard time for Bryce and our family, and yet I want you to know that he continues to flash his handsome smile, to possess the determination to succeed, and to have the "true grit" that it takes to reach out for life. We are all so proud of him, and so overwhelmed by the love that pours out to him each day. The tears have run down his face when I have read him his friends' words, and it is almost as if he cannot believe that people feel so strongly about him. Each evening, I lift the shades of his room in ICU, and his face takes on the glow of sunset. He loves watching these sunsets, and realizing how good it is to be alive. Everything seems new again, and he looks on the days of the past as "golden times" to treasure. We are going to make more of those memories as soon as he is able. Thank you again for your inspiration, support, and kindness to us in this challenging time.
Jennifer Zaccara (Bryce's mom)

September 14th, 2009

2009-09-14T11:53:00.001-04:00

Hi everyone. Bryce wants to let you know how he is doing and to tell the truth. He is recovering well from the pnuemonia, but he has now lost a lot of sensation and motor movement in his left arm. This is really putting him in despair, and it may be a result of a pinched nerve from being put on his stomach to sleep, but it also could be more serious since it is at the level of his injury. Every day, he lies in his bed and listens to jazz and reggae, and watches a bit of tennis, but time drags on, and the worries and nightmares step in all too often. Please know that he values his days of what he calls "beautiful" movement and joy with you. Your notes are "lifeblood" in every way, and when you have the time, please contact your now suffering friend who treasures his time with you. He has a fighting will, and he has been thinking about what he can do in the future, but just as he builds his dreams, setbacks take away the pieces, and the answer always is "wait".

September 8th, 2009

2009-09-08T08:23:00.000-04:00

Bryce is currently still in the ICU. He will be there for another 3 weeks or so and after this he will move to another wing of the Swiss Paraplegic Center, where he will start his rehabilitation. The rehab program is estimated to last 9 months and then he will return home to the US. Please continue to pray for him as he recovers and thank you again for all of your support.

Shining on...

2009-09-02T20:35:00.000-04:00

Raise up you head, Raise up and live, A new day again right on time, So open your eyes, Lift up your head, Things to be said in this time - Steel Pulse

We love you.