Becky Bletscher
2003 Community Hero
Before she was ill, fourteen year old Becky loved to hang out and shop with her friends and play with "Koufax," her kitty. Musical talent came easily to her: she sang, and played the piano and flute. Her family often cheered her on at softball and volleyball games. What used to come easily for Becky, however, now requires tremendous courage, focus, and patience.
In June of 2002, Becky was diagnosed with Arterial Venus Malformation, a congenital disease that left her with a malformed blood vessel in her brain. Very suddenly, after a clot ruptured this vessel, she suffered a severe stroke. With hours of rehabilitation behind her and many more ahead, she is re-learning the basics…reading, writing, talking, tying her shoes and playing sports.
Despite the challenges she faces, Becky's mom, Sue shares, "Becky's positive attitude and willingness to work hard have amazed us!" She believes Becky's words would be "Have a good attitude and keep doing the hard things. Who you are is the most important thing."
