Wednesday, January 27, 1999
With help, injured boy battles back
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP — Troy Bachman and his family will say a big “thank you” today at Fairfield East Elementary School.
They're grateful to a teacher who came to Children's Hospital Medical Center every day for almost two months last summer after Troy was hit by a car while crossing Hamilton-Mason Road in front of his house.
And they'll thank a school staff that arranged for a tutor for Troy during first semester, and never said no to any request the family made as the 8-year-old slowly recovered from a head injury and broken bones.
“It took a whole group effort,” said Gina Bachman, Troy's mom. “He's had a lot of support and prayer. Before school started, I went in and sat down to talk with them. Anything I wanted, they did. They were wonderful and took the extra steps. It's so neat.”
In gratitude for the school's efforts and those of teachers Nancy Luensman, Christie Jenkins and Vivian Alvarez, the Bachmans will present a plaque to the faculty and staff today.
Ms. Luensman, who had been Troy's second-grade teacher before the accident, read to him at the hospital, brought food to his parents and kept a daily journal of Troy's progress.
“I just had a feeling I needed to be there,” Mrs. Luensman said Tuesday. “You bond with your students during the year. I got so close to them so quickly. If I missed a day, I felt sick.”
Even though Troy is no longer in her classroom, Mrs. Luensman said she keeps tabs on him and helped arrange for him to be in Miss Jenkins' third-grade homeroom. Often, Miss Jenkins accompanied Mrs. Luensman to the hospital.
“He's the same kid,” Mrs. Luensman said. “His person ality is back. He's more of a ham than he used to be. But he still lives for sports. One thing, though, is different. His motivation is unbelievable. He wants to get good grades.”
Miss Jenkins said it's hard to believe how far Troy has come in such a short time.
When school started in August, Troy still had rods in his legs and could come to school for only an hour at a time. Gradually, he worked up to three hours. Last week, he returned full time.
“At the beginning of the year, he was (re)learning sounds,” Mrs. Alvarez said. “He's reading slightly below grade level now. I've seen a lot of progress, both academically and socially. He's not a quitter and always tries to do his best. He's come a long way.”
Troy said he enjoys spelling because he gets the words right, but isn't as thrilled with math. Physical education is also a favorite subject.
Although he had to skip football this fall, Troy is playing basketball and plans to start baseball and soccer in the spring. His mom said they are having a special helmet made to protect his head when he plays football.
“He's awe-inspiring. I watched him waking up, not able to talk, to seeing him read at a second-grade level,” Miss Jenkins said. “The kids love him. They hover. They beg for his attention. Everyone wants to be the one to sit next to him.”
Lunchtime in a little town served warm
Pope gets rock-star greeting
Pope gets CD, music video
Pope's schedule
Chicago-Cincinnati bullet train gets nod
Silver Grove awaits word of 'rebirth'
Taft's minister: Spare Berry
Anti-tax activists rally against school levy
Parole board says no to serial killer
Some Tristate senators no-commenting on witness issue
Western residents split over growth
Instant dam limits gasoline spill
UC profs' 3-year deal approved
Bracing for new smiles
Braces? Here are warning signs
Braces? What to consider
'Seinfeld' lawyer argues case
City job could stay in family
Club gives stay-at-home mothers a reason to get out
Covington, Kenton Co. to share repair of road
Doctor says estrogen compounds problema
Drawbridge policy 'shortsighted,' convention group says
Driver guilty in chase, shootings
Fire's cause may remain a mystery
Ft. Washington Way closed tonight
GOP gives Patton pass in election
Jury acquits on DUI
Killer's friends get year
Last payment in pacemaker wires suit
Levy renewal may go to a vote
Missing teen's case hits national TV
No closed meetings, judge tells Lebanon
Pneumonia is peaking
Retired judge of appeals court dead at 72
School nurses do more
School technician dies in crash
TRISTATE DIGEST
Warren transit fares likely to rise
With help, injured boy battles back
