It was a beautiful summer morning in mid June, when Anthony Testaverde got a disturbing call from Mary McGill, Director of Hempstead Nursing Home. McGill’s call was one of desperation, as she told the story of a young man who had been injured in a motorcycle accident last August.
The accident left the 29-year-old mechanic, Carlixto Sanches of Hempstead, a spinal cord injury victim. Now, with limited use of his arms and fingers, Carlixto remained in his hospital bed feeling despondent and unsure about what the future, if any, would offer him and his wife Jamie. With the couple’s limited financial resources, a nursing home, not a spinal cord rehab center, was their only option.
After several weeks, severe depression set in and Carlixto began refusing to eat, drink, take medication or even go to his scheduled rehab. Bedridden, bed sores soon set in and his weight dropped sharply to a mere 86 pounds. Carlixto had given up hope and was given his last rights by the nursing home. McGill and her staff were fast losing hope for his survival. A few days later, she heard about the Testaverde Fund on television and made a call.
The following day, Anthony Testaverde and Joe Petrella met with the doctors and staff of the Hempstead Nursing Home. They went to Carlixto’s room, only to find him curled up in bed. They spoke with him and showed him a video of Joey Testaverde which demonstrated how he had managed to overcome his injury and was living a normal life. The following day, Joseph visited Carlixto and his whole attitude seemed to change in an instant. Joseph was able to reassure Carlixto that there is still life after a spinal cord injury and that the Testaverde Fund would be there to help him.
By mid August, Carlixto had gotten his weight up to 108 pounds; he now goes to rehab twice a day and is making plans to return home with his wife Jamie. The Testaverde Fund is building a ramp to make it easier for Carlixto to get in and out of the house. The Fund also donated a $20,000 wheelchair/standing table to Carlixto to help with his mobility and rehabilitation.
Thanks to ongoing monetary support and equipment donations from area residents, the Testaverde Fund is able to make a difference. “A tremendous thanks goes to all our supporters,” Anthony Testaverde. |
