Bryon Riesch, graduate from Marquette University can best described as an individual who knows not to let situations get the complete best of him. Riesch graduated with a double major in Spanish and information technology. His life took a turn for what most would consider the worst, but it doesn’t fit well to describe it as just that because he learned to play best with the hand he was given. In 1998 Riesch had partaken in a slip and slide activity which left him paralyzed. Although he has full feeling in his toes, he has no use of his legs, wrist or fingers. Riesch spent 3 months in the hospital and 27 days in the intensive care unit. “Life wasn’t exactly easy,” he said. After recoving from this life changing event he prepared himself mentally and physically to return back to Marquette to learn to deal with his disability.
The most important thing I have learned after hearing Riesch speak to my Tactics ll class is that one who isn’t able to do some of the things you are capable of doing shouldn’t be considered as one with a disability. I think of it as ability not disability. We have abilities that are unique and could be different from an individual sitting across from us. I believe it’s what makes us our own person. I was intrigued by Riesch’s ability to deal head on with his accident. He didn’t let it consume the individual he was or let it completely alter his life for the worst. I was mostly surprised at how involved Riesch is. He has worked for the Goodwill Industry, Northwestern Mutual and currently employed as project manager for a family business insurance company.
What a personality does Riesch has! When he first began speaking to us I thought he was about to go into a journey that would have us all in tears. The complete opposite took place. Riesch was able to make light of his situation with a joke, but still have us aware that what has happened to him has changed his life forever. Riesch was able to create a humorous atmosphere just when it was needed By no means was his story meant to make us feel sorry for him. It was very easy to see that the personality he has now is the same as it was prior to his accident.
Riesch along with his friends and family started the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation to create awareness and most importantly to find a cure through funding the latest research. To date, the foundation has raised over $2 Million for medical research towards finding a cure for paralysis.
I truly appreciated the message presented by Bryon Riesch. Rather we are aware of it or not we all have disabilities, it’s what makes us the unique individuals we all are.
