07-07-2006Carlos Cabrera’s world changed Dec. 5, 2004.
Cabrera was involved in a serious car crash that rendered him quadriplegic. Cabrera, 26, is the father of three young children.
The injury to his spinal cord, however, is considered incomplete and there is hope for movement in his limbs. Presently, Cabrera has some movement in his right leg and thumb and has gained enough strength to use a sliding board for transfers in and out of bed.
Not letting the spinal injury steer the course of the life he wants, Cabrera plans to attend college this fall. Originally from Tippecanoe and a graduate of Triton High School, Cabrera goes through therapy four times a week at the Turnstone Center for Disabled Children and Adults, Fort Wayne. He is able to use a manual wheel chair for short distances and Vocational Rehabilitation will assist him this fall by providing him with a power wheelchair.
Cabrera is scheduled for a driving evaluation and will be able to drive with adapted hand-controlled equipment. Funds are needed to buy a lift van for Cabrera.
Cabrera dreams of raising enough money to pay for a stem cell operation that is currently being done in Lisbon, Portugal, by Dr. Carlos Lime.
Fundraisers for Cabrera include donation cans around Warsaw, a golf outing, a bowling tournament, a chicken barbecue and a hog roast planned for later this summer. To help pay for Cabrera’ stem cell surgery or lift van, send donations to 301 S. Scott St., Warsaw, IN 46580. For additional information on Cabrera and his continued recovery, visit www.mrcarloscabrera.com