Carlos Rides Into The Sunset

Carlos was a long distance runner in high school and competed in New York State's cross country race sponsored by the school system. As a consummate athlete who was a house painter by profession, he worked and trained for several years for the Olympic trials leading up to the 1988 Olympics. His hopes were crushed in August 1985.

Twenty year old Carlos was enjoying his motorcycle ride along a winding, two lane road when a truck travelling from the opposite direction crossed over into his lane and hit him. Carlos was lucky to have survived but complications from the accident cost him his leg.

For many years following the accident, Carlos struggled to find a prosthetist that would design and fabricate a prosthesis which would be comfortable and durable and accommodate the numerous skin grafts he had to endure. Many prosthetists later, a friend referred him to Lehneis. Carlos met with Fred Lehneis who understood his active lifestyle and need for a special type of prosthesis.

Carlos feels that there is no wall he can't climb and thanks Fred for understanding his philosophy and helping him maintain his extremely active lifestyle. He is grateful for the relationship which has grown over the years from prosthetist-patient to a professional friendship. He feels that he can call Fred whenever there is an obstacle to overcome and a solution will be found.

Carlos is proud to acknowledge that his 12 year old daughter, Bryana, has a completely different idea of what disabled means. She was raised by a father who does not live with any restrictions. His definition of the term disabled includes the ability to motorcycle, snowboard, jet ski, surf, boogie board and mountain bike. Any activity that his daughter wants to try or learn, Carlos is going to tackle.