Barry’s Story

Site created on March 4, 2020


Accident - On Wednesday, Feb 26th My dad fell skiing at Cranmore Mountain in North Conway,  New Hampshire. He was crossing from the left side of the trail to the right side of the trail. While crossing the trail he lost control, and struck one of the lift towers.c He hit the lift tower square with his chest.

Injury -  The impact with the lift tower was so great that it fractured his sternum, several ribs, and his spine at both the C7 & T2 vertebrae. The C7 vertebrae fracture did not cause any injury to his spinal cord. However, when his T2 vertebrae fractured his spinal cord was severely damaged, which resulted in paralysis from the chest down. He did not suffer any head trauma or any injuries to his internal organs and he had use of his arms that meant though life would be significantly changed, he could still have a good life.  He was flown via helicopter from North Conway to Maine Medical Center, in Portland Maine, where he was stabilized. 

Treatment - Thursday, Feb 27th he had surgery to repair his spine, and remove bone fragments.  The surgery went well, and lasted approx 3 hours. He had 2 rods & multiple screws inserted along his spine to support & repair his spine. The rods & screws will be permanent. The doctors have said that there is only a 1-2% chance he will regain feeling again below his T2 vertebrae, so he will likely be paralyzed from the chest down for the rest of his his life, but we're holding out hope for a small miracle.  On Thursday, March 12, he was extremely fortunate  to be transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston for intensive physical therapy to enhance his life.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Alex Brodil

It’s hard to believe it has been over 2 years since my bad turn! I again am remiss in updating my journey.

Life continues to move forward although not at my pace but my bodies pace. UTI’s still are a part of my life but less severe. We tried an extended dose of IV antibiotics which physically was difficult but we are hoping it will extend the length of period’s in between UTI’s.

I am back into golfing maybe 2-3 times per week. I played in one tournament on the cape at Woods Hole CC for Amputee’s and Wheelchairs. It was 51 degrees with a 30 mile an hour wind and gusting 40-50 mph! I had 5 layers as well as a balaclava. Our team did very well. My coach won 1st low net, I won 2nd low net individual and our team came in 1st low net!! We won the Cynthia Coffin 31st memorial tournament silver trays and rocks glasses with tournament name and the country club logo. It took days to feel warm again.

During the winter I was also taking driving lessons and was finally able to pass the test and get my license again. I am going short distances like to the golf club and PT in Sandwich on the cape to build up my endurance. Slowly I am trying to give Jan some of her life and time back.

On Sunday I I went to the Pickleball court here and they played a little pepper or back and forth and it was great!! I am going to try to get a sports wheelchair so I can get back into the game.

All that I have accomplished would not be possible without Janice. She is the rock that makes it all possible. Nurse, driver, chef, groceries bought, record keeper, maintains supplies, counseled, laundress etc.

Special "Thank You" to all those that helped Steve Kuketz through the GoFundMe effort. We were able to repair 2 para golf carts, allowing him to teach golf to people, who never thought it would be possible. 

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