JASE ALLEN AND Charlotte McConnell, two children from Addison County, have forged a strong bond while facing their respective challenges with disabilities. Their friendship traces back to a poignant incident that altered Charlotte’s life forever.
MIDDLEBURY — The heart-wrenching event unfolded a decade ago, on April 1, 2014, yet Karly McConnell replays the traumatic episode in her mind daily.
On that fateful day, Karly, then employed at the Otter Creek Child Center, was walking her children, Charlotte and Micah, across Weybridge Street towards her minivan. As she unlocked the vehicle, tragedy struck. Two-and-a-half-year-old Charlotte, in a moment of innocent excitement upon spotting a familiar teacher, inadvertently stepped back onto the street and was hit by an SUV driven by Zachary Bruchmiller, a Middlebury College student from Texas. The impact left Charlotte with severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury that jeopardized her life. She was swiftly transported to Porter Hospital and later airlifted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.
In an instant, Charlotte’s promising future was overshadowed by uncertainty and adversity.
Karly still grapples with haunting thoughts of “what ifs.”
“If only I could turn back time,” Karly shared with the Independent, “there are countless things I would have done differently that day. The guilt lingers, knowing that Charlotte’s life was forever altered. She survived, but the vibrant, healthy child I knew was replaced by a person with disabilities. The waves of guilt ebb when I witness Charlotte, now 12, achieving milestones that many take for granted. Every day is a new opportunity for gratitude.”
Charlotte’s journey has been arduous. Her injuries have impaired her vision, caused a severe leg injury, and resulted in brain trauma affecting her learning abilities. Despite these challenges, she attends Middlebury Union Middle School part-time, displaying a particular fondness for music, art, and socializing with classmates.
Karly reflected, “The complexities of the human brain are both fascinating and perplexing.”
Diagnosed with cortical visual impairment, Charlotte is gradually adapting to using a mobility cane to navigate her surroundings, especially on uneven terrains. Her resilience shines through as she undergoes surgeries to aid her leg’s growth and manages seizures with a Vagus nerve stimulation device.
Encountering Charlotte
During a recent interview with this reporter, Charlotte, a spirited girl with a radiant smile and expressive eyes, introduced herself candidly: “My name is Charlotte, I have a brain injury, and today has been tough.”
Her eagerness to engage in conversation was palpable, though her healing brain posed limitations. Charlotte’s gestures and speech patterns, like flicking her fingers while speaking, added a unique charm to her communication style.
Karly’s unwavering support was evident as Charlotte sought comfort in her mother’s embrace throughout the interview. Charlotte’s world revolves around Karly, and any disruption to their routine deeply affects her.
Caring for Charlotte single-handedly would be overwhelming, but Karly finds solace in the support system around her.
Her father, Josh, cherishes their time together during school breaks, while her grandfather, John Duclos, provides respite care when needed. Julia Allen, a devoted personal care assistant, has been a pillar of strength for Charlotte since the accident. Interestingly, Karly used to babysit Julia and her siblings in the past, underscoring the interconnectedness of their lives.
Julia expressed, “Working with Charlotte has been transformative. Despite the initial tragedy, the positives that emerged from our journey together have been life-changing.”
A decade after the harrowing accident on Weybridge Street, Charlotte McConnell, now 12, continues to make remarkable strides in her recovery. Pictured alongside her mother, Karly McConnell, personal care assistant Julia Allen, and Jase Allen, Julia’s son.
Independent photo/John Flowers
Witnessing Charlotte’s progress from a fragile toddler confined to a wheelchair to a spirited individual who now runs and communicates effectively has been a source of inspiration for Allen.
While Charlotte may not fully grasp the impact she has had on the Allen family, her friendship with Jase, Julia’s son, is a testament to the profound connections she fosters.
The Allen Family
Allen’s experience caring for Charlotte served as a poignant prelude to her journey with her son, Jase, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome before birth. The challenges of raising a special-needs child seemed less daunting, thanks to the lessons learned from Charlotte.
Reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, Allen remarked, “Charlotte’s presence in my life prepared me for this new chapter with Jase.”
The bond shared by Jase and Charlotte transcends words. Their endearing friendship is a source of joy and emotional resonance for those around them.
While Karly, now 42, navigates the complexities of caring for a child with long-term needs, she acknowledges the importance of self-care and respite. Despite the ongoing emotional toll, she finds solace in moments of personal reflection and relaxation, away from the demands of caregiving.
As April 1 looms as a somber anniversary for the McConnells, Karly’s perspective on the accident has evolved. She maintains contact with Zachary Bruchmiller, the driver involved, recognizing that the tragedy impacted multiple lives irreversibly.
“In a split second, lives were forever changed,” Karly reflected. “The accident serves as a stark reminder of how unforeseen circumstances can alter our paths. Despite the challenges, I choose empathy over resentment.”
The journey of Charlotte McConnell and her unwavering support system epitomizes resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of human connections.