Bryon Riesch

Bryon Riesch is an exceptional man.  Most people that would go through the pain and traumatic events he has would not have such a positive outlook on life.  When Bryon spoke to our tactics 2 class he started out his presentation saying, "I woke up this morning, I didn't know how I was going to carry on," he then held a dramatic pause and finished with, "what people must think, a man going bald before 40."  This statement shows the type of man that Bryon Riesch is.  He is an optimist.  Bryon had everything going for him.  He was tall, athletic, had  to many friends to count, people could make a case to be envious of the man.  Then it all changed one night.  Bryon was a freshman at Marquette University and he was at a party.  From his sports background Bryon received quite a competitive nature about himself.  There was a slip and slide and Bryon could not resist a challenge.  He took his approach and took a dive.  From that moment on Bryon's life would change drastically forever.  He injured his cervical spine and became paralyzed fromt the waist down.  Bryon was in the hospital for months and felt like giving up.  His parents were there every step of the way, his dad is the one that he credits reborn his life.  His father asked Bryon if he still could make a difference.  From that day forward, Bryon decided to show that competitive nature he possess and make a difference.

Bryon eventually recovered from his injury and was released from the hospital.  He then had to overcome his biggest obstacle yet, going back to school.  People he thought were his friends suddenly didn't call Bryon or ask him to hang out, simply because he was now in a wheel chair.  Bryon is disable there is no getting around that, but that did not dull his mind or work ethic.  He went on in the presentation to state that he created the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation to assist others that were and are experiencing the same difficulties on a daily basis that he does himself.

I had no idea what to expect when Bryon first walked in the room.  His first impression was a very calm, quite man who was in a wheel chair.  There is nothing around the fact that he is.  As the presentation went on however, I feel like I really connected and created a bond with Bryon.  His sense of humor was phenomenal and extremely entertaining.  He provided insights on the physically handicapped populations that surround each of us on a daily basis.  I was always raised to never treat someone who was different than me, no matter how they are different, any different than someone who is similar to me.  Bryon only reassured this moral.  He explained that paraplegics can pretty much accomplish anything they put their mind to.  There are ways to adapt and overcome their disability and they can go on to lead normal lives.  His story is nothing short of 100% inspiring.  Please take the time to explore the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation website.  It will be worth your time!

If you connect with Bryon on linkedin, make sure that you also join the linkedin group.  It will provide motivation for you to go out and make a difference on a daily basis!