Hi everyone. I sorta hoped I wouldn't be the first one to post a reply. I've been watching Bryan's progress since this all went down, eleven+ months ago. I was a Dodgers fan that day, but after what happened to Bryan, I became a different sort of fan. Hard to explain... I just realized that there was more to baseball than hoping a given group would triumph.

When I was in high school, I worked at a hospital for two years in the supply department. We brought everything you can imagine to six floors of a busy trauma center - from the most mundane supplies like eggcrates (mattress pads) and footrests to the most critical things like IV bags full of 5% solution of Lactated Ringers. While going to the ICU, I saw a number of patients like Bryan -- folks who had been living their lives until unimaginable brain injuries stopped them in their tracks and forced them to adjust to dramatically new circumstances.

That was over twenty years ago. I remember seeing folks who had suffered grievous injuries - in particular, a young man who dove into the shallow end of a pool and struck his head and paralyzed himself, never to recover. But the fellow next to him, also suffering from head trauma incurred during a traffic accident on the freeway, went on to a full recovery in just a few weeks.

It's tough hearing that Bryan's memory is dramatically affected and is not improving at present. He's lucky in that he really is not alone - he has a loving, caring family. But his reality and perception are true, and it can't be easy for him. Nor can it be easy for his mother Ann, taking a leave of absence from her workplace. You guys in the Stow family are really brave for telling Bryan's story how it truly is -- unforgiving, uncompromising, and just downright difficult. This illustrates one of the truths of life -- you have to take the good with the bad.

When there wasn't an update on this website for some weeks, I anticipated that there must have been difficulties in Bryan's recovery. It's easy to report triumphs and successes, but it takes courage and guts to talk honestly about setbacks and hardships. Bryan's story is still a work in progress. We all hoped he'd magically stand on the mound at AT&T Park in a month and throw out the first pitch of the 2012 season. But even if that is not to be, Bryan won't be forgotten. We know he has promise and achievements yet to come, and we won't give up on him.

Cheers, Bryan. Memory is valuable, but so is living each day and enjoying it on its own merits. No matter what happens, you're alive and here with us, and we're glad for that.

I am #2 to post. Paulio you write so beautifully. It seems shallow to say "ITA" with all you said, but I do. Stow Family, thank you for continuing to share Bryan's struggles and triumphs with all of us. My admiration for all of you continues to soar. I wish you all the peace in the world.

Bryan, being in a new place is never easy. I hope you will come to feel safer and more secure shortly. I sure am holding you close to my heart and good thoughts. I am not an official member of "Bryan's Brigade" but count myself as among your fans.

Stow Family, as you continue to care for Bryan, please take even a few moments out each day to take care of yourselves. ?Remember we all are cheering you on, too.

Lots of love from LA

Well, I'm the third person from Los Angeles to reply to you.

It seems like our prayers are being answered in that Bryan is improving enough to be transfered to another facality.

The improvements may not be the speed we want, we have to be thankful for the imporvements Bryan has made amd will make in the future.

Prayers and love being sent from Los Angeles.

Sharon mommy to three dogs

Glad you are doing better. This new place is just a step toward getting better. Although it may seem scary to you..know that we are all here to stand by your side.

You have made such a remarkable recovery...a sure sign of determination.

Continue ahead........for nothing will stop your progress.

Be strong.

Cin and Jules
Adirondack Mts of NY

Hi Bryan and all--Wow! What a time you;ve had lately! It sounds like you're going through yet another transition and I know it's very tough. It sounds like this new facility will be better for you--a less 'medical' environment will probably improve your therapy and progress. I can imagine a new place and new staff will take some getting used to, but remember that your amazing family are there around like like always, and that you have all of us praying for you. Keep your chin up and know that we are thinking about you and praying for you and your family all the time. If you feel discouraged, remember that you are surrounded by love. Take good care Bryan--Jenn

In a way, Bryan saying "I am scared" shows a consciousness about his condition that is encouraging. He is here in the moment. He is Bryan.

love and support 'till the job is done.

Jan

Hello Bryan & family. I do not know you all but, as a person in which God is the most important in my life, I feel the need 2 express my sympathy & compassion towards you & your family for the situation you were a victim in. As a person who has been to the light & back I can say, "this to shall pass!" All of Gods children are praying for your speedy & successful recovery! Family support is key to a recovery.
Take care!

Bryan, I pray daily for you!

Bryan,

I pray for you daily!

Pris
from San Jose

Thanks for the update! I recognize some of the other long-time followers...ALWAYS smile when I read Paulio's posts!

God bless Bryan and his faithful, loving family. You are such a bright light in this crazy world, and help us all keep what is important in the front of our hearts and minds.

Love and prayers continue!...deb

Have been following your website and praying for all of you every day! I am a retired RN and wish so much that I could be a help to you... Thank you for being such a wonderful family and being sooo dedicated. Mine is the same, maybe yours is even better! (I think so).. Anyway if I can help with your time schedule in any way please let me know. Give a hug to each other from me and always know that you are soooo loved Bryan. Keep fighting your way back, I know you can do it!! Hoping God will keep you all in his hands... And Paulio, thank you for the beautiful words! Christy...

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
It's amazing how far Bryan has come in his recovery;
and, his brain is powerful, strong, and still healing.
In time, it's very possible that other portions of his brain
will take on the functions of the injured part, and I do hope
that his memory returns.
Sending big hugs from Santa Cruz and best wishes your way!

P.s. Thank you, Paulio, for your thoughtful comment(s). They are always heartfelt and beautiful, just like the updates from the lovely Stows. And, it's wonderful to share this site with so many fabulous people/fans of Bryan. Peace be with you all.

Posted this to Prayers For Bryan's FB, but I really wanted to make sure you, the family know this as well!

Very sad to hear some of the news but truly thrilled you no longer need a hospital setting! You're moving forward every day! Keep up the awe inspiring progress, Bry! We're all here for you and pulling for you. That first pitch is just around the corner and waiting for you! All the love in the world to you and your family. "Together We Are Giant!"

First of all for Paulio the first well wisher here I say, don't let what those thugs did harsh the love for your team. These goons that did this had no connection at all with MLB. They could have very well been fans of any other team they just were looking for trouble. Violence is never appropriate.

Now, Bryan I'm so happy to see this day come. You are one tough hombre. I know that you will have great success in whatever you set your mind to do Bryan. I have a chronic illness that much of the time leaves me home bound. I've been this way for a long time. Your story and your resolve is an inspiration to me. Keep always your faith strong and true. Peace

To the Stow family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I live in NYC and I just read about what happened to Bryan. Don't you ever give up hope and let the doctors tell you that Bryan will never be able to this or that. I have a 35 year old disabled daughter and was told by doctors that she would never be able to do alot of things and guess what, they were wrong.
Never, never give up hope. There will be days when you want to just lie down and give up but don't. Love Bryan each and everyday and tell him how proud you are of him. Fight for what your heart tells you he needs and get it. Do not let anyone tell you that you can't. I wish I did not live so far away, but but I will think and pray for Bryan each and everyday.

Just wanted to pop in and say that I've been praying for and pulling for Bryan since hearing of his injuries last year. I'm sure you all have a lot of mixed emotions as the anniversary approaches, and no one can blame you if you feel some anger and hurt. I think many people have learned from what happened to Bryan and I'd even venture to say that some may have gotten help for anger issues they may have been harboring.

I'm so glad I found this website and I look forward to your continued updates! I'll keep praying! Take care!

Today, I'm excitedly listening to the Giants beat the Dodgers in Spring training... My thoughts immediately turn to Bryan, whose progress I check on regularly and post on my FB, including the legal stuff that showed up today re: $ for his future care and medical expenses. I could imagine the helplessness the family feels, wanting to be with Bryan as much as possible and wanting to be closer in proximity than he is currently, and the fear Bryan expresses being somewhere new. I keep sending prayers to all of you and hope that every day there is more healing of all kinds. I look forward to the day that we collectively and massively celebrate Bryan's presence at a Giants game! I know that day is coming not too far off in the future. So pleased to know he doesn't have to be in a hospital anymore...one day at a time... xoxo

Love and light to you from Pleasure Point Santa Cruz

As usual it is difficult to type through wet eyes. Your update really brought home the fact of how the senseless act of a couple of @$$#%)*$ changed Bryan's life and the lives of his entire family.

As usual, daily prayers sent your way.

Hello all. I'd never want to hijack a thread, as this forum is for Bryan and his family, so I will keep this as short as I can. I just wanted to acknowledge the folks who've said such kind things about my posts. Bryan's story has truly moved me, and from reading this forum, I've learned about other folks and families who have endured the consequences of TBIs (traumatic brain injuries). So many of you have faith in God, and I don't have that... what I have is faith in humanity. And sometimes that is precious little comfort, since people can be so cruel to each other. But reading this forum always gives me hope, and it shows me again and again that there are more good people than bad in the world. I know we'd all move heaven and earth to set things right for Bryan (and his children!) if such was within our powers. So thanks to all of you out there who continue to come here to support Bryan - I really love reading your posts. Now, I'd respectfully ask that we turn our thoughts back to Bryan and the Stow family, since they need our support at this time. Cheers, everyone.

Hi to Bryan and family,
I'm a survivor of a massive stroke(Aug2006),
So I feel a lot of affinity with what you his family and a deep compassion for what Bryan must have gone through and is experiencing as he continues to improve and move forward with his "new" life.

I can tell you - as the caregivers, you all are so vital to everyday struggles and triumphs that people dealing with TBI need and appreciate. We may not be able to express our appreciation as well as we want to, but please believe how much you mean and are needed by TBI patients.

There are times that TBI afflicted people feel guilty for having to have around the clock coverage from nurses, therapists, and caregivers(usually family). I felt really sad that I HAD to have all the special attention because of my brain injury.

I used that helpless feeling as my motivationto get better as fast as I could(learn how to breathe, speak, drink & eat sit up,then stand on my own) That feeling pushed me to attack all the physical, occupational and speech therapies like a mad man.


Fast forward to today. 6 years poststroke, I'm living a functional life. I used my second chance to go back to College(just attained my AS degree, which I'm very proud of) I'm now actively persuing re-entry to the workplace.

So if Bryan you are reading or hearing my words, please know that there is life after TBI, it may be a new, different life, but a life all the same. Our "old" life is something to remember, but our "new" life is something to cherish. You may look at things differently in your "new" life, but at the least you have been given a second chance as did I. Embrace your family and most importantly your new self. I hope to see you one day soon at a SF Giants home game at AT&T park. Keep up your hard work and positive attitude Brya! I'll be rooting for you :-)
Best regards,
Ferdinand Casañas

Hello Stow Family,

It is so nice to read an update. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I was worried when I didn't see an update since Bryan's birthday. I can only imagine how scary it is for Bryan to be in a new place. I am sending all the positive thoughts your way and a virtual hug. Thank you again for the update. You all are so strong and it is ok to cry just remember ... God does not give us more than we can handle ... even though sometimes we would like a break ...

I have not been on the site since Bryan's birthday; however he is on my everlasting prayer list. Come to find out you all had a setback and I didn't actually miss any posts.


#1 post - Paulio so eloquently put his post! Amazing!

My heart is so sad to see Bryan go through all of this turmoil for essentially what was for no reason and completely unnecessary. :(

You (his family) has been so strong and by staying by his side, he knows that you are all there and that helps in his recovery process!

I will continue my prayers and Godspeed to Bryan since he has already been through SO much!

Good morning Bryan and Stow family! With spring coming, and all the regeneration around it i've been thinking lately to all the miracles big and small that surround us every day. And I wanted to reach out to you and let you know I think you Bryan and the whole family every day, and pray that he is well and happy and progressing. I just wanted to drop in a quick note and let you know you are in my thoughts!

Love to you and all the best!

R.

Oh Bryan, hon.... I know it must be scary, not to mention lonely to be so far away from your family but it sounds like it really is the best place for you to be right now. We all know that you've worked so hard to get where you are right now, but with the new therapy that you'll be able to get here will allow you to improve that much more. We all are thinking of you. You have so many people all around the world thinking of you and wanting you to get well.

I wish I could be there to give you a big hug!!

Lorie

Hello Stow family, My husband and I have followed this since day one..My heart just bled when we heard of what happened. I am so happy Bryan is blessed with the friends and family he has surrounding him. Life is so darn unpredictable. Keep the faith as much as you can, God does have a plan, we just have to believe in that as hard as it is. We are die hard/SF fans and since that day, I don't look at the game in the same say. I used to live in Santa Cruz and know several people there and it does my heart good at how that community got together for you along with so many people. You are blessed. My prayers are with you all on a daily basis.
Take care and God Bless
Dee Dee

Dear Stow family,
I am keeping you in my prayers and sending by you hugs as you continue to learn to live with your new normal. God is with you and through him all things are possible.
God bless you and sweet Bryan...
Love, JJ the nurse

Hey Bry,
Just want to say hi and let you know I am thinking about you. Hope you are liking the new setup you are at. know you are love and care for. We want you to be happy and healthy. Take it one day at a time and make sure to rest. Sending lots of love and a hug.. ( hugging strangers is ok) HEHEH

Sorry it has been so long since I've written. No excuse. As March 31st nears, you have all been on our minds and in our hearts. Hard to believe (for us, anyway) a year has almost gone by and yet the ones who are responsible for this horrible crime have not yet been officially charged. It hardly seems fair they can remember what they said or did 10 minutes but because of them, Bryan cannot! It isn't right but you are all handling it with such grace, dignity and respect. You are all to be admired for everything you've had to endure! All of us here are thinking of all of you there!!
With love,
Claussen's Corner
Angels Camp

it's been almost one year since this ugly event took place. It angry me that this happen to you. I know you are a complete stranger but, I have come to care so much about you and your family. I pray that you will regain your memory and remember more and more about your pass. But I also hope you never remember what happen that night. My reason for that is that I never would want you to have to revisit those thoughts. It made me ill to think that another person could do this to you; to a man I know by the of name Stow, A father to two wonderful children, A brother to two caring and very funny sisters, A son to a mother with a forgiving heart and peace about her that I have never seen in my life. A father who is strong and loving. I wish I could do something for you. I am praying for you. I am not sure where you stood with religion and God before this event but I do think HE is using you to bring together a lot of people and I read all the healing that has taken place with you and I believe it was God doing. The only way to explain your healing is by God grace. Most people would not have made it But you did. You have a purpose. You have a reason to why you are heal. You are our walking miracle. Bry I wish I could hug you. It would be odd I am a total stranger to you but, I view you as a friend. I pray for you and I think about you and your family. I pray that with this first year mark your family can continue to have the peace and love they have had. I pray that the men will own up to this and not drag it out in court for the sake of you and your family. and of course I pray that you will continue to heal and make progress. Bry you are a one and A kind person. I stand with you and your family. I want you to know you are love. Keep go Bry beat the odds.

Bryan will always be in my prayers. His family as well. I know times are tough. Bryan is tougher. I have been reading the site from the beginning. I know everything is about Bryan. But, remember to take time for yourselves. Lots of Love!!! oxoxo

Bryan is always on my prayer list. I have never in this whole year not been encouraged and hopeful and so happy with all the updates and news. Thanks be to you family. You are the rocks and the shoulders that hold Bryan up. He is blessed indeed with your love and support. Seems unreal that we are talking one year, but I think Bryan has made many many people more caring, thoughtful, compassionate....we all stop and think, well, i do anyway, every day about my little struggles and then my mind goes to Bryan and his year from hell. You are an amazing family, Bryan is a Rock Star and I will continue my prayer life with him first on my list. Bless you all. Becky

Hello all,

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/story/2012-03-27/bryan-stow-beaten/53815112/1

Giants reliever Jeremy Affeldt is quoted as saying that Bryan is trying to learn to play catch. And he addresses the "throw out the first pitch" hopes that so many of us have entertained for Bryan at one point or another.

First, I must say that I've been checking on Bryan's progress, via television and internet news outlets. I just stumbled upon this website, so I'll be adding it to my favorites.

I have to say that as a native Angeleno and lifelong Dodger fan, I was shocked, horrified and embarrassed that something like this happened. Countless times I've been to Dodger Stadium, and countless times I've seen people go "just to go". Those people don't care about the game... They care about drinking and "having a good time". Unfortunately, those same people can't handle their alcohol, and want to start fights. They shouldn't even be allowed into the stadium, but it's hard to distinguish one person from another. I can only hope that Magic Johnson and the rest of the new owners do something to make that environment more family friendly and most importantly, safe!

With that said, I just wanted to reach out and say that you're in my thoughts, Bryan. I'm pleased to hear how far you've come, and I realize that you have a long road ahead of you. Life is a journey, take it one day at a time. Never lose hope, faith or strength.

Take Care,

- J.

I just wanted to let you know I think of Bryan and his family often, for no particular reason other than he is an inspiration. I have saved the website in my favorites so I can follow his progress. God Bless you all.

Bryan was in my thoughts a little more today thanks to the glaring LA Times Headline of Magic Johnson's group being the winning bidder of the Dodgers. My first thought was I hope Magic spreads some "magic" (decency and kindness) by at least acknowledgng Bryan in some way. Meantime as Saturday draws closer, some extra good thoughts and wishes to the entire Stow Family. Love and admiration to all of you.

Bryan - as the year anniversary draws near, know that so many of us around the world continue to pray for you and clsoely watch your recovery. It may be slower than everyone wants but you are getting better, step by step.

Good luck to the family tomorrow in your walk.

God bless all the Stow Family!

One year later, we are still here... supporting you, hope we could do more... but our prayers are with you.

Thinking of you, Bryan, and hope the one year mark brings a sign of relief and comfort, knowing how far you have come since that tragic night. You are such an inspiration; a man I respect, and admire. You are strong. You are courageous. You have come so far and yet I believe the best is yet to come. I think of you often and continue to send best wishes your way. Hoping to see you throw the first pitch! Go Bryan! And, Go Giants! Love and hugs from Santa Cruz.

As a father and lifelong devoted Pittsburgh Pirates fan (yes, there are still a few of us still hanging on), your story has hit home with me from that tragic day one year ago today. Since I've been born, raised and still live in Philadelphia, I have been to countless games between these rivals. As you may know, Philly has earned a reputation for rough fans. Just like anywhere, it really is a few bad apples that spoil it for the bunch around them. But I've had my run in with those few bad seeds in my years. I consider myself lucky - now in my late 30's - that a worse outcome hasn't befallen me in those times. My close calls, especially from those days heading to Veterans stadium during te early 90's, flashed in my mind when I thought of the trauma Bryan suffered.
I cried. I found reading a story about the anniversary moments ago, I cried again.
When it's all said and done, I've come to realize it's just a game played by big kids making much more money than most of us will ever see.
But we love the game itself and the connection it helps us make with our dads, sons and friends.
Bryan, I will continue to pray for you and your recovery and for your family's strength and hope.
God Bless you all.
Dan
Drexel Hill, PA

A quick note to let you know that...all of us here are thinking of all of you there!
With love,
Claussen's Corner
Angels Camp

Thinking of Bryan, his children and all of his loved ones today. What a remarkable man who has touched the hearts of so many. Remarkable and Strong!!

Stow Family, I hope the sun is shining down on you during the walk today. I wish you good luck on that. Bryan, one year later, you have beat the odds in so many ways. As another poster said, please never forget that you really do have the world rooting for you. We all care and have come to "love" you. My admiration and very best to you especially today but always.

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by since this senseless act happened to you Bryan and your whole family. I had hoped so much that you would be able to be back at the season opener this year, but that is not to be. You've made such strides in the last year. You are a fighter and you are strong. I know that you will never be the same but I continue to pray that you will be able to go back to your life at some point and experience the joys of watching your children go. God bless you today and every day! You are not forgotten and there are thousands of us out here cheering you on!