Wow! What a Party!

Hey There!

Well, Brett finally got his name in lights! And had an interview aired on a local TV station! He is still waiting for his invitation to sing the national anthem at a CU Buffalo's home game. May sound far fetched, but give this guy a goal and watch the magic happen!

Tuesday night was Brett's Birthday Bash/Fundraiser for a hand bike. Organized and hosted by his wonderful friends, that proposed the idea months ago. Brett discovered through Recreation Therapy at Craig Hospital, that a hand bike was something that was a workout, but a long term physical activity for him. Friends Dr. Michelle Wolcott from CU Sports Medicine, Joy Anderson (Brett's former co worker at CU Sports Medicine Physical Therapy and now HIS Physical Therapist!) and a host of friends from the CU and DU communities had the idea for a fundraiser/concert/birthday bash!!

Why a Birthday Bash you may wonder? Well, I had planned and invited friends to a 40th Birthday Party for Brett, the Saturday after we would have returned from Washington. The party was to be at a cool spot, catered, with cupcakes, a large group of his friends and the whole nine yards. He turned 40 on May 16! He and I ran the Colfax Half Marathon on May 17 and the accident happened May 25. Fortunately his friends remembered we were not able to celebrate the momentous milestone and included a cake and singing at his party last Tuesday!!!

During the event we were re energized by the love and support for Brett! Fun was had by all!! I felt a little like we were in a reception line after a wedding. Brett didn't get past the doorway for hours, but found a spot that he was able to greet folks as they rolled in the door. And what a turn out!!! Friends from near and far attended the event.

The goal was attained by ticket sales, generous donations, and a drawing for Bronco tickets (the tickets were donated by a coworker of mine from Qwest and my Qwest family jumped in to organize and facilitate the drawing that exceeded everyone's expectations!!)

In fact, the goal to purchase a bike was exceeded, and we are able to purchase some necessary accessories-a "trainer" to allow Brett to use the bike indoors, much like a stationary bike, special gloves to protect his hands and wrists, etc etc.

And not to leave out the Band- Ten Tiers! They were awesome, and so very generously donated their amazing music to entertain the crowd!

As this is the week of thanks...we humbly wonder where to begin thanking all those that have helped us to keep our heads up high through this ordeal and now the homecoming transitions.

Hug your friends, kiss your family and be thankful. We are oh so very, very thankful, just to be planning Thanksgiving dinner with Brett seated at the head of the table.

Much Love~Kelly

PS, I have also added some new photos from the event, see the left side column. Our friend, Jeff Panis, a photographer for 5280 Magazine heard about the event and attended with his camera. Some of his wonderful pictures are included, and those pictures that look like a complete armature took them, that is my work, with my trusty little pocket size camera.