Bryson Gaspards, and family speak on 6-year-olds Recovery process

SCOTT COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) — Recovery continues after 6-year-old Bryson Gaspard was hit by a truck while getting off his school bus earlier this month.

Bryson Gaspard was struck on January 13th, a moment his parents say they will never forget.

“Well, I was at work, and I got the phone call, and I’m scared. I freaked out,” said his father, Joshua Gaspard, thinking back to the moment he learned his son had been hit. “A normal drive that usually would take 10, 15 minutes felt like it was taking an eternity.”

His mother, Rebecca Gaspard, described what she remembers.

“What really, woke me up that day is whenever he started screaming and was in a lot of pain, and that’s when the first police officer showed up,” she said.

The family says the Scott County community quickly rallied around them in their time of trouble need.

“It’s like a mix of both worlds—being overwhelming, but at the same time, we’re very appreciative,” Joshua Gaspard said. “We’re not from here, so for this incident to happen and to see everybody just show up and show out and show so much love and support, it really means a lot to us and makes us feel like we’re a part of something.”

The family saying they thank God for helping keep Bryson safe. “God played a big part in it, and you know, he was watching over my baby” says Bryson’s father.

His mother says he remains determined to heal.

“He really loved the attention at first, and then he was kind of getting a little overwhelmed and just wants to be a kid,” Rebecca Gaspard said. “When we go and do these things, he has to stay in a wheelchair, so when everyone else is getting up and walking, he keeps asking, ‘When do I get to start walking again?’”

Despite his injuries, Bryson is looking forward to returning to one of his favorite activities, playing basketball with his brother, Joe.

“BASKETBALL,” the 6-year-old says when asked what he was most excited about getting back to.

For now, the family says his recovery time-line is up in the air. Bryson prepares for another surgery in nine or ten months to remove a plate and six screws from his right femur. His pelvis, also broken in the accident, will require further evaluation.

“It’s up in the air right now,” his father said. “We’ve got to wait and see how the next surgery goes.”

With their thankfulness, the Gaspards hope Bryson’s story sparks conversations about school bus safety. They say more needs to be done to help protect children getting on and off buses.

The 19-year-old driver of the truck that hit Bryson has been charged with failure to stop for a school bus.

As Bryson prepares for his next surgery around October, his family remains hopeful and thankful for the support they’ve received.

“Thank you,” says Bryson, thanking those who have helped him along the way.