Airdrie’s Ryan Straschnitzki started another chapter in his journey after arriving at his house in Airdrie today (July 5th) for the first time in months.
Ryan and his family returned from Philadelphia yesterday, where Ryan was undergoing rehab at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital for just over a month.
Ryan says he’s grateful to be back and continue writing his story.
“Even on my bad days, I’m still going to physio and kind of pushing through it. Obviously, you have your ups and downs but I think, just that consistency and drive is really a good factor.”
The 19-year-old still has aspirations of making the Canadian Paralympic Sledge Hockey team and hopes to be on the ice very soon.
The entire Straschnitzki family wouldn’t have persevered without the support of the hockey community and their neighbourhood.
“It feels good,” says Ryan, “They’ve been a huge part of my life. I’ve been here for so long and the whole neighbourhood is like family and they’re supporting me just like everyone else. I can’t thank them enough.”
While Ryan is back in Airdrie, he won’t be at home full-time yet as renovations at the family home have only started.
According to TJ Stewart, who’s helping oversee the project, they plan to completely revamp the basement to allow for wheelchair access, a living area and an elevator.
The renovations could cost up to $200,000 but a lot of money has already been given to the project. Stewart says the plan is for no money to come out of the Straschnitzki’s pocket or from the Straz Strong or Humboldt Broncos Go Fund Me pages.
Stewart says the elevator has been paid for.
The project is expected to take at least three months to finish.
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