Community Corner
Injured LHS Hockey Player Turning 20
Dylan Rizzo, former hockey player at LHS, who was critically injured in a motor vehicle accident, celebrates his 20th b-day with a comedy fundraiser.
Celebrating a birthday is always a milestone. But when it's a matter of life or death, it's even more special.
Dylan Rizzo was critically injured in a night-time one-car accident Dec. 28, 2010 when he skidded on black ice, just minutes from his Lynnfield home, spinning his car and crashing into a pole.
According to his paternal aunt Sandy Rizzo, he wasn't speeding, talking on his cell phone, or even texting on the way to his friend's house.
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For his 20th birthday, which is Friday, Oct. 21, there will be a fund-raiser at Giggles Comedy inside Prince Pizzeria, 517 Broadway, Route 1, Saugus, 6:30-9:30 p.m., featuring the funny Paul D'Angelo, Johnny Pizzi and Artie Januario. Cost: $25; $250 for a table of 10.
This comedy fund-raiser is one of several events held to benefit the Dylan Rizzo Fund over his nine-month recovery process.
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This was no ordinary winter accident. He was rushed to Mass General Hospital in Boston for emergency surgery; he was in ICU for over a month; he was on the floor at Mass General for another month before being sent to a rehabilitation hospital for close to seven months.
"Dylan has a large family and many many friends; everyone visited him often while he was in the hospital and in rehab," Rizzo said. "At times, the waiting room at the hospital would be full of Dylan's visitors. He has had friends and family with him around the clock during this entire ordeal -- an amazing showing of love and support."
Rizzo was actually released from the rehab Sept. 28 (nine months to the day of the accident), but has speech therapy and nursing care at home and on an outpatient basis. There is also another major surgery scheduled.
As of press time, he was unable to be interviewed due to his speech rehabilitation.
Besides stand-up comedians, his birthday celebration will feature raffle/silent auction items and pizza.
As to his progress, "We believe that Dylan's own strength and determination has accelerated his recovery and being home with his own surroundings will drive him even further to improve," Rizzo stated. "He is an inspiration and a miracle."
For information, visit the Dylan Rizzo Fund Facebook page.
