By Catalina Alvarez | Project Manager
United for Colombia medical and comprehensive rehabilitation programs encompass orthopedic care, reconstructive surgeries, and psychological counseling. Once rehabilitated, we encourage our beneficiaries to pursue a sport to allow them to rebuild their path to a meaningful life with a purpose. Many of them become runners and hand cyclists. We are proud to even have a beneficiary on the Colombian Paralympic Team!
Through the generous donors in U.S. and Colombia that take part in our fundraising campaigns, we are able to sponsor high-endurance prosthesis, marathon registration/participation fees, sports equipment, travel, accommodations, and incidental costs for our admirable athletes who are living proof that a disability is not an obstacle for great triumph!
We are proud to share with you the stories of our last team participants in the past Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC last October.
Jorge O., 33 years old: At barely 19 years of age, he lost his right leg when he stepped on a landmine during a military operation. He trains daily to meet his goal of competing in 3 marathons each year even though his current prosthesis is not adequate for running and causes discomfort.
Fabio B., 40 years old: 13 years ago, this Navy seaman walked onto a hidden landmine causing it to detonate and destroy both his legs. Through our dedicated fundraising, United for Colombia helped him obtain top of the line Otto Bock prosthesis which gave him back his freedom.
Pierry R., 41 years old: When he was 18 years old and beginning his career as a police officer, he was involved in a bomb explosion activated by the guerilla organization, FARC. As a result, he suffered permanent spinal injuries and was paralyzed. Nevertheless, he found strength and motivation in sports. At the beginning of this year, he finished in 1st place at the Miami Half Marathon; Hand cycle category.
Jhon F., 30 years old: 6 years ago, this soldier sustained multiple injuries when a bomb exploded within a few yards from him. Both of his legs were amputated. He is one of our most outgoing beneficiaries with a prominent future in Hand cycle and his heart set on participating in the Paralympics.
Thanks for helping UFC in supporting over 100 of Colombia's once-wounded soldiers and civilians who are now ATHLETES with Victory on their mind!
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