Raymond's Osseointegration Surgery
Donation protected
On February 1, 2014, Raymond Diaz’ life changed forever. He was reaching into his trunk for a spare tire on the Staten Island Expressway when a driver fell asleep at the wheel and struck him. Raymond faced many injuries upon impact, including a traumatic brain injury, spinal fracture, and severely broken legs which led to both being amputated above the knee. Raymond was immediately faced with learning how to live his life anew on not just a physical level, but an emotional one. Raymond was a 3rd Year Apprentice on his way to becoming an A Journeyman in IBEW Local No. 3.
Despite his circumstances, Raymond was determined to get his life back on track as soon as possible. After his rehabilitation period, he was offered a new position which he immediately accepted. On March 2, 2015, Raymond became an important part of the Welsbach Family. He currently works in our Traffic Signal Maintenance dispatch group, fielding calls that come in regarding traffic signal repairs that must be done within a quick turnaround time. Raymond optimistically saw this position as an opportunity to get his life back on track again.
In his spare time, Raymond also became highly active in disabled sports, including adaptive rock climbing, adaptive crossfit, and his favorite, sled hockey. After little over a year participating in sled hockey, Raymond impressed coaches with his skill and physical ability so much that he was personally invited to attend tryouts for the United States Men's Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.
Raymond's ultimate goal is to help others who similarly faced such drastic life changes. Many said he dealt well with transitioning to his new life. Raymond believes what happened to him is a gift in disguise and wants to use it to help others both disabled and able bodied alike understand that just because one loses a limb or the ability to walk, he or she can still live a purposeful, happy and fulfilling life. At Welsbach, we are all incredibly inspired by his work ethic and positive attitude each day.
On August 10, 2016, Raymond is going to Australia for an “Osseointegration” surgery. Osseointegration creates a direct connection between implant and bone without intervening soft tissue. Traditionally used for dental implants, this technique is expanding further into the science of medical bone and joint replacement procedures, particularly prosthetics for amputees. Dr. Al Muderis and the Osseointegration Group of Australia have made profound strides in this area and will be performing Raymond’s surgery.
“Through osseointegration surgery Dr Al Muderis and The Osseointegration Group of Australia provide above and below knee amputees with a leg replacement using the OGAP-OPL implant which is designed to be a close to the human anatomy as possible. The surgery involves an implant being inserted into an amputee’s femur or tibia which, when integrated with the bone allows for a simple, quick, safe connection between the stump and the lower prosthesis. Osseointegration surgery provides amputees with greater mobility, comfort and quality of life.” (http://www.osseointegrationaustralia.com.au/)
Raymond’s surgery is likely to cost him over $100,000.00. The Welsbach family will be making a significant donation. We started this fundraiser so that Raymond can go into this surgery with more peace of mind and hopefully come out with better quality of life and the ability to help others. Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Raymond’s story.
Despite his circumstances, Raymond was determined to get his life back on track as soon as possible. After his rehabilitation period, he was offered a new position which he immediately accepted. On March 2, 2015, Raymond became an important part of the Welsbach Family. He currently works in our Traffic Signal Maintenance dispatch group, fielding calls that come in regarding traffic signal repairs that must be done within a quick turnaround time. Raymond optimistically saw this position as an opportunity to get his life back on track again.
In his spare time, Raymond also became highly active in disabled sports, including adaptive rock climbing, adaptive crossfit, and his favorite, sled hockey. After little over a year participating in sled hockey, Raymond impressed coaches with his skill and physical ability so much that he was personally invited to attend tryouts for the United States Men's Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.
Raymond's ultimate goal is to help others who similarly faced such drastic life changes. Many said he dealt well with transitioning to his new life. Raymond believes what happened to him is a gift in disguise and wants to use it to help others both disabled and able bodied alike understand that just because one loses a limb or the ability to walk, he or she can still live a purposeful, happy and fulfilling life. At Welsbach, we are all incredibly inspired by his work ethic and positive attitude each day.
On August 10, 2016, Raymond is going to Australia for an “Osseointegration” surgery. Osseointegration creates a direct connection between implant and bone without intervening soft tissue. Traditionally used for dental implants, this technique is expanding further into the science of medical bone and joint replacement procedures, particularly prosthetics for amputees. Dr. Al Muderis and the Osseointegration Group of Australia have made profound strides in this area and will be performing Raymond’s surgery.
“Through osseointegration surgery Dr Al Muderis and The Osseointegration Group of Australia provide above and below knee amputees with a leg replacement using the OGAP-OPL implant which is designed to be a close to the human anatomy as possible. The surgery involves an implant being inserted into an amputee’s femur or tibia which, when integrated with the bone allows for a simple, quick, safe connection between the stump and the lower prosthesis. Osseointegration surgery provides amputees with greater mobility, comfort and quality of life.” (http://www.osseointegrationaustralia.com.au/)
Raymond’s surgery is likely to cost him over $100,000.00. The Welsbach family will be making a significant donation. We started this fundraiser so that Raymond can go into this surgery with more peace of mind and hopefully come out with better quality of life and the ability to help others. Anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read about Raymond’s story.
Organizer and beneficiary
Anaila Garvey
Organizer
College Point, NY
Raymond Diaz
Beneficiary