Brycon Palmbach Recovery Fund

On May 2nd 2015, Brycon Palbach spent the day in Colorado Springs with his youth leader running the SPARTAN Race. Athletics are a passion for Bryce. Training, working out and wrestling took up every spare moment of Bryce's time and energy. His disciplined schedule and work ethic in and out of school made him a perfect candidate for the United States Airforce, where he was already enrolled in the ROTC program, and making plans to serve once he graduated the summer of 2016. When he was not active in sports, he was working on a farm near his home in Hudson Colorado. That day after running the race, he went to work as usual. As it began to get dark, Bryce's mom began to get concerned because Brycon was not home yet. After calling his employer, she was told Bryce left some time before. Brittney, Bryce's mom decided to try his cell number once again and who picked up the phone shocked her. She was greeted by a state patrolman on the other end of the line-a mother's worst nightmare. Brycon had been in a serious car accident where both cars had colided in an intersection on a county highway. Bryce and the other victims in the crash were being flown to different hospitals in the city and there was no time to waste. After calling family and making plans, the family rushed to the hospital to get to Brycon. No one was prepared for what was in store for them there in the Emergency room. Bryce had incurred life threatening injuries and was in critical condition. His youth leader sat in a chair at the foot of his bed in silence. When he did speak, he recalled the race that he had just run that day with Bryce. Now his friend was laying there connected to tubes and moniters, receiving blood transfusions to stay alive. His Aunt and Uncle were the first set of family to arrive in the ER and were in total shock once they were told what actually had occured. Bryce was unresponsive once he was cut from his vehicle and the paramedic performed a life saving procedure to his chest after his lung collapsed and began filling with fluid. He had tears throughout most all of his internal organs, damage to his kidneys and two large tears to his aorta in his heart which required immediate emergency surgery. He was given 6 pints of blood and had damageto his face from the glass and severe head trauma which had caused unkown damage to his brain. They entered the room to see Bryce laying there nearly lifeless. Nurses, doctors a victim advocate and the chaplin all surrounded them with a fury of questions and information that made their head swim.What now? Was this it? Was this the end? Would Brycon live through the night? His Aunt and Uncle held Bryce's hand and prayed as they waited for Brittney to arrive.
After Brycon received emergency surgery on his heart, he spent the next several days on a "sedated vacation" as his brain and injuries began to heal. The family was not given a lot of comfort at first about Brycon's recovery, but he surprised all the staff when his 16 year old body began to beat the odds and heal faster than anyone could anticipate. The family knew from the beginning that Bryce would need to be in the hospital for months in order to be functional again. They were just so glad that he was alive and were ready to support him every step of the way through this journey of recovery. In the back of their minds they were haunted by how they would be able to handle all the change to their life. The financial burden undoubtably, would be insurmountable...again they asked the question "What now?"
Brycon is now recovering in Craig Hospital where he spends his days relearning skills and brain function. He is healing the frontal lobe where most of the damage incurred. He is a fighter and he is ready to move forward and would love to just go home. The future is too much for any of us to fathom, especially Bryce. He cannot live in the past because he does not remember it, he cannot live in the future because he cannot comprehend it. He must remain in the moment and God promises us that that is where he will meet us and give us what we need.
As we come alongside Bryce and the Pittsley Family, we ask the question "What can I do to help ease the burden?" We are asking that you consider what that looks like for you. Financially, the family is hurting right now. They are in need of any support that can be given. Please donate today and lessen this aspect of the burden on the family. There is no way to know what will be needed once Brycon leaves the hospital and Bryce's mom becomes his full time caregiver. Bryce has a younger brother and sister at home that will need cared for as well.
Brycon celebrated his 17th birthday by making himself a cake with the staff at the the rehab hospital. This year of his life will be a year of overcoming obstacles, beating the odds and earning his merit badges in bravery and courage.
Through this tragedy we have seen the miraculous and experienced true love for others. Thank you as you continue to come along side Brycon and cheer him on in the ultimate endurance race of his life.