Ilion High School - Class of 1991

Utica Observer Dispatch - December 24, 1987

Accident victim's gift is return to normalcy

Article 8

Source is here Utica NY Observer 1987 a - 2412.pdf on fultonhistory.com

Utica Observer Dispatch - Rachel Pestar - Class of 1991

Accident victim's gift is return to normalcy

By TIM BLYDENBURGH

ILION - Rachel Pestar's comeback from a swimming accident this summer is the finest gift her family said they could get.

"This is absolutely the best Christmas ever," her mother, Pam. said. "You have the bad moments and things get down, but you really remember how fortunate you are.

It almost looked as though Rachel, 14, wasn't going to make it after the accident at Inlet's Seventh Lake. Her neck was broken in two places, her spinal cord was partially severed, and she was paralyzed from the neck down.

She spent almost a month each at the SUNY Health Sciences Center in Syracuse and Children's Rehabilitation Hospital in Utica.

With her own fighting spirit - and support from hospital staff, family, fellow patients and friends - "she's come a long way," her mother said.

Rachel visits the Utica hospital daily for rehabilitation. An Ilion High School freshman, she gets help in her studies by tutor Marilyn Davies. By next month, she said, she might be able to return to school.

"It's been a waiting game and a lot of hard work," Pam Pestar said.

Rachel wears a neck brace. She still feels some numbness and has trouble with her left arm. But it's a long way from the damage that was first suspected.

"Actually, I didn't think I was going to walk again." she said.

She said she knows her participation in sports will be limited but she continues-to work on her hobby, drawing.

What helped her through the tragedy was advice from a fellow accident victim at the Syracuse hospital - the "three D's: determination, dedication and devotion.

"I never really thought back. I just did what I had to do," she said.

The complete extent of Rachel's recovery probably won't be known for another two years, said her father, Albert.

The Christmas spirit started early this year, he said. Remington Arms, where he works, and the Mohawk Valley Nursing Home, where Pam works, have been very supportive, as have neighbors and friends. A fund drive was started by friends to help pay some of the family's expenses.

Phyllis Luczka, an organizer of the fund drive, said more than $2,000 has been raised through canisters and requests from organizations. The fund drive concludes at year's end. Contributions can be sent to'Luczka at RD#3, Box 129-A, Frankfort 13340, or Dorothy Tripoli, Carder Lane. Frankfort, 13340.

Rachel said she's received support and some good-natured ribbing - from her sister. Becky, and her, brother, Al. The Pestars live at 9 Center Street.

Next month Rachel celebrates her 15th birthday.

"We can't go anywhere without people asking how she is, people we don't even know," Pam Pestar said. "We can't help but be thankful."

Created and maintained by Aileen Carney Sweeney - Class of 1974