Drawing Strength from Community, a Young Man Defies the Odds
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Friends of Rayyan gathered at Helen Hayes for Friendsgiving“The boy that left the house today is not going to come home.” Those were the surgeon’s dire words to the family of Rayyan Mian, assessing the young man’s condition after a terrifying motorcycle accident on March 1st, 2024. Rayyan, age 20, lay in a medically induced coma and his brain scans showed such severe trauma that doctors could not offer hope to the stunned family in the waiting room at Westchester Medical Center.
Though we often imagine motorcycle accidents occurring on highways, this one happened only feet from the Mian family home on Mamaroneck Road in Scarsdale. Rayyan, who was in his junior year at Lehigh, was home to celebrate his 20th birthday. What did he want as a gift? A motorcycle. His parents steadfastly refused. Unable to convince them to buy him a bike, Rayyan used his own accumulated savings to purchase one. Before riding the bike on public streets, he took it across the road to the parking lot of the Saxon Woods Golf Course to get some practice riding there.
Around 6 pm on March 1st, the family got a panicked call from Rayyan’s friend Adam. Rayyan had lost control of the bike and rode full throttle into a tree. The family ran across the street to find Rayyan on the ground in a pool of blood. He had severe trauma to his head and face.
Scarsdale Village Ambulance Corps arrived within minutes and intubated Rayyan at the scene and transported him to Westchester Medical Center.
The surgeon offered little hope, saying there was extensive brain damage, the situation was bleak and he was unsure if Rayyan would make it through the night. He said he would need to perform a procedure to relieve pressure from the swelling brain by removing a portion of Rayyan’s skull.
Friends of Rayyan, and friends of his parents, all gathered at the hospital to wait out the procedure, staying until they got word from the surgeon at 4 am.
Then the agonizing wait began. Rayyan remained in a coma for 40 days, with an open skull from the surgery, 17 facial fractures and a tracheotomy. During this period, no one knew if the injuries were permanent or if there was a possibility that he would regain some functioning.
Family and friends maintained a vigil at his bedside, playing tunes from Rayyan’s playlist, reading to him and holding his hand.
After a month and a half at Westchester Medical Center, the next stop was Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital in West Haverstraw, a 50 minute drive from Scarsdale. The hospital specializes in treating traumatic brain injuries and there Rayyan received several more surgeries and rehab. A shunt was inserted to drain the fluid from his brain, facial reconstructive surgery was done to repair all the broken bones in his face and in July a cranioplasty was done to replace the piece of his missing skull.
Through it all his parents, his sister and Scarsdale friends were by his side.
During many long months, Rayyan still had a trach tube in his windpipe to ensure that he could breathe. It prevented him from speaking or eating, but he managed to communicate by writing questions and answers to his visitors.
A summer visit with friends.Once the trach was removed, Rayyan rallied – and could even explain to others what had happened to him. He began to speak again and eat, defying the doctor’s negative prognosis. His friends set up large inspirational poster boards in his room and visited as often as they could. He was immediately responsive to music, bobbing his head to the beat and singing lyrics to songs he didn’t even know before the accident.
As the family is Muslim, they added spiritual songs to the mix which also stirred Rayyan who had gone on an Umrah, a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia just two months before the accident.
At Helen Hayes he made steady progress, learning to speak and eat and to walk again. Though for now he is still dependent on his wheelchair, he can take 300 steps a day with support and will be able to walk on his own again. He is also making an incredible recovery cognitively; he has maintained his famous sense of humor and his long-term memory seems to be intact. He is able to connect and laugh with his loved ones as he did before the accident.
Rayyan’s family shares, “He has always had every single type of friend, across religious and ethnic backgrounds; Rayyan is gifted at 
Following the accident, sister Sophie moved home to see Rayyan through.bringing everyone together through his sense of humor and love of people.” Sister Sophie said, “Rayyan has a beautiful heart. It takes a village to pull through something as traumatic as this, but it is easy to have a village rally behind you when you are as special as he is.”
This past summer, SHS friend Adrian Duval from the Class of 2022 helped organize a fundraiser for Rayyan called #RYStrong. In an amazing show of support, more than 350 students donated a total of $5,500 for Think First, a traumatic brain injury prevention organization. Those who donated were given bracelets that say #RYStrong. About Rayyan, Duval said, “He was instrumental in bringing all the guys together during our senior year of high school. He is hilarious and honest, and always says what he thinks.”
Along the way, the family was assisted by others who had experienced similar traumas. Anne Moretti, whose son Luke suffered a spinal cord injury during college came forward to speak with Asim and Ayesha Mian and offer support, resources and hope.
Thanksgiving weekend was another milestone, when 27 Scarsdale friends came to the hospital for a Friendsgiving, to cheer on their friend who is slated to go home on December 18, 2024.
Cary Fuchsman, whose stepson Ethan Rifkin is a friend of Rayyan’s came along to the hospital. He said, “When Ethan mentioned he was going to visit Rayyan at Helen Hayes Hospital for a Friendsgiving, I asked him if it would be okay if I joined him. I remember only good things about Rayyan throughout the years. He is respectful, polite, kind, smart and always has a smile on his face. In general, I can tell he has a great soul. Since his accident, I had been thinking of him and his family and how difficult it is for them to navigate through the decision process for Rayyan’s care in order for him to make the best possible recovery. When I arrived at the hospital, I was super excited to see Rayyan’s recovery progress and additionally moved by seeing the support of over twenty of his good friends engaging with Rayyan and catching-up with him IN PERSON to see how he was doing.
Rayyan and his parents.Every person visiting Rayyan had the chance to speak to him directly and Rayyan recognized every one of them including myself.
It is truly remarkable how Rayyan has an emotional connection and a deeply positive impact on the lives of so many of his friends.
I also had the chance to meet Rayyan’s Family (Dad, Mom, Grandma and Sister). I only have terrific things to say about them. Their unconditional support and love for Rayyan is beyond anything I could explain.
Rayyan is a lucky person, the love and support from his family, friends and community is priceless as is his strength and determination to fully recover from his injuries.”
When the surgeon asked Rayyan for the reason behind his success, he said, “I believe in myself.” His family attributes his resilience to his spirituality, his friendships, his sense of humor and his love of life.
When Rayyan comes home in December he will continue his therapy as an outpatient at Burke Rehabilitation Center. He is looking forward to regaining his independence and getting his life back on track.
And his family and friends are looking forward to having him back in the neighborhood where they can see his progress every day.
Maybe the same boy that left the house on March 1st will not come back, but ten months later, Rayyan Mian, a boy with a renewed appreciation for his family, his friends, his community and his health will defy all expectations and make his way home.
To contribute to #rystrong, Venmo Sophie Mian @sophiemian with the caption #rystrong.
Give the Gift of Education for the Holidays
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What better way to express your thanks and holiday wishes than contributing to an important cause that will help a Scarsdale Senior continue his or her education?
This holiday season, please consider honoring your children’s educators, friends or relatives by making a contribution in their honor to the SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College. Each year, The SHS PTA Scholarship Fund for College helps Scarsdale graduates who have exhausted all available resources to pay for their first year of college. A grant from the Scholarship Fund can mean the difference between attending college and not attending.
There are two great ways to donate: 1. Make a tax-deductible donation of $20 per person you wish to honor. A letter will be emailed to your honorees notifying them of your donation OR 2. Choose to purchase our holiday cards for $20 each. Personalize and hand deliver them to your honoree!
To purchase a tax-deductible letter or card, click here. Orders must be received by Monday December 16th.
You can learn more about the SHS Scholarship Fund for College by following this link to the Scholarship Fund homepage. Please contact Meredith Kent with any questions.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Village Seeks Food Vendor for Scarsdale Station House and the Library Cafe
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Two new dining options may soon be available on Village owned property per an RFP issued by the Village of Scarsdale.
The long-neglected station house at 1 Depot Place is now available to be renovated and utilized as a café. Unlike the station house in Hartsdale which is owned by Metro North, the Village of Scarsdale owns the station house and previously leased it to the MTA. However the lease was terminated in November 2022. The iconic building is listed on both the New York State and National Historic Registry so renovations to the exterior of the building would be limited.
Per the RFP, the Village would expect that the vendor would make improvements to the facility to accommodate the needs of their café operations, as the building currently has limited utilities and amenities.
A photo of the interior shows that it is in original condition and would require some work to make it suitable for a café. The location is an excellent on for both commuters, pedestrians in Scarsdale Village and Garth Road and people walking or biking along the newly renovated Bronx River Parkway path.
What would be on the menu? Village Manager Alex Marshall says, “We are asking that the menu for the café include (but wouldn’t be limited to) espresso drinks, soft drinks, juices, as well as conveniently packaged goods for the convenience of commuters such as muffins, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads.”
Coincidentally, Apiary, the vendor who supplied food and drinks at the café at Scarsdale Library is no longer able to service the café and the Village is seeking a new operator for the Library Café.
About Apiary, Library Director Beth Bermel explained, “Apiary opened at the Library during the height of the pandemic. The building wasn't open to the public yet, but we were doing curbside service and Apiary was willing to provide takeout, which we appreciated. They were committed to keeping their main location in Larchmont open as well as the Library location during those dark days! They had a few staffing hiccups, like most restaurants at that time, but when they hired Eddie as the manager, there was better consistency and service. Once we opened fully, they did a brisk business, and patrons of all ages appreciated the convenience of an onsite cafe.”
Describing the opportunity at the library, the RFP says, “The cafe has become an integral part of the library and brings in many patrons especially since the Library is not in walking distance from any food service establishments. The foot traffic at the library has increased exponentially on a monthly basis from an average of 16,000 to 26,000 patrons. The mornings bring in many caregivers and children who come to the myriad of children’s programs offered. Lunchtime and the afternoon bring in high school students due to the proximity of the high school. There is a walking trail between the high school and the Library and they have an open campus at lunch time. Many of the patrons use the cafe as a place for casual, collaborative meet-ups while at the Library or when they are coming in for a program.”
What would Bermel like the vendor to provide? She said, “Variety is important since the cafe caters to all of our patrons, from toddlers to their caregivers, to high school students, to adults working remotely, to seniors and our staff. We are looking at meal options to accommodate different needs that include gluten free and nut free options, low fat choices, espresso drinks, soft drinks, etc.”
The Village hopes that one vendor will be able to run the operation at both the train station and the library café. According to the RFP, proposals are due by December 12, interviews will be conducted from January 6 - 20, 2025 and the contract will be awarded on January 30,, 2025.
George Latimer Thanks Scarsdale Voters
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This letter was submitted by George Latimer who was elected to represent CD 16 in the U.S. House of Representatives:
To the Editor:
I want to express my deep gratitude for those who voted in the recent election; we received an outpouring of support - over 70% in Westchester. I fully intend to work hard in the House of Representatives over the next two years to validate the faith placed in me. It has been an honor to serve as County Executive for the last 7 years… and now, a new challenge awaits.
Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all.
George Latimer
(Here are the results as reported by the Board of Elections)
2024 General Election
New York CD-16
Unofficial Results
Overall
Latimer, D. 210,200. 71.6%
Flisser, R. 83,555. 28.4%
Margin. +D. 126,645
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Westchester
Latimer, D. 189,760. 70.0%
Flisser, R. 81,112. 30.0%
Margin. +D. 108,648
Bronx
Latimer, D. 20,440. 89.0%
Flisser, R. 2,443. 11.0%
Margin. +D. 17,997
Latimer, Mayer and Paulin Elected, Proposition 1 Passes
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Though there was red sweep across the country, Westchester’s vote was predominantly blue. Despite opposition from the church and conservatives, Proposition 1, the Equal Rights Amendment passed handily, enshrining reproductive rights for women in the New York States constitution.
George Latimer, Westchester’s County Executive defeated Jamaal Bowman in the June primary and former Scarsdale Mayor Miriam Flisser in the general election to represent New York’s CD 16 in the U.S. Congress.
Amy Paulin, our longtime State Assemblymember will continue to be a leader in Albany along with State Senator Shelley Mayer who won her seat back as well.
See below for statements from the campaigns of the three elected:
George Latimer
Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a Democrat with a proven track record of delivering meaningful results for his constituents, has won New York’s 16th Congressional District. The landslide defeat against Republican Miriam Levitt Flisser, added to his unbroken record of electoral victories that includes unseating incumbent Jamaal Bowman in June’s Democratic primary.
Last night's victory was a testament to Latimer’s grassroots campaign, his clear commitment to Democratic priorities, and his proven track record of delivering real progressive results. Driven by his commitment to leading on the issues like women's right to choose, voting rights, the economy, affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure, Latimer will bring new energy and his real world experience to Washington, fighting for all of NY-16.
During his remarks at the Westchester County Democratic Committee election night watch party in White Plains, Latimer expressed deep gratitude and appreciation to his supporters.
“Tonight marks a turning point in American history. Extreme views on both sides is all anyone hears and people are upset enough to want to do away with democracy. My mission in Washington will be to move past the extreme rhetoric and work to produce real results,” said NY-16 Congressman-elect George Latimer. “Thank you to my family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and campaign for all of your hard work. I am honored and humbled to be your congressman-elect and I look forward to fighting relentlessly for every resident of this district.”
Shelley Mayer
I am deeply honored to have been re-elected with overwhelming support as the New York State Senator for District 37. I am deeply appreciative of those who supported my re-election and all who worked so hard to help me achieve this win.
I am also reflecting on all of the election results. While many of my colleagues in Westchester had victories, I’m deeply disappointed in the loss of the Harris/Walz ticket. If you know me, it’s no secret I felt passionately that they represented the best path forward for our nation. But it appears the nation’s voters have decided otherwise.
Reflecting on the wins, and losses, I’m reminded of how I view my responsibility as a State Senator - to serve all those in my district, and in the state, regardless of whether or not they voted for me. To put the needs of my constituents first - to hear them and do my best to serve them. And to remain true to the small-d democratic values that I hold so dear - civility, thoughtful informed decision-making and mutual respect.
In the days and weeks ahead I will continue on that path - working to build a New York that serves the needs of all our residents regardless of their party affiliation or vote. I believe in decency, honesty, and accountability and I know that the only way we move forward is together.
Amy Paulin
I am honored to have been re-elected to the New York State Assembly and look forward to continuing to serve as your representative. Thank you for your support and faith in me.
Campaigns are always the best way to meet with constituents and hear what is on people’s minds. This one was no different, whether it was knocking on doors or taking part in debates and candidate meetings. I heard so many good ideas and important perspectives.
Now I am energized to go back to Albany and meet our State’s issues head on. That means improving public safety, our economy, addressing climate change, standing up for a women's right to choose and much more.
Although I am deeply disappointed in the results at the national level I will continue to work in a bi-partisan way to serve the people in my district. The campaign is a reminder that people have a wide range of opinions and that my obligation is to pay attention to all constituents, whether they supported me or not.
Thank you to all those who came out to vote. Elections, and your vote, matter more than ever.
Thank you again to my friends, family and constituents who have stood with me in the communities of Bronxville, Eastchester, Edgemont, New Rochelle, Pelham, Scarsdale, Tuckahoe, and White Plains. We have incredible people in each one of these communities, and by standing together during the next two years we can make them even better.
