Moving on with life: Local boy continues ‘amazing’ recovery after brain injury

Published 3:50 pm Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Earlier this year, BB was still displaying signs of “left-side neglect,” which means his brain does not subconsciously communicate with his left side.

Today, he continues to work on hand strength, arm strength, balance, endurance and walking in outpatient therapy sessions.

“He fatigues much easier than a kid his age that doesn’t have a brain injury,” Christie said. “It’s almost like an invisible disability. He has to work extra hard to perform at the degree they are performing.”

BB and his family were invited by Childress Racing to the NASCAR Talladega 500, where they toured the Talladega Superspeedway and met drivers. (Contributed)

BB and his family were invited by Childress Racing to the NASCAR Talladega 500, where they toured the Talladega Superspeedway and met drivers. (Contributed)

In October, Childress Racing invited BB to spend a day at the NASCAR Talladega 500 with his family.

BB toured the Talladega Superspeedway, met NASCAR drivers and watched the race in a suite with Richard Childress, who, along with his wife, partnered with Wake Forest Baptist Hospital to launch the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.

BB labeled the visit as “once-in-a-lifetime.”

“We were so excited,” Christie said. “It was definitely a different type of experience.”

BB, now 9 years old, is in the fourth grade at Forest Oaks Elementary School.

He finished third grade with all As and the Principal’s Leadership award.

BB gave up motocross for good after his wreck.

“That was a big decision, and we sold all motorcycles after that,” Christie said. “We tried to find other things to throw ourselves into.”

After doctors released him in June to play sports, BB started competing in bicycle racing (cyclocross), playing soccer, mountain biking and, most recently, rock climbing.

Sean stressed the importance of children wearing safety gear and parents being aware of the injuries that could occur in practice and competitions, and that the risk of injury increases with every practice or competition.

The Butler family lives in Chelsea. BB has a 4-year-old sister named Joscelyn.

Christie said Children’s has asked BB to speak in public about the effects of a brain injury in February 2016.

“He handles it well,” Christie said. “We are blessed. Our child is a godly child, and the power of prayer and his belief in Jesus Christ is why we know we are where we are.”