Anniversary

Tomorrow, October 19th, marks one year since Paul's accident.

As many of you know, Paul’s life changed forever while he was rock climbing at the Grampians Mountain Range in Australia. Paul was a very experienced, safe and avid rock climber. Climbing was not just a hobby; it was very much the essence of his life. He loved the physical and mental challenge, the continuous problem solving and the sense of accomplishment upon of reaching the top of the mountain. Something unforeseen happened while climbing on October 19th that caused Paul to fall over 50 feet. The efforts of Paul’s climbing mates, rescue crews and hospital staff saved Paul’s life.

In the United States, someone suffers a Traumatic Brain Injury every 21 seconds resulting in 50,000 deaths per year. Of those who survive, 5.3 million Americans struggle with subsequent disabilities. A traumatic brain injury can happen while driving a car, climbing a ladder, playing a sport, riding a bike, or from a random act of violence.

Every 21 seconds a life changes forever.

I have heard victims of Traumatic Brain Injury compare the experience to taking a million puzzle pieces and tossing them in the air. The pieces fall to the ground in a littered mess. Victims of TBI often have difficulty completing everyday tasks that you and I take for granted. They have trouble putting thoughts, words and memories together as they are often jumbled like puzzle pieces in their mind.

All of Paul’s supporters represent a piece of his recovery puzzle. Collectively with love, support and faith we will help Paul piece his life back together. Words cannot express how thankful we are to have such thoughtful, loving family and friends.

Considering the new obstacles Paul faces: cognitive impairments from the brain injury, Celiac Disease, wrist injuries, permanent blindness, and other afflictions, Paul is doing remarkably better than ever expected. He survived the crisis and is persisting through many surgeries and rehabilitation. Although Paul’s life is much changed, his memory and speech are outstanding; he loves to reminisce about good times in college and travels with friends. His mood and general outlook overall is also very positive.

His progress is a testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.

From the words of Christopher Reeves, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

Paul, you are our hero.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

The Bailey's