In November 2005, Sergio’s life changed drastically. While enjoying the last run of the season, Sergio decided to bike down the mountain one last time and try to get home in time to celebrate his niece’s 2nd birthday. As he was coming down the mountain, the front wheel of his bike hit a large rock forcing him over the handle bars and projecting him head first into a tree. Never losing consciousness, Sergio realized that he was unable to move. He was air lifted to the nearest trauma center in Cooperstown, New York.
Doctors began to treat him for a C-5, C-6 Spinal Cord Injury leaving him paralyzed from the shoulders down, otherwise known as Complete Quadriplegic. After receiving wonderful care from the staff and doctors at Bassett Hospital, Sergio was finally transported to Mt. Sinai Medical Rehabilitation Center.
During his stay at Mt. Sinai, Sergio worked with amazing therapists, who helped to strengthen him physically and mentally. He was then transferred to a nursing home where he is currently not receiving aggressive therapy and is sharing his time with people who do not have much time left in their own lives.
Franklin Nursing home caters to the elderly and not to people with Sergio’s injury. This is hopefully a temporary stay. We as a family do not have the means to provide Sergio with appropriate housing and the waiting lists for government housing is anywhere from three to five years. Now he has Medicaid and long term disability covering his medical needs for life. This however, does not cover his adaptive needs to function in the every day world. With adaptive technology, Sergio would be able to use a computer, speak on the phone, and operate everyday household items that we take for granted.
Our biggest challenge is finding him a place to live and getting him out of the nursing home. Over time we are hoping that Sergio regains some motor function in his arms. Unfortunately, even if this does occur he will still not have the ability to lift himself and he will never regain function of his legs.
Thank you for your time and consideration of our family’s needs. If we can provide you with any other information, please feel free to contact us.
