Former Wolfpacker Brian Keeter Needs Our Help

We’re reposting this new article posted by Kara Webb on the site “Brian Keeter’s Recovery” by Kara Webb on 4/16/09.  Keeter is a former Wolfpack hoops player, and was involved in a devastating accident in December of last year.  The details do not matter, Keeter is in a bad way, and needs the Wolfpack family — his family — to stand by him when he needs us.

Asking for Help

First, I am sorry that it has been so long since my last post. My family & I have actually been down to Charlotte to see Brian a lot these past couple of months, trying to fit in as many visits as we can before the baby comes early June. I honestly don’t know where the time has gone.

Brian continues to hang in there. About a month ago, he really seemed to be processing that a wheelchair may be part of his life for quite sometime. Obviously there is a lot of grieving involved in a loss such as this (or the gain of a necessary & cumbersome piece of equipment, rather). He continued making good efforts at physical therapy & was even getting out more–he’s visited a biblical, loving church near the apartment, Church at Charlotte, a couple of times, made it out for a few meals, & even went for an appointment with the stylist that cuts his hair. One weekend we also hit Sports Connection, where he watched his nephew tear up some kiddie arcade basketball hoops. I even remember a close game of air hockey (I think Owen let Brian, I mean, Brian let Owen win. :). We even got him to the Charlotte Spinal Cord Injury Support Group that meets monthly. All of the people there are so wonderful in their willingness to help, share experiences, & positive attitudes in spite of their tragic stories. I know they are a tremendous support for my parents also.

Unfortunately, the momentum Brian was slowly starting to build kind of came to an abrupt halt. He’s continued to hit setbacks that come with the territory of paralysis that temporarily keep him in bed more than we’d all hoped. It’s been pretty frustrating for him & for all of us that love him to see him still facing such physical hardship. Admittedly, medical care, amazing as it is in this country, continues to be slow at times but with his dad’s persistence, we are hopeful he’s finally got the equipment & services he needs to heal & get on with life.

He is able to still do some minimal therapy & be up for short periods of time. This & a portable ramp built by my husband (which also doubled nicely as a great Matchbox car accessory for the kids), allowed us to have a nice Easter brunch last weekend at our wonderful aunt & uncle’s home as a family. Don’t get me wrong, Brian’s one bedroom apartment is really nice–but it was so great to be in the beautiful home of some amazing family to celebrate Easter this year. Who knew his sister Leah could bake such a wonderful coconut cake & Myra actually knows how to work a stove?

Going through something like this made Easter so much more meaningful than ever before. There is so much pain, suffering, & sorrow in this world, no doubt, but we are so blessed to serve a God who loves us so much that he sacrificed Himself & conquered IT ALL for us to never have to experience it again.

These verses were part of my pastor’s reading last night & for me just sums all this up:

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, & He will dwell with them, & they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them & be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha & the Omega, the Beginning & the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. He who overcomes shall inherit all things, & I will be his God and he shall be My son (Revelation 21:3-7).

Knowing this just makes spring blooms that much bolder & brighter too.

We have so many people to thank as well, I just don’t even know where to start. The generosity we’ve been shown is endless–from my parents being given a second car (A 1995 Ford Taurus that honestly runs like a champ & has a personality to boot!) to ease the sharing of one car for driving back & forth split shifts to stay with Brian to weekly meals by families from another wonderful Charlotte church, Forest Hill Church (Their timing is always a blessing too as they usually seem to deliver a meal when it’s Brian & his dad :). Brian’s also been given many items needed to furnish (& clean) an apartment. Really the list is endless. We are so thankful for all of your assistance & I know Brian himself plans to communicate that & how he is doing with all of you soon.

Yet in spite of all so many of you have already done, you ask to do more. So many of us have such a hard time admitting when we need help & being willing to take up others on that offer. I think that’s why God advises us so much against pride. He honestly didn’t make the rules outlined in the Bible to take the fun out of life (though I too, used to think that…). He made them to protect us from being hurt & unfilled. Pride keeps us from accepting the help we need–from Him, from others.

I remember one of the SCI support group attendees telling the story of being so excited she got her license & vehicle modifications to drive again. She loved the freedom of being able to just go to the grocery store. So she couldn’t reach the cheese she wanted from the wheelchair? She simply waited till someone walked by & asked them to get it for her (Did I mention that the Bible also tells us that going through trials produces patience? James 1:2-4 ;). She got what she needed & often she found people enjoyed being able to help her in a way that was needed, real, & appreciated.

I see that same willingness in all of you & in so many strangers when we do go out with Brian (In his “scooter,” as Owen calls it–we read a lot of Go, Dog. Go! around here.). We know & Brian is learning that in order for life to go on in spite of this loss, it’s okay to ask for & accept the generous offers of others to help.

The overall financial hardship associated with spinal cord injuries is overwhelming. First year expenses alone average $283,388 and life expenses for paraplegics cost over $700,000 (National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, 2009). We have set up a fundraising campaign for Brian through the Catastrophic Injury Program of the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF). This money will be used for recovery therapies, medical equipment to lead to greater independence, & therapies that promote Brian’s health.

Brian’s NTAF page can be accessed directly or by visiting www.catastrophicfund.org & typing “Keeter” in the box on the lefthand side of the page. In the near future, we also will be starting a website to keep you more regularly posted of Brian’s progress in addition to some periodic updates through the blog. On the webpage, we will also include a pdf copy of the letter posted on Brian’s NTAF page that you may download to pass on to those you know who might be moved to give in Brian’s situation. I will be sure to let you know when the webpage is up & running.

We are so grateful not only for any financial, tax-deductible donations you make on Brian’s behalf but also any volunteer fundraising efforts with which you would be able to spearhead or assist. If you are interested in facilitating a fundraising event, please feel free to call Brian’s parents at 919.413.3563 or email us at [email protected]. Part of NTAF services include a personal representative (Susann Reiher, 800.642.8399, [email protected]) to also assist in ideas & materials for fundraising purposes specifically for Brian & his situation with whom you may also speak directly.

Again, thank you isn’t enough to express how indebted we are to all of your love, support, generosity, & prayers. We thank you for continuing to be so interested & concerned with Brian, even four months after this life changing event first transpired.

Alums NCS Basketball

25 Responses to Former Wolfpacker Brian Keeter Needs Our Help

  1. Wolf Dog 04/23/2009 at 10:17 AM #

    I was not aware of this story, thanks for bringing it to my attention. I have sent the info to the AD’s office in hopes of spear heading something. If we can give a dollar per person at a spring game, maybe we could give a dollar at a real game for Brian.

    Our fan base has always been very generous and giving, I am sure thousands of people would be more than happy to help. I hope the rest of you will appeal to the AD’s office to set up something to help Brian.

  2. jonn 04/23/2009 at 10:17 AM #

    Thanks for posting this, Alpha.

  3. senez 04/23/2009 at 10:23 AM #

    I’m glad you guys did this….I’ve been in contact with Brian’s father and there’s been a fund established at National Transplant Assistance Fund for Brian.

    As always, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

    -Chris

  4. wufpup76 04/23/2009 at 10:33 AM #

    Thanks for sharing.

    Thoughts and prayers for Brian and all involved.

  5. packmanncsu 04/23/2009 at 10:51 AM #

    My thoughts and prayers to the Keeter family and all involved, but I disagree with Alpha, I think the details do matter.

  6. Dexter 04/23/2009 at 11:10 AM #

    packmanncsu,

    he was impaired while driving.

    http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1336748.html

  7. michelletack 04/23/2009 at 12:30 PM #

    I agree the details matter. These are the horrible consequences of drinking and driving and they happen over and over and over again. That doesn’t mean Brian deserved what he got, but it would make it very hard for the AD and Wolfpack Nation as a whole to publicly support him. I myself cannot financially support a drunk driver despite bearing compassion for all the hardships he is now facing. I will make a donation to Mothers Against Drunk Driving in his name.

  8. senez 04/23/2009 at 1:14 PM #

    For the record, the charges were dismissed as there was no over the limit BAC record and Brian did not exhibit evidence of intoxication.

    This is per his father.

  9. Gowolves 04/23/2009 at 1:20 PM #

    If the details do matter to you please don’t post with your opinions. Just say a prayer for him and move on. There are others out there willing to contribute(money, prayers, etc) and not judge. There is only one person who has the right to judge and we all know who that is. He made a mistake and I am sure no one has the right to cast stones.

  10. Gowolves 04/23/2009 at 1:24 PM #

    Senez,

    This usually happens when the police, DA, etc realize that the person has already suffered enough through his/her injuries. This typically happens in single car accidents and no one else is hurt.

  11. Alpha Wolf 04/23/2009 at 1:30 PM #

    Ther but for the grace of God go we.

    Only those who have NEVER had a drink too many and driven have any right to cast stones.

  12. anti-smurf 04/23/2009 at 1:32 PM #

    We’ve all made mistakes, and while the details are tragic, it does not elude the fact that he is part of our Wolfpack family and needs our help.

    Given the cirmcumstances, I can understand why the University may not be able to fully sponsor a relief effort, but is it possible for a group to set up a booth or solicit relief in some way at a football/basketball game without it being a University sponsored initiative?

  13. Dexter 04/23/2009 at 1:52 PM #

    Now I did not post the link to cast stones. God knows I have made my share of mistakes and this was a big mistake. He still deserves love and support from his family and friends.

  14. RabidWolf 04/23/2009 at 1:53 PM #

    My and my family’s thoughts and prayers are with Brian and his loved ones through this difficult time. I am sure he will make it through this, he’s a tough kid and he’s got the love of not only his, but the Wolfpack family as well. I have had the pleasure of playing a few pick up games with him after he finished at State, and have nothing but respect for him.

  15. CannonballJunior 04/23/2009 at 2:04 PM #

    “That doesn’t mean Brian deserved what he got, but it would make it very hard for the AD and Wolfpack Nation as a whole to publicly support him.”

    Speak for yourself. Please don’t deign to speak for “Wolfpack Nation” on this.

  16. thekind 04/23/2009 at 2:16 PM #

    I for one, drank and drove too many times in my youth and got away with it. I thank God often that I never hurt myself, or God forbid, someone else.
    God still loved me unconditionally, and we need to try and love Brian unconditionally.
    For me, the details do not matter.

  17. Wolf Dog 04/23/2009 at 2:24 PM #

    I would like to see something happen. Booth sounds like a good idea. If you want to help great, if not that is your prerogative.

    Not my place to judge Brian or anyone here, clearly he is someone in need. He was not found guilty of any wrong doing.

  18. jonn 04/23/2009 at 2:33 PM #

    Clearly, what we sow, we so often reap. When we don’t, tis mercy from God. Brian has perhaps reaped for his foolishness, but that shouldn’t keep us from having mercy and compassion. Thank God he is alive and I pray he is healed.

  19. mushpack 04/23/2009 at 4:14 PM #

    There is no such thing as a former Wolfpacker. Red and white for life!

    This is a very sad story. Keeter was always a fan favorite. I will make sure to pass this along. Ever story like this has a silver lining. I am sure Brian can’t see it now, but I hope he makes it to a place where he can enjoy his life again.

  20. packmanncsu 04/23/2009 at 7:32 PM #

    Dexter, thanks for posting the link. I did know the details but did not feel it was my place to put them out there for all to see because I am not close to him, the situation, or the program. I’m not here to cast stones (however, based on Alpha’s definition, I could) but to knowingly leave the details out, most likely because it could easily change opinions is not the way to go. There are many people, possibly on this board that have had a situation such as this happen to a loved one, with the outcome being much different and/or worse than what Mr. Keeter is experiencing. We will always support our fellow Wolfpackers and help them in any way possible, and like mushpack, I do hope that there is a silver lining to this story and that Brian can progess and eventually teach others the dangers and consequences of such actions.

  21. Alpha Wolf 04/23/2009 at 7:47 PM #

    For the record, let me state that I abhor drunk driving and the tragedy it brings. While I have never been caught drunk driving or have ever had a wreck due to substance abuse, I am ashamed that a few times I pushed towards the edge.

    These days, I rarely drink and never drive when I do. Adulthood has taught me the potential costs and the law is the least of that. Hurting an innocent person so I can have a good time just runs against my grain now and I refuse to do it.

    Anyhow, I still think that we can all forgive Brian Keeter and hopefully help a little bit in his ongoing recovery.

  22. sbwood71 04/23/2009 at 9:24 PM #

    The majority of these posts make me proud to be a part of the Wolfpack family. A few however, disgust me. Granted there are people who have never driven after have too many drinks. How many of those same people have never pushed the limits on a yellow light turning red? While seemingly innocent, people are killed/seriously injured by that every day. How convenient to disregard your own transgressions, no matter how slight. Luck, fate, whatever you want to call it can turn any situation into a life altering one.

    The fact of the matter is Brian is part of the family and deserves our support. I am completely in favor of both individuals and the university sponsoring fundraisers for him. I can’t tell from the links given above if the money actually goes to Brian or not. If anyone can answer that it goes directly to Brian, please post. If that is the case I propose that everyone that posted on this thread make a contribution, even if it is the minimum.

    I don’t know Brian and quite frankly don’t remember him playing, but he was, is, and always will be part of the Wolfpack family. At a minimum, please keep him as well as his family in your prayers.

  23. rcd1003 04/23/2009 at 11:04 PM #

    Long time reader, first post. sbwood – I agree, most of us have pushed the limits of senselessness, and like Alpha said we were saved only by the grace of God. I think that we should show compassion and support for Brian and not just because he is a member of the Wolfpack family, but because he is a human being, just like the rest of us.

  24. Wolf Dog 04/24/2009 at 6:51 AM #

    Update. I am been informed by the AD’s office that they are trying to put something together for Brian during Basketball Season. D*** nice gesture by the AD if he can get it done.

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