Update on LHS Alum Brett Becker

Former LHS student and class of 2015 graduate Brett Becker was involved in a skiing accident over winter break in Wisconsin.

With his dad, uncle, and two cousins, Brett was enjoying a day out skiing during his last days of break before going back to Indiana University, where he attends college. While skiing at Granite Peak in Wausau, Wisconsin, Brett went off a jump, but went over the landing and crashed to the ground squarely on his head. He was wearing a helmet. Just two hours after Brett’s accident, a boy was involved in a similar accident on the same jump that put him in a coma.

If anyone is planning on going to Wausau and Granite Peak in the future, it is advised by the Beckers to not go on this jump as it is very dangerous.

Brett was admitted to the ICU at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau and stayed there for five days until he was stable enough to be airlifted to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was there from Jan. 8-22, and  he was then admitted into the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago where he has begun recovery.

Right now, according to his parents, Brett is not fully conscious but he has started doing basic commands and his eyes have been tracking at an incredible rate when others are talking to him. He has also smiled a few times.

He has started a multitude of therapies to help him regain speech, movement, and other necessities for a full recovery.

“One of the things that we have realized from his neurosurgeons and brain specialists is that they don’t give us a definite answer except that they are very hopeful and that it is not a race but a marathon. They have made us understand that this is a very long process.” Mrs. Peggy Becker, mother of Brett,  said of the prospect of a long recovery.

LHS in the past week has supported Brett in many ways including giving out yellow t-shirts with “STAY STRONG” across them and a sign in the main gym showcase reading “STAY STRONG BRETT.”

His parents are thankful for the many thoughts and prayers sent Brett’s way: “We are truly amazed at all of the support and prayers that we are receiving from friends and family. We will show our appreciation to everyone with a personal message from Brett when he pulls through this like we know he will.”

Maddie Anderson, girlfriend of Brett and former LHS student, heard of the horrific accident while packing her things, getting ready to go back to school. She also attends Indiana University with Brett.

“All of the support from LHS and the Libertyville community is definitely one of the main reasons I have been able to get through this tragedy. It is incredible to me how one town can come together to help in a situation like this,” she said, expressing her thanks to LHS and LIbertyville for their thoughts and prayers to Brett and his family. “The visible support from the yellow ribbons, t-shirts, and Stay Strong signs are amazing to see. And the positivity, hope, and kind words from everyone gives me comfort knowing how many people love and care about Brett. I can’t thank everyone enough for the all of the support!”

Anderson also reflected on what this tragedy has taught her: “This situation is really motivating me to strive to do well in school, especially in my psychclass (they were both going to take the same class this semester.) Going through this has also taught me what is truly important in life.”

If you would like to donate to help Brett’s family out with medical expenses of his recovery click here.