January 14th, 2011 by Conor

I’ve been following Danny’s progress daily via the website. It’s absolutely amazing how many people have come together to offer support and assistance to Danny and his family during this time. It truly is a testament to how many people Danny has touched throughout his lifetime.

I first met Danny in high school. We were in the same freshman class. I don’t recall our first interaction, but I remember shortly after we met we became good friends and remained good friends throughout high school. Danny was so friendly and funny and we hit it off right away. I remember calling Danny all the time on the phone and getting so nervous when Connor answered because he was a junior (and Danny’s older brother) and I was only a freshman. It wasn’t long before I realized that Connor was just as funny and kind as Danny and I quickly got over my anxiety.

One thing I remember about Danny was that he was always rockin’ out to good music. In high school Danny (and I think Tom) made these “Pimp Mixes.” They were home made CDs of the best songs and while I am sure he never intended on them becoming so popular – shortly after Pimp Mix Volume I came out everyone wanted to get their hands on a copy, myself included. Another memory of Danny that sticks out in my mind was senior year in Mr. Fayle’s English class. We had just spent the last couple of weeks drafting our college essay’s and Mr Fayle made the whole class stand up and one by one discuss the topic of their essay. I remember when it was Danny’s turn, he stood up and proudly told us how he chose to write his college admission essay on his brother Connor and how their relationship had impacted Danny in so many ways. Reading Danny’s essay brought me to tears and I will never forget reading it. I remember thinking how truly special their bond was and how I hoped that i could one day share the same bond with my little sister that Danny and Connor shared.

One of my funniest memories of Danny was Christmas 2004. We were in college at this point and home on Christmas break. Let me preface this story by explaining a few things – my dad’s birthday is Christmas Eve. Every year he has a party on his birthday with a big Christmas Eve dinner. When we were kids, Berkeley and Zac would come to my house for dinner. As we grew older, Berkeley and Zac began having their own party at their house which was two houses down from mine. Their parties were usually well attended and quite certainly a bit more exciting than my parents and their friends. My dad is a pretty traditional guy and so we always said grace before dinner…..

So there we were…Christmas Eve 2004, my parents, myself and 12 of my parents closest friends had just sat down to the dinner table. My dad was just about to say grace when we hear a loud noise at the door and the voices of 3 guys in hot pursuit of a raging party…all of a sudden Danny, Conor and Dave Soroka blow through my front door all with 30 packs in tow. They rounded the corner to see us all sitting at the dinner table, which took all of us by surprise. Immediately, Danny realized that they were in the wrong house and had actually intended on going to Berkeley and Zac’s, but because we lived so close, they must have been confused by all the cars outside which belonged to my parent’s friends. It was so funny and when he realized that they had crashed the wrong party, Danny instantly let out his signature laugh. It wasn’t long before we were all laughing in hysterics. My family still talks about that every year on Christmas Eve to this day and I will never forget it…especially the expression on Danny’s face.

When I heard about what happened to Danny I felt so terrible. I am currently working as an Occupational Therapist at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii. I work very closely with patient’s who have sustained similar injuries to Danny. Some of these patient’s have sustained TBI’s as a result of the war and others have been from non combat related injuries and accidents like car accidents and motorcycle crashes. One of the best parts of my job is seeing these patient’s progress from following simple commands such as blinking or wiggling their toes to being able to sit at the edge of the bed without assistance. One of the largest predictors of progress throughout the rehabilitation process for patient’s with TBI is a strong support system. This is obviously not going to be a problem for Danny!!!! He has an amazing support system and sooo many people behind him that will make a tremendous impact on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Conor – you are a truly amazing brother. This can be a really hard time for family members and I am literally in awe at your strength and unwavering support for Danny and your family during this time. You amaze me!!!! I have worked alot with patients with TBI. Occupational therapists are usually key players when the patient’s medical status has stabalized. We play a key role in the patient’s rehabilitation and return to independence. While I am sure the nurses and doctors are keeping you pretty informed and the Occupational Therapist is not even in the picture yet, I just wanted to let you know that if you have any questions or want more information or research or help throughout the rehabilitation process, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am thinking of you and Danny and your family, especially Ellen Shea every day. I am sending you guys positive vibes and look forward to hearing great things about Danny’s recovery.

-Laurel Coffey 🙂

January 13th, 2011 by Conor

It took me this long to build up the strength and courage to write. I was one of the first visitors to this site. I read the first thoughts and stories. I couldn’t make it through a sentence without crying. Danny is different than any friend I have ever had. We would laugh for days together given the chance but Danny was always str8 with me… he would tell me when I was being a dick or ask me “Zac really???? do you even believe what you just said?” he kept me true even when I didn’t want to be. Everyone remembers times they shared with Danny.. I could spend the next 24 hours telling u about times with Danny but for right now I’m keeping them to myself.. those moments, days, weeks, times….. those are ours right now and i kinda like that…

When this whole fund raising thing started I was a lil hesitant I didn’t want to commit to something I couldn’t follow through on, HA! now i find myself doing work! and I absolutely love it! i think to myself constantly…. what would Danny do? ( so gay to say that i know) but it really helps and bottom line is Danny would go to the end of the world for me and back… he really would. I want to be there by his bedside with the fam… I want to meet you Michelle! you sound like the girl version of Danny.. I wanted so much to be there with you and to see my buddy… but i know that he would approve and tell me I need to stay here and do what I’m doing.. this is my purpose right now.. this is god’s plan right now… I’m doing exactly what i should be.. Danny I want you to know how much I love you and how constant u are in my head… my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family… I want to tell you that today I shredded some gnarley pow pow! I was with you today man… I really was.. I laughed and hollered like we used to… I put my “sex” mix on haha u tooled on me for that thing… brotha it was like you were in my ear callin me out all over again! today was a good day my friend… and I know there are good days to come.. I just read ur brothers posts… again signs of ur strength! again proof that ur as strong as they come.

I’m waiting for you man.. I’m going to be here until ur making funny of me so much that i want to leave haha! I love you and your fam more than you kno… we’re goin to make things happen over here! i know you’ll do ur part and make things happen over there.. till i see you again deaner! I love you and will be here on your side always! ahhhhhhhh brahhhh!

January 13th, 2011 by Conor

I met Danny T. in high school when I was a sophomore, Danny was in 7th grade. If there was one thing I had to use to remind me of Danny it is his laugh. Ever since Ive known Danny his laugh hasn’t changed the slightest, amazing because I still feel like my laugh changes on a daily basis. We became best friends through my high school years, and this is my first memory of him.

It was a long ass time ago, but I’m sitting in my art class preparing to start my work. This small fry 7th grader walks into the classroom and takes a seat by the instructor all the way across the room from me. I thought it was a little off because we were deep into the semester and I hadn’t seen him before. I thought little of it after that and resumed my work. Its relatively quiet in this class, but all of a sudden I hear this ridiculous laughing sound. It sounded like some sort of rain forest bird or monkey mating call or something and whatever it was it startled me in my deep concentration, enough to cause me to break my pencil tip off while drawing. I looked up and it was that little 7th grader laughing out loud to HIMSELF alone in the corner by the instructors desk lol, looking at his own masterpiece he had been working on. I still to this day don’t remember why or how he became a part of our class as a jr. high pipsqueak, but from that moment on after I had gone over to introduce myself and trade thoughts on our artwork we were inseparable.

Danny has always been a crazy cat, whether it be shredding it up on Cranmore as kids, or jumping off bridges during cabrew trips in the summer months, he has always been the star of the show, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Below I have shared some photos from a summer day at the rope swing at Crystal lake in Eaton, where my sister Ashley, Danny and I used to go all the time to cool off and challenge each others high flying acrobatic abilities. There is one in particular that gave me the idea to post these pics, because the Danny I know is the smart alec clown that will do anything to get a laugh out of the people he is with. I’m sure you will have no trouble figuring out which photo I am talking about haha. Sorry if the photo quality is poor ( it doent look too bad), but it is from probably 10 or 11 years ago ( Ellen 🙂 ), and the camera is a disposable underwater guy. Enjoy and godbless everyone for their contributions to this wonderful family that I had the privilege of surrounding myself with for many years.

-Miles

January 13th, 2011 by Conor

My name is Claudia and my husband and I met Danny over the summer for a very brief moment. When I mean brief, I mean two minutes max. He seemed nice and we have been involved with Shreddy Times. As soon as I heard what happened I have been checking for updates multiple times a day. Dannyisthebomb.com is perpetually on my computer screen. The second day the web site was up my daughter came and sat on my lap to see what I was doing. I was reading through the text and had refreshed the page to see if anything new was added while I was reading. This action made the screen reset and the header was in view. My daughter, Julianne, looked at the picture and stared. After a second or two her eyed widened and she said, “Ohhhh Mama, who is that?” I simply told her, “Danny.” As my suspicions we right there was an update while I read. I immediately started reading the new entry. Upon coming to the end of the page I scrolled down. This action provoked a profound and violent action in my usually well-mannered two-year-old. It didn’t take me long to figure out she wanted Danny’s picture back on the screen. After scrolling back up, Julianne calmed down and intently stared at the face that smiled back at her. Just when I was about to lose patience (I wanted to finish reading) she put her had up on the screen gently rubbing his cheek with her tiny hand and said, “That’s Danny. He’s so cute, he has a star on his nose.” She continued to stare and talk to him as if he was in the room. This conversation continued for a short time and I couldn’t help but wonder what she was talking to him about. Although she speaks very well for her age and I can understand 99% of what she says, when she isn’t talking to you specifically she says things very quietly, very fast and sometimes through giggles. All I know is at the end she sat back in my lap with a smile on her face and looked at him intently with her head tilted to the left. I had to leave his picture up all day.

I am not sure if she was just smitten with his picture or she knows more than she is saying. I have always heard that children of a young age are more perceptive to things and can feel what others are giving off. I didn’t tell her that he was hurt or in the hospital. But she could have been perceptive to my feelings as I read through the posts. Either way it was very touching and I thought when Danny wakes up he would want to know he is blowing the ladies away!

Claudia
North Carolina

January 13th, 2011 by Conor

First Day

I arrived today in Great Falls, MT around 1p local. Conor and David met me at the airport with a couple of long over due hugs and we came right to the hospital. There was some brief catching up on the ride over and I was cautiously warned of Danny’s condition. Upon entering the room I had no idea what to expect. To my surprise I saw Ellen sitting in a dimly lit room reading a book to Danny. As great as it was to see her for the first time in 4 years, my attention was immediately drawn to our friend. Initially I thought he looked better than the image I had dreamt up in my head during the 6 hour flight over, but the closer I got to Danny the more I felt overwhelmed with the reality of his condition. I stood there for a moment and was wanting to begin an inspection of all the tubes, the machines, the incisions, etc. when a nurse poked her head in the door and said “the tummy taxi is here”. Immediately Conor ran out of the room and I was left standing there with Ellen. I had only been in the room for 5 minutes so I had NO idea what the “tummy taxi” was. All I could I think is that it was some kind of code for Danny needs to take a shit. After sharing this thought with Ellen we both had a good laugh and she informed me that the tummy taxi was the local food delivery service. In other words lunch was here. The remainder of the afternoon we all sat in the waiting area and talked about old times, good times, and the time that had passed since we had all last seen each other.

At 5p we all gathered around a laptop in the lobby and joined in to a fundraising meeting with a large group of friends back in North Conway. Thanks to Joe from Hula networks, he was able to connect 25 of Danny’s friends through a webinar in order to collaborate on ideas to help raise money for Danny and his cause. It is incredible to see the amount of support, especially those big hearts back in the valley!

I can’t tell if we are frozen in time or if it is actually just flying by. I have been awake for 24 hours now and I am losing any sense of time. We are back in the ICU with Danny, and I have entered in to a whole new world. It’s mostly quiet in the room with the exception of the respirator. It’s an eery sound. The machine looks to be breathing for him but the doctors assure us that he is able to breath on his own. I stood bedside to examine everything going on. He has tubes plugged in all over his body. His eyes are shut and his mouth is open. I’ve seen this look on his face before but It was at a party I hosted for him. He had a couple too many beers and passed out. I want to be able to shake him like I did that night to wake him up, but the paralytics and sedatives are too strong this time. This is a pretty helpless feeling that we all share.

The doctor just came in to conduct a neurological test. This is the most excitement we have all seen for a couple of hours. As they temporarily weened Danny off the paralytics you could see his eye lids begin to open. The doctor was loud and spoke right into Danny’s face asking him to make a fist…passed, give a thumbs up….passed, give a thumbs up on your left hand…no response, wiggle your toes…passed, squeeze my hand…passed, thumbs up again…passed. At this point Danny had almost opened his eyes all the way. We all started to talk to him hoping for some kind of sign that he could recognize us, but we only got a blank stare. The doctor used his hands to open Danny’s eye lids all the way and loudly asked him to look over at him multiple times…each time just a blank stare. Conor, Michelle, and I took turns and held his hand. Each time we asked he would squeeze our hand. He might not be able to see us but it’s exciting to know that he can hear us and has the ability to control his hands.

I’m now going on 27 hours without sleeping and we still have another 3+ hours to go on the graveyard shift. I never expected to be awake this long, but we are doing it for Danny. I think we are all passed any reasonable level of sanity and we have been entertaining ourselves with endless Chuck Norris jokes. The doctor said he wants to do another neurological test soon. I hope I can stay awake long enough to see if anymore progress has been made since earlier.

This is all I have to offer up for this long day. It’s hard to see him in this condition but I’m very fortunate that I was able to make it out here. I know everyone would love to be able to be next to him during this time. I can only hope that this entry will give all of you some idea of what it would be like if you were.

We love you Danny and we are right here with you!

~Josh Belcher

January 13th, 2011 by Conor

Ever since I heard about Danny’s accident, minutes haven’t gone by without me thinking about him. I’m constantly refreshing the Dannyisthebomb.com webpage for news and I’ve been enjoying reading stories about him. Now that it’s 3:30 in the morning and I can’t sleep, I thought it was an appropriate time to write what’s on my mind.

I’ll start from the beginning … Pine Tree Elementary. Just like every other girl, my memories of him are vivid and pretty emotional considering he is the first boy I was ever in love with. Yes … in love. I, as a sixth grader, of course went about it in a very mature fashion. I would call him, and then hang up the phone if his mom answered, did some chasing around the playground, and pretended to be interested in the Chicago Bulls because he liked the Bulls. How could I not love him, he was the stud of the playground- the man made an inhaler look cool for God sakes. I remember wishing I had one because he had one. One day in sixth grade, I finally got the cajones to ask Danny out. Whilst eating a green fruit roll-up, I went for it, and he said yes. Unfortunately, I think the romance fizzled out within days.

He was always an innovator, and it doesn’t surprise me that he’s helped pioneer Shreddy Times. I remember (again, back in sixth grade) our assignment was to invent something. Whereas most kids were inventing pretty unoriginal things, I remember Danny’s project blew everyone’s out of the water. First of all, his presentation was a movie that he had made … and considering the times, it was pretty advanced. I think I wrote my report on a typewriter. He invented something where you can practice your snowboarding moves even in the summer by some contraption he made and using it on a trampoline. Fast forward 15 years and look at where he has come – he was made to do what he does… and it seems like he’s still the stud of the playground.

Unfortunately, life takes over and our paths haven’t crossed in a few years now, but Danny is unforgettable. I have an awful memory, and the fact that I remember these stories so vividly says a lot about his character and the impact he has on people. He’s a genuinely good person… the kind that makes the world simple and carefree. I have always admired his passion and motivation – and of course just thinking about his laugh makes me smile. I was trying to think of something less corny to say, but there’s no other way to … he’s got a beautiful soul. Good things happen to good people and with his fight and all this lovin and positive energy, he’ll be out of this in no time. Danny IS the bomb.

To Conor, Michelle (although I don’t know you), and the rest of the family … he’s really really lucky to have amazing people like you by his side. I’m in awe of your love and support. Take care of yourselves and I’ll continue to send love and positive vibes your way!

-Nia

January 12th, 2011 by Conor

Danny and I had met when we were little little, but didn’t know about it until we crossed paths again when i was in 6th grade and he was in 8th, at the “louis fuches” concerts that was held annually. You’d think a young girl meeting an “older” guy would be shy and nervous, but from the second he smiled and said “Hey Im Danny” i was put right at ease, or maybe even in a trance, as that is what began my first MAJOR crush. He was wearing a chain that had a Dunkin Donuts coffee cup hanging off of it and he proudly showed it off. I watched him play the drums, and secretly wished that i didnt have to go back to the elementary school so i could stay there all day with him in the Jr High. That was just the dress rehersal, that night was the big show. I remember making sure i looked really pretty, at least thats what i was hoping for, and a chance to get to see him and talk to him again. Turns out i got the chance and he even asked for my “home phone number” so we could maybe go to the movies sometime. I felt like i was on cloud nine! I knew there was something special about him and that no matter what he would always be a great dear friend.

We talked almost every night and thats when we found out our brothers grew up with each other and one birthday party my brother had, danny was so happy that he got invited too! Once i finally made it into jr high, danny was in high school and we continued our close friendship until the college years. We spent summer days working at Zeb’s General Store, and the days we didnt have to work we were at the river, obviously. Danny was always there for me no matter what. even through every little heart break from guys, danny knew that a get together to watch Shrek, go bowling, and or even a round of seven eleven doubles, would cheer me right up. He always knew just what to say, and when that guy laughs how can you not smile?

Danny always called me by my first and middle name, Ana Mariel. He said it in just the right pitch that i now constantly hear it in my head and cant wait to be able to hear it again. I found one of the entries he wrote in my yearbook, and it brought tears to my eyes,
“Hey Ana Mariel, wish i had more room to write..:( where do i even begin? we have known each other for so long, you have been so good to me and im sure you already know that. i thank you for everything that you have ever done for me. im glad weve become so close over the years. stay beautiful ana, i love ya, love always danny t #3”

Always thinking of you Daniel Carroll and cannot wait until i can see you and hear your voice again! you are amazing! <3

January 12th, 2011 by Conor

I did not know Danny personally. The first time I heard his name was my freshman year of college, when my good friend Seth came running into my room and brought up Danny’s promo. Seth had know Danny from shredding at Cranmore (I think) and was so stoked to see him throwing down at Northstar. I couldn’t help but agree, he had a style I had never seen before in snowboarding, and he was smooove as buttah on rails.
While I don’t have any memories outside of that, I was a bystander in a similar situation and I believe I can provide some hope and encouragement to Danny and his Friends.
Let me give some background… When I was a sophomore in high school, my best friend was involved in a skiing accident leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. Doctors gave him an initial chance of survival somewhere in the neighborhood of 0%. I knew my homie was a fighter and if there was still an ounce of life in him he would grab on and fight for it. From what I’ve heard and read about Danny, he’s the same way.
It might seem like just being there for him isn’t helping but when my friend came out of his coma he said he could hear and remembered just about everything that was said in his room. Being there for him and talking to him even if he can’t respond will have a huge effect.

Danny, you got this one. It may get frustrating at times but keep on pushin homie! I’m sending my vibes!

Jack Byers

January 12th, 2011 by Conor

Conor,

This is Stephen Schloss, not sure if you remember me. I have to start off by saying that just a few days ago I found my FLIGI hoodie, one of my favorite hoodies ever, in the closet of my old bedroom in my parents’ house in South Florida. I’ve been wearing it every day. Just today, I saw a post on Facebook about your brother. Strange things like this happen…

I want you to know that I can relate very closely to what you’re experiencing, and here is why…

For two weeks in December, my sister and I spent 24 hours a day in a small hospital room with my 55 year old mom. We would each try to leave once every day or two, for an hour, to run home and shower. My mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in mid-October and was doing OK until just after her first chemo treatment around Thanksgiving. Things went horribly downhill and we experienced a nightmare that nobody, no children, should have to experience a sweet, innocent, vibrant mother, wife and friend go through. We took her home on December 27 in hospice care and she passed on the morning of December 31 while I was holding her hand.

I’m offering this extremely brief version of my story for you to know that I understand the feeling of spending endless hours feeling helpless at the side of a loved family member. People commenting on how you should be a nurse because you know so much and you’re so attentive and caring. But who the hell wants to learn this stuff if they didn’t go to med school?? What a horrible way to learn. And only we, you, me, Michelle (whom I obviously do not know), and my sister are the ones who can understand that there is no choice otherwise; it’s not because we want to be there or we have to be there, it’s because that’s where we belong. Convenience, comfort, pain, hygiene…none of it really matters, just keeping your spirits up and stopping at nothing to comfort and aide your loved one. I slept in one of those big chairs that you’re in in those pictures for the entirety of my stay at the hospital – with multiple herniated discs in my back and sciatica in my leg so bad that I was in the ER the week before and I haven’t driven in over a month. My mom apologized to me because she knew how much it hurt me to sit with her and rub her feet and to lift her – but I was the only person that she’d let move her around in her bed, or in the chair.

We know what it’s like to feel like all there is is hope and a smile. How incredible it feels to have that loved person that was strong as a bull yesterday, just squeeze your finger today. I have a great feeling that your outcome will be a positive one and that your brother will thrive after this experience. It’s so obvious that he is loved by many and the job that you and Michelle are doing with the website is so incredible. Danny feels that love and hears your words.

I want you to know that if you feel like talking about anything, your experience, hearing mine, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to call me or email me. I’ve cried and screamed and questioned everything. I’ve led decision-making that I could never imagine having to do with my mother’s life.

Stay strong man. You guys are doing great and it’s inspirational to see you tackling this situation like I’m seeing it on the website.

Again, please feel free to contact me at any time. I’m here living every moment as it comes.

All the best in health and sending love and positive vibes your way…

-stephen

January 12th, 2011 by Conor

Danny and I go way way back as friends, in fact, I think he was my first high school crush. Back when he was a little pretty boy with a clean cut haircut and a baby face which he of course still has and probably will always possess. It’s funny to look back and think that I was intimidated by Danny, when now I make fun of him, for any reason at all. I remember my first FliGi sweatshirt (which of course I still have), and partying at SNHU one halloween. Danny always has the most creative costumes.
My first memories of Danny are just as great as my latest ones. Before Danny left the valley to go back out west, I got the pleasure of “shredding” NoCo’s finest with him. The one and only Cranny. We got to joke about how “gnarly” the park is, and laugh at one piece suits and jeans. I think Danny said once, “This must be denim day” and we all laughed hysterically. We had more time to laugh, and less time to ride because the lines were so long. Now I cherish those long lines, and that short time we had to catch up.
Danny is loved by soo many people, and it is great to see the support first hand on this site. It is always a hard task displaying your feelings when a loved one has been hurt. I think about you everyday Danny, and I pray to a God that I don’t necessarily believe in, to help you heal. Get better so we can all really brag about how much “Danny is the bomb”.
Give us your contagious laugh once again.

Love, aLanz

PS. Conor – You are an amazing person, and we all appreciate what you are doing. Michelle – I don’t know you personally, but you seem to care about Danny incredibly. Danny will be so happy to see you two when he wakes up.