BURLINGTON, VT - Early in the semester, a Champlain College student was accidentally struck by a car while walking in downtown Burlington. First-year, Joey Reidy barely got to start classes and form friendships before he ended up in a month-long coma in the hospital. As a result of the accident, he still suffers severe brain damage and a broken left leg. On Oct. 12, he was transferred from Fletcher Allen Hospital in Burlington to Spaulding Rehab in Boston.

The family, originally from Vinalhaven, ME, is far away from their primary support group of family and friends at home as they stay with Joey at the rehab center. To the family's surprise, they have been taken in by Champlain College and have received unimaginable support throughout the past months. The entire family is so completely appreciative to the College for all they have provided.

The resident assistants of Joey's dorm, Katherine Brockway '13 and Emily Cobb '14, have motivated their dorm to support Joey's family throughout the whole ordeal. "Five of his housemates, his peer advisor, Katie and myself were in the waiting room awaiting optimistic news," said Cobb recalling the night of the accident. As they were periodically given updates on Joey's condition, they believed that it was their responsibility to do something in order to support him, his family, and his friends. "Our efforts are important because Joey, who was only physically in the dorm for a short time, is part of the dorm-family. It is in the time of suffering where families must bound together to help one another."

Last month, Cobb and Brockway held a gourmet grilled cheese sale at their hall to fundraise for his recovery. "Our grilled cheese event was held on Halloween weekend. Benny, one of my residents, and myself were outside making grilled cheeses from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. Almost everyone in McDonald and our Peer Advisors not only purchased a grilled cheese, but helped me set up and clean up after the event. We made $240, and all of the money went to Joey's family. The support from other students was incredible. Some students did not have money to buy a grilled cheese but came anyway show support," said Brockway.

With great response to the cause, the entire west campus resident assistant staff collaborated on a campus-wide program titled 1950's Style Prom. From 8:30-11 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, Champlain students are invited to Argosy Gymnasium in the IDX Student Life Center to take a break from studying for upcoming finals and dance the night away. For $3 in advance and $5 at the door, spend the evening with friends dressed in 50's garb, music provided by DJ Insight of DRK Productions, food, raffles, and a special performance by Champlain's Dance Team.

All money raised at the 1950's Style Prom will benefit Joey and his family. "After waking up from his month-long coma, Joey has a lot of therapy to endure to get back to the Joey that we all know, which unfortunately isn't cheap. With this fundraiser we are taking some of the financial stress off his parents," stated Cobb.

Faith Yacubian, Assistant Director of West Campus Residential Life is so proud of the girls, "Thanks to efforts like Katie and Emily's through campus-wide programs, fundraisers and building relationships in McDonald Hall, Joey will remain part of our lives and part of Champlain this year as he works on his recovery."

"Our residents deserve all of the credit for this. I think Emily and I can agree that we completely lucked out with our students in McDonald Hall. They have been unbelievably supportive of Joey and his family, and are truly inspiring," said Brockway modestly in response.

"His healing process is like a roller coaster ride; the good news is that there are many more improvements than there are back slips." said Director of the Champlain Counseling Center Carol Moran-Brown who keeps in touch with the family. The most recent posts on his mother's blog excitedly state his progress: "Joey is able to accurately answer reading comprehension questions as well as quizzes like 'What month is it?' Before his nurse even finishes writing November on his board, he's pointing at it. He's eager to learn and improve. Today was a good day for us."

For more information on how to support the Reidy family, visit the 1950's Style Prom event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/226343584100094/