A South Bend BMX Star remains in critical condition as of Friday night. But there is some good news from his doctors. Brett Banasiewicz fell 8 feet during a race Thursday. He remains in a medically induced coma but his father said in a statement that his son has full use of his limbs.
Now his friends at The Kitchen are relieved to hear he is doing better and even planning what they'll do for Brett when he comes home.
In Brett Banasiewicz's office at his South Bend BMX skate park, the Kitchen, there's a cartoon drawing of himself with his two friends Rodney and Glenn. Friday those friends sat in that same office praying for Brett's recovery. "One day my best friends ok and the next day our best friend is hurt and in the hospital," said Rodney Bowen.
He says everyone at The Kitchen is praying for Brett to get better and they're staying updated on his status through facebook. There his mom has posted that they received some positive news from a neurosurgeon and his recovery looks very positive. "The good thing is that he's gonna be all right and be back to the normal Brett in some time," said Bowen.
Bowen and Glenn Salyers have been passing along that message to everyone riding at the kitchen. Brett's parents are also getting the message out through social media and a statement released Friday that says, "Brett's neurosurgeon feels strongly that Brett can and should make a full recovery, but it is going to take time for his brain to heal." It's not known yet when Brett will wake up and start his recovery. "I think the most important thing is to stay positive right now," said Bowen.
Rodney and Glenn are thankful Brett was wearing his helmet when he fell. And they say that's probably the most important thing they want everyone to take away from this, that you should always wear a helmet.
Brett's friends also said that if anyone in the community wants to help they can donate to Athlete Recovery Fund. They said BMX pro's donate to the fund when they win. Brett himself donates to the fund all the time. It's a way for the athletes to help each other out when something just like this happens. "It's a non profit organization that helps extreme sports athletes when they get hurt. They're helping him out right now. They found his dad a hotel room," said Glen Salyers
To donate visit Athlete Recovery Fund Then click on the button on the right hand side that says "make a donation"
