Coco - and his new leg prothesis

This past Monday (October 21) a small group of friends arrived at Coco’s Corner to lend a bit of help to our friend. Another Nomad – Redhilltown – had recently stopped there and noted a couple of things that would help Coco to be able to use his newly acquired leg prosthesis.

Leading up to our trip, and using a photo Redhilltown (Nomad)provided, my good friend and neighbor Brian (“Sublimity” also on Nomad) used his fabrication skills and advice to make up some pieces we thought would help with the project.

We got to Coco’s early Monday and soon began to assemble the parts and pieces. Unknown to us, another group – Amigos 4x4 Club from Rosarito arrived and the several men soon pitched in providing their own skills and help.

At one point we had to be corrected as we may have failed to remember that Coco is the job-site superintendent!

Before long the job was finished. Coco then got into his wheelchair, moved up to the new ramp, installed both new prosthesis devices and prepared himself for the challenge ahead. Asking for quiet so that he could concentrate, a minute had barely passed before Coco was standing upright, using the ramp for support. A cheer followed. Before long Coco was walking steadily to the end of the ramp, made a u-turn and returned to where he had started. Another u-turn followed, with Coco all smiles and even tears in his eyes as he extended both arms thus standing alone, unsupported except by his determination and new legs! Coco’s comment “I haven’t walked in five years” brought all of us to the realization that indeed our small gesture meant so much not only to Coco but to everyone present.

There are still some improvements needed, and Brian will be fabricating some grips to make it easier for Coco to get to the standing position from his wheelchair, but all in all we’d call this a real success.

Coco said he intends to use this new ramp as often as he can.

We owe a lot to the friends with us on this trip as well as to the generous men from Amigos 4x4 Club – they took a video of these exciting steps and will be posting it on U-Tube soon.

John & Barbara; Brian & Nicole, Bradley and Ashley; Bob; TW; Russ & Molly, Devin.





Original ramp proved to be not long enough




Assembly crew including Amigos 4x4 Club



Coco preparing to stand for the first time in a long while




Confidence




How about that balance already!?




Our new friends and master helpers.



Coco giving necessary advice.




So. Cal. Crew from left: Tom (TW), Bob, John, Bradley, Brian, Russ, and Devin

John M








[Edited on 10-24-2013 by John M]

Thanks You Guys

Good work.

More evidence that Coco is a Stand Up Guy

prosthesis question

Great story! Paul is one of those great people you are lucky to meet.

You guys are the best. Thanks mucho, Makes my heart feel good,k

Yes Paulina - even the young helped

The young ones weren't just standing around either!



These are indeed good lessons taught and learned.

John M

to Dizzyspots - needs