As many of you know my brother, Bryce Wenker was in a horrific biking accident on July 5, 2018. As we approach the 1 year marker, I know that there hasn't been a day that has passed that I haven't been thankful and appreciative of the quick thinking of those attending my brother on the mountain that day, and the incredible trauma team at Harborview who provided lifesaving care. I'm glad Bryce doesn't remember much of his time at Harborview, because while our family was there every day and night for 3 months as his close "support crew," we prayed daily this would be the case. I truly hope with all my heart, that no one has to go through anything like this in their lifetime. I've realized something I didn't know was even possible; I feel closer to my family than ever before, especially closer to my brother. We have always had a special bond as brother and sister, but I also know that I definitely took the "annoying big sister" role. I'm a bit more cautious (ok, WAY more cautious) than my " little brother". I'm certain he saw me as just trying to be another "Mom" for most of his life. He emphasized many times that he only needed one Mom! However, I know this accident has brought a new perspective to all of our lives and especially my brother; he's the one living this new life day in and day out. Bryce, Val, Madden and my parents are back from Portland now and many people say to me, "Oh, they are home, is he better?" This is such a difficult question in that, yes, he's SO much better and has been fighting hard since the day of the accident. He can walk, talk, jog, kick a soccer ball, get on a bike, go golfing; it really is truly a miracle. However, is Bryce BACK? No, not yet, and he has a long way to go. I struggle answering this question. There is so much progress to be excited about and proud of all the work he has done so far, but there is still more recovery to go. Balance continues to be an issue, information processing, multi-tasking ability, planning and organizational skills, vision deficits; all cognitive skills which take time and therapy to improve.

Bryce and I went jogging for the first time together a week ago (this was the first time I have EVER jogged with Bryce. He was NEVER a runner before the accident, he always thought jogging was so crazy when there are so many other BETTER sports and activities to do). Val told me that he initiated going on a run with her the week before because he knows that jogging is something he can do and it is so amazing for endorphin release and cardio; both important for brain functioning and healing. We ran 2 miles side by side and I had to hold back tears after 1 mile. Here I was jogging next to Bryce when 10 months ago I wasn't sure he'd open his eyes again or even know me or any of us, including his beautiful, six-month pregnant wife. As we finished up our 2-mile jog, Bryce was barely breathing hard (he's always been in the best shape). It was so interesting to listen to his thoughts. He said, "It's not the physical part that's hard; it's the mental piece that is so difficult for me right now. I have to focus so hard just to put one foot in front of the other, and not trip over my feet." These are the things that Bryce is dealing with day after day.

Throughout the past 10 months people have asked what they can do to help, and I have been truly blown away by the love and support so many people have shown my family. However, one thing we haven't done is ask for any financial support. We have reached the time in this journey that Bryce, Val and Madden could really use help with the many injury related expenses. Physical, occupational, speech therapies, medications, vision and voice treatments are all crucial to his ongoing progress and road to recovery. These are currently funded by Labor and Industries. We have also recognized traditional therapy will only get Bryce so far, and there are needs that fall outside of insurance coverage. 

For example, Val has hired a 2nd year physical therapy student at the University of Washington to support balance/strength exercises and recreational options during the week while she's at work. Along with normal medical bills that they will continue to have for a long time, they plan to try some alternative routes of therapy and will be attending a week long Functional Neurology program in Portland. There are some areas of the brain that traditional therapy won't stimulate. As you can imagine, they are willing to try many different forms of therapy if there is some additional healing and brain stimulation that may occur. These newer treatments are costly and are not covered by insurance. The cost will be 100% out of pocket.

As I ask for your support, any amount will be appreciated. We are on a marathon road to recovery, by no means a sprint; anything you can do is beyond appreciated.

All my love and love from the rest of the Wenker/Newton Family,

Sarah