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Project Background
 When
Randy Bertisch began waking from his coma in September of 1988,
it was felt that something extraordinary was taking place. The
nurses were calling him their “miracle baby,” and doctors
and therapists were stopping in to see if what they had heard
was true! You see, just six weeks earlier, Randy’s family
had been told he would surely die within hours from injuries sustained
when his car was struck by an out-of-control dump truck and that,
should he survive, there was absolutely no possibility of his
ever regaining consciousness. They were told to pray for death.
Randy’s friends and family knew he would never give up.
With his energy and determination, there had been nothing he couldn’t
accomplish. The hospital staff assured everyone they were holding
out false hope.
It’s only in the movies that someone waking from a coma
looks around, asks what he’s doing there, jumps out of bed
and goes home. It doesn’t work that way in real life. When
Randy first showed signs of waking from his coma, it was obvious
that he would have to fight his way back every step of the way.
He couldn’t speak, focus his attention, or make any voluntary
movements.
Those closest to Randy were convinced
that, once fully conscious, he would want to know everything.
They felt he should be able to see his achievements as he inched
his way back to them. Recovery from traumatic brain injury is
extremely slow and difficult. They knew that Randy’s having
a record of his amazing progress could prove very valuable, should
he become discouraged during the struggle that lay ahead.
From then on, everything possible was done to record Randy’s
physical and cognitive improvement as well as document all the
constant and creative involvement of his friends. A sign-in book
was placed in his room in which his many visitors wrote him notes.
Hundreds of snapshots and many hours of videotape marked each
accomplishment, while everyone joke about making a documentary.
Nine years later, Randy and his friend, Stuart, combined the recovery
footage with present-day interviews to produce “GIANT STEPS,
The Randy J Bertisch Story.” Their hope is that the account
of Randy’s fight to reclaim his life will serve as an inspiration
to others having to face similar challenges.  Their
message is, “Never give up!!” This documentary demonstrates
that there is hope past prognosis!
Two years after his accident, Randy was introduced to Bill Cosby,
a meeting that proved to be so meaningful in Randy’s recovery.
Because of his background as a physical therapist in the Navy,
Bill understood Randy’s condition. This talented and generous
man has had Randy open two of his shows on stage and asked to
participate in the making of “GIANT STEPS.” Their interview
at the close of this documentary is both humorous and touching.
Bill and Randy have made a date to dance with their ladies on
stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas, as soon as Randy is able. That
will be an occasion to really celebrate!
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“If you or anyone you know says, ‘I
can’t,’ in times of difficulty, I want you to take a
look at the Randy J Bertish Story. The inspiring account of this
young man’s willpower and courage will stay with you forever!
I’m very proud to have participated in this exciting project.”
~ BILL COSBY
“This remarkable documentary lifts your spirits and restores
your faith in the power of the human mind. Randy Bertish teaches
us that anything is possible when you just refuse to take “no”
for an answer. It’s an inspiring story of courage, determination
and unconditional love.”
~ BARRY MOSS
Hughes Moss Casting, NY
“An amazing look at what all of us would
hope we possess inside… This courageous story of Randy and
his family shows us the human spirit at its finest. Even in the
most dire of circumstances, Randy demonstrates to all of us that,
if one has the will, you can accomplish even the impossible.”
~ ROBERT SCHWARTZ
Wardenclyffe Entertainment
Randy with Bill Cosby while taping "Giant Steps"
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You can order your own copy of
"GIANT STEPS" The Randy J Bertish Story
All proceeds from the sale of "GIANT STEPS" go to
The My Gym - Challenged America Foundation |
Printable Order Form
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| Order Online: |
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| Telephone Orders: | (310) 475-4760 |
| Mail Orders: | Challenged America
15300 Ventura Blvd., Suite 423
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 |
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