Brian’s Road to Recovery

What would you do?


It’s an average Monday night; just sat down to have dinner when you hear glass breaking outside. You come out of your apartment and find a man holding a knife just feet away.  He is breaking the glass of the neighbor’s front door while she is home with her young son. I hope I would leap into action, but for my best friend Brian Callanan, there was no question.


Here is the news story that recaps the incident:


Brian’s heroic actions do not surprise me, my best friend is pretty extraordinary. We met on a vacation in 2008, quickly becoming friends. But it was in 2010 that learned Brain’s commitment to others, he was instrumental in the success and support of my journey through heart transplantation.  A truly remarkable human being. 


When I followed up with Brian on Wednesday morning, he had been admitted to the Emergency Department again! Just 36 hours later he was involved in a serious accident on his motor scooter resulting in a badly broken clavicle and many gashes, scrapes and lacerations requiring stitches, and eventually surgery. How could this all be happening?


So to recap so far:
On Monday, Brian...
Was attacked and injured with a knife,
His dog Tilley was stabbed and required surgery,

On Wednesday...
Was involved in a motor scooter accident (nearly killed him)
Suffered a broken clavicle, (requiring surgery)

Within the following days would be..
Informed he was carrying a deadly bacteria in his CF lungs
Diagnosed with Pneumonia
Forced to perform excruciatingly painful Chest Physical Therapy (CPT) with the broken clavicle


For the past 15 years, Brian has run the foundation he incorporated (Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation) to assist others living with cystic fibrosis to make the most out of life through participation in recreation and exercise.  He is a testimony to the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. He cares not only about his own health, but about the well being of others.


Right now keeping Brian’s spirits high is critically important. The support from friends and family have been invaluable. I know that his wedding in just 74 days to his love Marissa is what keeps him strong and focused.


I think thi story is a reminder that life can change in an instant. It is also a reminder how selfless some people are. Brian is the good we hope to see in the world, in ourselves.


What would you do?
Would you be willing to help someone, who has helped so many?






My goal with this Go Fund Me campaign is to assist Brain with his medical expenses along with the veterinary bills, the legal bills and the house repairs necessary to return home.  In addition, I hope each of you may share this story and stay tuned for updates on the remarkable miracle that is Brian Callanan. Thank you