Zackery Lystedt Continues to Inspire

Like most of us, Zackery Lystedt has a full time job.  Monday through Friday he and either mom Mercedes or dad Victor put another 300 miles on the car as they work through Zackery's rehabilitation.  The family has faced a myriad of choices since he suffered a catastrophic brain injury during a football game four years ago, and as a result Zackery has improved tremendously.  As a matter of fact, he's hit some major milestones.

Upstairs to his room

In May 2009, when the WA State concussion law known as the Zackery Lystedt Law was signed by Gov. Christine Gregoire, Victor Lystedt remarked in an interview that nothing in Zackery's room had changed in the two years since he was there last.  At the time, Zackery was able to make it up only 3 stairs of the 14 and the goal was clear.  A few weeks ago, Zackery could be found playing video games with his friends, in his room, in his favorite gaming chair.  As typical as this scene is in many homes this summer, for the Lystedts it was a dream come true.

What it takes

Every little detail is burned into Victor's brain, not only from the injury, but from Zackery's after-care as well.  93 days at Harborview Trauma Center, at month 9 said "Oh, Dad," month 13 moved his left arm, month 20 ate on his own.  The love and dedication apparent in both he and Mercedes knows no bounds. Knowing Zackery's potential better than anyone and living the motto "failure is not an option", the Lystedts set out to design an individualized therapy program tailored to suit their son's specific needs.  Over the years that has developed to include a part-time return to school, physical, speech, and occupational therapists, as well as swimming 3 days a week.  "Zackery always said that he feels more normal in the pool than anywhere else.  He can feel more of his body when he's in the water," said Victor.

Pushing Boundaries

Twice weekly Zackery works out with personal trainers at a Seattle-area facility called Pushing Boundaries which houses a unique gait-training apparatus called the Lokomat, the only one in the NW. Designed to help patients improve mobility and over-ground walking skills, it is one of the little-known therapies the Lystedts thought would significantly aid Zackery's progress.

Executive Director Tricia Lazzar says Zackery gives her staff his all, as they work together to increase his physical strength so that he can become more independent.  There are other benefits as well.  "When Zackery's here, he lights up the whole place.  His sense of humor is so infectious, even our other clients feed off of him.  He usually has our staff in stitches."  She added, "But don't be fooled- he is very driven and gives 110% when he's here."  It's paying off.  Anxious to ditch the wheelchair, Zackery is now walking on his cul-de-sac with his dad, and walking himself into the pool unaided if he gets impatient- both of these improvements unthinkable a year ago.

Zackery's legacy

The Lystedt family worked very hard with their attorney, Richard Adler, Dr. Stan Herring of the Seattle Sports Concussion Program, and others to develop the most comprehensive concussion law in the country which has been in effect since July 2009.  Not only has it made a tremendous difference in WA, but it provided a model for other states that have also passed similar concussion laws this year.  Additionally, the Lystedt Law was the inspiration for British Columbia's new football concussion policy, as they look to protect Canadian amateur athletes from concussion as well.`

A Little Perspective

Victor sums it up, "We signed up to be parents, and we didn't know what road that would take us down.  If we could've taken an ounce of his pain away we would have, but we've had to stand by and watch Zack endure things you and I can't even imagine. But we got a second chance and we had an obligation to speak up.  How can you measure our pride?  He's my hero."