Bryon Riesch and Communication

            On Oct. 17, 2011 I was introduced to one of the most interesting people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. His name is Bryon Riesch. Bryon is paralyzed. But this is certainly not the most interesting thing about him. The most interesting thing about Bryon is his positive outlook on life.

            When Bryon was 19 years old, he was a freshman at Marquette University. On a weekend night, like every other student, Bryon was attending a party with friends. They decided to lay down a slip n’ slide. Bryon went down head first, his arms slipped out from under him and he hit his chin on the ground. At that point Bryon’s life would forever change.

            Bryon came and spoke to my PR Tactics II class on Oct. 17. When everyone was finally settled in Bryon began the chat. He looked over the class with a sincere look in his eyes and he said, “I woke up this morning and I looked at myself in the mirror and I asked myself, ‘how am I going to go on like this?’” He paused glancing slowly from one end of the room to the other before speaking again. Then he said, “Man, male pattern baldness sucks.” The room erupted with laughter. This is the type of person Bryon is.

            Not only did Bryon share his great sense of humor but he also shared his insights in the professional business world. It took Bryon some time to learn how to live with his disability, but once he did so he decided it was time to go back to school. He informed us that he had to “learn how to learn again.”

            When Bryon graduated from Marquette University he began working with Goodwill Industries. They were able to help him land his first job at Northwestern Mutual. Bryon informed us that he learned a lot about himself at Northwestern Mutual and he was able to adapt to the working environment. After Northwestern Mutual Bryon left and began working at R & R Insurance as project manager.

            Bryon has a lot professional experience but he has also been a huge advocate for non-profit paralysis foundations. Bryon started his own foundation in 2001 the Bryon Riesch Foundation. They try to raise money in hopes of a finding a cure for paralysis. Riesch’s foundation has raised over $2 million.

            Riesch also gave our class some great advice when it comes to communicating with disabled individuals. He said to use common sense and be respectful when communicating with someone with a disability, don’t stare and don’t be afraid to ask them what happened to cause their disability. He also said to not be afraid to offer help. The last piece of advice Riesch left for the class was to get involved in the community or get involved in something. I believe that is advice we can all take action to.