July 4, 2009
- Portland, Oregon
Man building fence for WDFW ends up paralyzed after fall
By Matt Loveless KLEW News
LEWISTON, Idaho - A man remains in the ICU after a fall in an Asotin County canyon almost took his life.
His family is trying their best to deal with a very difficult situation. Candelario Perez, 39, is in the Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, after spinal surgery and after doctors told his family he'd never walk again. Monday, Perez was working in George Creek Canyon, about 10 miles southwest of Asotin, building a fence for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. "He was trying to tighten the barbed wire fence, and the tool that he was using, his hand slipped off of it and he lost his footing, and he fell head first and hit a rock, which will leave him totally paralyzed," said Perez’ wife Susan. Perez had surgery Tuesday night, as doctors attempted to salvage bones around his crushed spinal cord. "They went in and they fixed his collar bone, and they fixed his neck, straightened the spinal cord up, and put a plate and some screws in," said Susan Perez. "They have a respirator on him now, which will hopefully just be temporary." Susan Perez said her husband has limited movement in his hands but with a year of rehab should regain full use. But the family's healing process will take quite a bit longer. Susan Perez said they don't have the resources to even get the family together. "My husband is from Panama, and right now we have no money to bring his mom and dad up here," she said. The Perez family will also have to adapt to a life with paraplegia. Even at a time when they are dealing with their tragedy, Susan wanted to thank those who worked to rescue her husband. "The rescue crew and the people that he worked with that day...saved his life," she said while fighting back tears. The Perez family has three children at home and appreciate any monetary support. They would also like information on wheelchair-accessible cars and homes, and outreach groups. Susan said they have yet to start up a fund, but support and information can be communicated through email at lirby@qbhs.org |
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