Functionally, Greenwich is replica uk clearly more suitable for uk replica watches frequent business travelers who can show the watches uk second time zone time, but also through the bezel rotation shows the replica watches third time zone time.

Latest Blog Entry ...

Recent News Alerts
Dontate

Make A Donation

  • Support Carl
    Click the link above to see how you can make a donation to support the Carl Riccio Trust.

Poem by Renee Springhorne

Carl's Blog

Update 9/22/2003


I just got finished reading the emails, poems and well wishers on Carl's site, and once again, I must wipe the tears from my eyes. Everyone is so good to my son and so supportive. We need you, your thoughts and your prayers.

Life is tough, Carl is my life. To watch him go through life this way is both inspiring and depressing. We need a cure. The fact that people are having surgeries in other parts of the world for spinal cord injuries is encouraging and the fact that the US is not leading this effort with the proper stem cell legislation is ridiculous.

The golf tourney run by Jose Rivera, Denise Cappuccio and Tim Shalcross was great. Carl had a good time and was able to speak a little at the outing, expressing his thanks to everyone as well as his resolve to work hard so he can be cured some day.

We are still getting settled in at WHRHS(high school). Juggling school, physical therapy, homework and a social life is a challenge, and as usual, Carl is well up to it.

To be happy again, I know I must not dwell on what Carl is missing, or what he would look like, how big he would be, how far he would hit a baseball and so on and so on. I hope some day I will be able to say I have accomplished this, but until then we will continue to do everything humanly possible to help Carl live a full life.

My wife and I thank all of you for giving our son the words, prayers and stories of encouragement on this website. They help us just as much as Carl.

Thank you once again,
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 9/7/2003


So many things have happened since the last time I left an update on Carl and his family. The biggest, and most important, is that he is now attending high school with all his friends at Watchung Hills. All his friends, teachers and administration have been totally committed to helping Carl and his family reach this goal and make it successful for Carl. I can tell you Tricia and I are so thankful to everyone at Watchung Hills who have made Carl's return to school successful.

The stress on a family in this situation is hard to explain. Along with all the problems that go along with this injury and the mental stress that goes with it, there is this feeling of complete helplessness when dealing with health care manufacturers. We ordered an elevator for our home in May but it is still not in. We ordered a van so that Carl could get around and it was supposed to be done in July but we just got it last week. I could go on and on, but these things will eventually be ironed out and we will settle into some kind of routine.

Through everything, Carl has kept his remarkable spirit. I sometimes believe he does a lot of faking around me because of my depression. I do know that on occasion he starts crying when someone asks him about his previous atheletic accomplishments and what he wants to do in the future. One thing that has not changed is that he still wants to go to Villanova next year with his cousins and brother. Even when he had his pick of colleges due to baseball, his first choice was Villanova. I will soon start the process to make this possible and if anyone can help, we would appreciate it.

Today, 9/7, Tricia and I just got Carl off with his three brothers and two friends to Giants Stadium to watch the Giants first game. The Giants gave Carl 2 tickets and I purchased 4 more. Carl will be asking friends to go with him to all Giant home games that he can attend. I know he was happy this morning. I hope all goes well. I want to thank the Giants and Mr. Gorman for making this possible and, of course, Denise Cappuccio who continues to do things for Carl that are remarkable.

Tricia, Carl and I, along with his uncles Bob, Craig, Frank and aunt Renee, all attended the open house at Rutgers on Friday to introduce us to Dr. Huang and his procedure that has helped patients in China, Beijing, get some results, not a cure, but some additional function through Olfactory Stem Cell transplantation. We were encouraged. I, of course, am scared of any operation, but we must be willing to take reasonable risks to get better. We know a man from Kessler who is going this month to China for this operation and if all goes well and his improvement is significant, we will seriously consider Carl for this surgery next summer.

On September 15, at the National Golf Course in Basking Ridge, Jose Rivera and Tim Shalcross are hosting a golf event for Carl. Carl will be at the event driving around the golf course and, at the dinner, he will be one of the speakers. We thank everyone who is involved with this and all other events for Carl and, of course, please keep praying and emailing Carl. People are good, generous and inspirational, and Carl needs and appreciates both economic, social and spiritual support.

Thank you.

Love,
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 8/21/2003


It will be six months tomorrow, 8/22/03, that my sons life changed and with that accident, our entire family's, both immediate and extended, have also changed. Life has been hell for me. Not one day has gone by that I have not shed a tear over this tragedy. I have just left Carl's remodeled room in Warren. The last time Carl saw his room he was a 6 foot 1 inch, 192 pound, beautiful young man, both in mind and body.

I wish these terrible thoughts and depression would go away. I think sometimes I am selfish because I want to see him compete and reach his goals of becoming state champ in wrestling, as well as a major leauge baseball player. He rarely shows me this kind of attitude. He is almost always upbeat and ready to learn what he could do and do it. Carl has always amazed me in his resolve to be the best at whatever he was focused on. But still, so many new things are coming up. Moving back to our home, going back to school, dealing with his friends, classmates and teachers from a wheel chair. He will not have that aura of strength and self assurance that comes with a physically strong top athlete.

I do have to hang my hat on the fact that he will still have that UNBELIEVABLE PERSONALITY, that never tiring work ethic, and hopefully, the continuing support of all his friends at Watchung Hills, the atheletic department and coaches, along with the faculty and administration. They have been truly remarkable. Carl has a large family. His brothers and sisters, his grandparents, his over 30 aunts and uncles and 40 cousins, have truly been remarkable. Every one of them have been involved in Carl's recovery process and will be invaluable in the future.

I have been there since the first minute of Carl's injury and I can tell you I would do anything to reverse that injury. I know Carl knows that. He also knows where the real strength is in our family. The person that never misses any personal need of Carl. The person who is strong when everyone else, especially myself, is weak. That person of course is his mother, Tricia. Without her, our family would be in shambles. She has pulled us through this six months, and she will lead us through whatever obstacle is ahead of our family, and for that I am truly grateful. My name may be Peter, but Tricia is my rock.

I also want to thank the Kessler Institute in West Orange and the Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia for being there and helping my son. The state of the art rehabilitation they supply gives me hope for a recovery and better life for Carl. I must thank the media, begining with Michele Marsh from NBC, Matt Dowling and Conrad from the Star Ledger, Harry Frezza from the Courier News, Bob Valvano from ESPN radio(we will never give up), Chris Russell from the Sporting News, Jack Arute from ABC, Ann Ligouri from WFAN, Branden Tierney from ESPN radio, and many more thruought the country. We appreciate all of you. Getting out Carl's story has been great spiritually, as well as helping spinal cord injury awareness. Also the donations will help Carl get the proper care he needs without financially bankrupting his family.

Last but not least we want to thank all of you well wishers. People who heard about Carl and took the time to send him a note, email, donation or prayer. I can tell you that this website has done more for Carl and his family then most of you can understand. I get on the website and, through my tears, read every message. Your emails and letters are inspiring and the prayers and masses will, I believe, be answered.

It has now been six months and you have all helped my son and his family through this impossible tragedy. We hope that you will continue to follow Carl's progress and write, pray and support Carl through the many years of recovery ahead. Carl now has voice activated software and reads the website regularly.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Sincerely,
Peter J Riccio, Tricia Riccio and Family

Update 8/16/2003


It is Saturday, August 16th and Carl is still sleeping. It was a long day yesterday for him. He went and watched his brothers, cousins, and uncles play golf, or a least try to play golf (Uncle Paul). He had a great time laughing at his Uncle Paul as he lost about 30 golf balls in the woods and lakes. Then last night he played poker with his cousins, friends, and brothers. I think he ended up losing because he came to watch t.v. with me and hour later.

Being able to watch my brother do what he can and enjoy it is the greatest feeling in the world. You don't know what is going through his head all the time but just by watching him these past few months get stronger and stronger each day is amazing. I'm telling you the kid doesn't miss a trick. He might not physically be able to do everything, but he is always there adding in his opinion or comments.

Everytime I look at my brother it amazes me. I don't understand how a person with his injury is able to do the things he does. It has got to be his great spirit and will to go on and overcome this horrible injury. He not only touches our lives, but also so many peoples lives all over the world.

I would just like to take the time to give a special thanks to Patriots Stadium and all the people who helped put that event together for sponsoring the August 9th game in Carl's name. It was a fantastic night for Carl and my whole family. I would also like to thank ESPN talk radio for talking about Carl's story. The response we got from people at Patriot's stadium and from so many of the ESPN listeners was very inspiring. It is so great to know that Carl's story is still being told so we can educate people on spinal chord injuries. Also, thank you to our family, friends, and the many other people who continue to pray and help us each day.

Love,
Kerry and The Riccio Family

Update 8/7/2003


Carl continues to go on and learn new things. We continue to go to therapy each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. He is playing cards and board games, and enjoys all the friends and well wishers who come to see him in Lavalette.

The computer software that allows Carl to use the computer with speech activation is truly remarkable. It takes a while to get the kinks out, but he really seems to enjoy reading all of your messages and speaking to everyone on the internet.

Carl recently stayed over his cousins house for a night. He really enjoyed being away and doing something new. Carl is amazing. He is rarely down and always ready to work hard to reach his goals. He wants to walk, but he wants so much more. The more I am around him, the more I realize how lucky I am to have him.

Carl will be at Patriot Stadium on Saturday 8/9. We appreciate the invitation the Patriots extended to Carl and all his friends and well wishers. We once again thank everyone for all the prayers, messages and donations. They are so uplifting. I think Carl will walk someday. I am POSITIVE he will be successful. His spirit and love for life equal success.
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 7/23/2003


Carl and I, along with his two brothers Tyler and Shane, just came back from Shriners Hospital in Philadelphia for some Electrical Stimulation Therapy. Shriners is a remarkable place. They help all children with orthopedic or spinal cord problems and they are a non profit hospital which means a lot to many of the families with children there.

Carl is doing as well as can be expected. He is happy to read everything sent to him and appreciates everything being done on his behalf. Carl truly enjoys going to his brothers baseball games. He analyzes them and tells them what he thinks. People who know Carl can sympathize with his brothers, because Carl is a perfectionist and he will let them know their misgivings.

I do not know how a person adapts mentally to such a horriffic life altering event, but Carl seems to be adapting well. As a parent the nightmare never goes away 24 hours a day, yet I could not be more proud of Carl if he was an NCAA wrestling champ or made it onto the Yankees. As the song goes, he is truly the wind beneath my wings. Thank you.
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 7/14/2003


Carl is now with his family in Lavalette. Like everything new, he has had his ups and downs getting used to a new environment in his present condition. Kessler is a great facility, and we were lucky enough to get the greatest doctor for Carl's condition(Kirshblum), but being home with his family and friends is definately the right thing for him. We have the ability and time to continue his therapy as outpatients.

We once again thank everyone for thinking and praying for Carl, and for all fundraising efforts, they are truly appreciated. Our focus the last month has been on getting Carl home and that took a lot of time and effort. We will now continue our efforts at searching for a cure for Carl.

Carl continues to be upbeat and willing to try and learn anything. Tricia and I are extremely proud of our beautiful son and I have no doubt that in the future he will bring us nothing but happiness, no matter what his physical condition.
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 7/5/2003


I am sorry to report that Carl was not a candidate for the experimental operation in Philadelphia at Shriners Hospital. I must admit it was a very traumatic experience for Carl and his family. We were hoping for this to give Carl function in his left bicep but it just did not work out.

We will continue our search for Carl. I can not explain how much he means to me and how much we are suffering for him. We must now find new things in his life to give him the strength to go on and be successful in his present situation. It will take time but we will be successful.

Carl is truly one of a kind. He is so special. You would have to be around him to understand. Maybe it's his friends, or his large family, or all of you out there who give him greetings, prayers, love, donations and emails, but most of all it's just Carl. That maturity(way over his years), his attitude, along with that beautiful innocence that keeps us going and makes us love him more than I can explain.

Thanks to everyone.
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 6/29/2003


Once again Carl and his family are so thankful for everything people are doing for us. Every email letter prayer and donation is appreciated.

I would like to tell everyone to look at their catastrophic coverage that their insurance provides for. Insurance and money issues are a very big part of the pressures on a family when someone gets injured as Carl has. We had a meeting last week to go over Carl's outpatient care, and just the physical therapy at Kessler will cost $150 per 45 minute session. Four sessions a day at $150 each comes to $600 dollars a day. I could not believe it. Then we find out that the insurance pays for only 30 sessions (30 - 45 minute sessions -- less than 8 days). This is just one of the many fights you have to endure when a loved one especially a child gets injured.

This week we have two big things happening in Carl's long road to recovery. First we are going to Shriners Hospital tomorrow(6/30) to see if an experimental operation could help Carl get his left bicep back(functional). This is something we have been looking forward to, and I pray they tell us he is a candidate. Second Carl will be coming home from Kessler on July 3rd to begin his life outside of a hospital again. His family, friends, teachers, caregivers and all his new friends out in the world are now a part of his life. With your help, he will continue to be an uplifting personality through good times and bad.

As many have said, Carl is truly remarkable. Most of his time this summer will be spent in Lavalette, NJ since our home in Warren is not ready for him. Tricia and I will do everything possible for Carl, and we want to thank everyone for the donations. They are certainly helping our family get Carl what is needed to keep him a viable candidate for future spinal cord research.

I hope to get some good news from the doctors in Philadelphia this week and post it later this week.

Thanks for everything.
Peter & Tricia Riccio

Update 6/18/2003


I have just cleared my eyes after reading all the beautiful emails for Carl and my family. Believe me without all of you throughout the country, it would be even worse than it already is.

Carl will never give up his fight to improve both his injury as well as his quality of life. Our family will be with him forever, I had no doubt about that. What we did not expect is this unbelievable outpouring of support for Carl. Believe me, it is well appreciated and is very cathartic.

We look forward to going to Philadelphia on 6/30 to see if Carl is a candidate to have an experimental operation. It may get back motion in his left bicep, a muscle that he should have but doesn't, due to peripheral damage outside the spinal cord.

We also want to thank everyone who is helping out with fundraising and everyone who has donated. It will be used to give Carl the best life possible while searching for a cure. We, as his parents, continue to be amazed at his remarkable attitude. He is rarely depressed and is still inspirational to everyone who visits him.

We will soon have our house ready for his return. We will then have new challenges for my beautiful son, and he will help us meet and conquer them, as he has all other challenges in his seventeen years.

Thank you.
Peter & Tricia Riccio
<< Previous   Next >>
© 2006 Carl Riccio Special Needs Trust