SOUTH BEND – BMX star Brett Banasiewicz is making more strides in his comeback from a terrible bike accident this past summer.
His mother Lisa says the 18-year-old will be home in South Bend for the holidays.
In an e-mail, Lisa Banasiewicz writes Brett is currently in an outpatient facility in Texas.
The Washington High School student has been rehabbing from a severe head injury.
It happened in August during a practice in Virginia.
He spent weeks in the hospital.
Lisa Banasiewicz says Brett is anxious to get home and to The Kitchen, the skatepark he had built for the community to use in South Bend.
LISA BANASIEWICZ LETTER TO FRIENDS
From: Lisa Banasiewicz <lisab.bmx@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Dec 17, 2012 at 4:58 PM
Subject: Brett Banasiewicz
Dear Friends,
We wanted to express our deep gratitude for your concern and prayers for our son, Brett. We wanted to give you an update on Brett's recovery:
Brett is currently in an out-patient facility in Frisco, Texas at Athlete Performance. Brett's day of rehabilitation starts at 7 am and continues to 9 pm. We are so very proud of Brett's strength and determination to regain his life back. We have watched our young son become a man of determination and his recovery is a miracle in the making.
Brett's goal is to return to the BMX world that has always been his love and passion. Our family is committed to support our son's recovery and help him achieve his goals. Brett is anxious to return to his home in South Bend and to The Kitchen BMX Skatepark that he built to give back to the community that has always supported him and his sport.
Brett will be home for the holidays. Our home will be filled with much gratitude that our youngest son is alive and is expected to make a full recovery. Brett still has many more months of out-patient rehabilitation at Athlete Performance, but by the grace of God, Brett has been granted the time to recover and to live a very long and happy life.
Brett's vocal chords were damaged during intubation. Brett has a great speech therapist at Athlete Performance and his voice is slowly returning. Unfortunately, Brett does not feel comfortable talking in public until his voice returns completely. We will be posting pictures on facebook of our family's holiday celebration so everyone can see Brett's contagious smile and to share Brett's journey of recovery.
Our family would like to wish your family a very Blessed holiday season. We are once again reminded of the caring community that we have raised our two sons in. Each day we encounter truly wonderful people that have reached out to help our family through this difficult time. Brett's injury has introduced us to many amazing people who we shall be forever grateful for their prayers, caring words, and genuine concern for our son.
Merry Christmas!
Lisa Banasiewicz
Brett's Mom
