Bryon was 19 years old, a freshmen at Marquette University at a friend's party when his life changed forever. Bryon and a group of his friends were outside playing with a slip and slide having a good time and challenging another to see who could slide the farthest. Being a very competitive and determined young individual Bryon accepted the challenge and when it was his chance took his best shot at sliding the farthest down the slide. However, when he landed he ended up breaking his neck, leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Bryon spent 3 months in the hospital and endured countless hours of rehabilitation therapy before he gained the courage to go back to Marquette University to continue his education. There he realized the challenges and obstacles that he would have to overcome just to make it through a full school day.
By recognizing his own difficulties and how hard it was for people in his life to adjust to his disability, Bryon was determined to not let his handicap keep him from having an impact on the world.
He realized that he still had potential to make a significant influence on people and create changes where there needed be. With his strong work ethic and determination, he completed a double major at Marquette in 5 years and went on to work with Goodwill Industries. A company that is dedicated to helping people with disabilities get jobs. Through their help Bryon was able to obtain his first job at Northwestern Mutual by doing the coding.
Being able to finish college with a degree and obtain a career, Bryon then recognized that he had more goals for himself and to help spread awareness about paralysis and disabilities. In 2001, Bryon founded the Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping find a cure for individuals suffering from paralysis, and other neurological disorders.
The Foundation holds many events to help fund money towards research for a cure. The annual Bryon Riesch Golf Outing this past year raised over $100,000, and the run/walk made over $8,000. All of the proceeds go towards research and supporting individuals who suffer from paralysis and neurological disorders.
Riesch not only has a passion for supporting individuals with paralysis and neurological disorders and finding a cure, but he also is an advocate for the proper social interaction with people who have disabilities or handicaps. He gave our class some very enlightening and important advice. Respect is the biggest thing to remember, they are people too. They may have a handicap and limited to some things but it does not mean that they are limited to everything. Let them have the freedom they want, and don't treat them like they are sick or incapable, talk to them like they are a normal person.
Bryon's presentation really gave opened our eyes to how much any regular person is actually capable of. He has an amazing attitude and determination despite the difficult obstacles he has to overcome daily. He is inspiring and really gave us an enlightening experience on how much an impact one individual really can have. His work ethic and motivation along with his desire to make a change displays that anyone can make a difference in the world if they work hard enough.
