A Word From... >> The Farmer Family

The Farmer family was on a ski vacation in Colorado last winter when their eldest son, Ryan, unfortunately lost control and hit a tree. The Farmers credit Ryan's helmet for saving his life and have graciously agreed to share their story for the benefit of others. Below is their testimonial.

Lori:
"Our 8 & 9 year old boys, Matthew and Ryan, were in ski school in Snowmass, Colorado on Friday, February 15, 2002 when the unthinkable happened. Ryan caught an edge on his skis and went sailing off of a "Cat Trail", hitting a tree head first.

The ski patrol put up the sign all parents dread--that we needed to contact them. We quickly learned he had been transported to Aspen Hospital. It was a terrifying and silent drive to the hospital. As a Nurse, married to a Radiologist, we know all too well what the "worst" might be. Every parent's worst nightmare.

Thankfully, not only was Ryan's life spared, but he suffered only a broken nose and facial contusions, thanks to the protective helmet he has always worn since he first began to ski at age 4. The following day after his accident, another child, also in ski school, had an eerily similar accident, except she was not wearing a helmet. She died just two days later of severe head trauma. A sobering reminder of just how fortunate our two boys are that we have always insisted on a helmet. A couple of years ago, we began wearing them ourselves. It only makes sense for us to set a good example and protect ourselves, as well. I thank the ski rental worker in SnowMass that encouraged us to wear them, just like our kids always have.

No matter how good you might be as a skier or snowboarder, it only takes one mistake, either on your part or someone else's, to permanently damage your brain or end your life. Wearing a helmet isn't license to ski recklessly, nor will they protect you from every injury, but you only have one brain and so does your child. "Put a lid on it!" The life you will save is a special one!"

Don:
"Having seen thousands of head injuries and knowing their devastating effects, you can only imagine the thoughts and fears flying through your mind when you hear that your son is on the way to the emergency room after sustaining a head injury.....then experiencing the relief when you learn that he was fine, because he was wearing a helmet.

It is simply foolish to engage in any sort of high velocity sport without protective head gear. Please protect yourself and your family by wearing a helmet."

Ryan (age 9):
"Well, I think kids should wear a helmet because if they have an accident, it might save their life.

I am glad my parents have always made me wear a helmet. I think I might have died when I hit the tree if I wasn't wearing my helmet. It really scared me to learn that another kid died while we were there on vacation, just because she wasn't wearing one. Parents, if you love your kids, please make them wear a helmet."

Matthew (age 8):
"Wear your helmet--it can really save your life. When my brother hit a tree, I know it saved him, because he was wearing his helmet. I feel uncomfortable when people don't wear a helmet, because they just might not know it can save their life. I am so glad my brother was able to recover from hitting the tree. Kids, ask your mom and dad to let you wear a helmet and be safe."