Carlos has always worked in the restaurant industry, a true passion of his. Before he was hurt, he was working as a cook at an Italian restaurant. He cooked the kind of food that takes real skill, focus, and years of experience in a busy kitchen.

After Carlos fell off of a ladder at work, his fast-paced life changed in an instant. After falling off a ladder at work, he severely injured his shoulder and neck. Although Carlos already had some degenerative issues, the fall made everything worse. He ended up needing surgery to repair his torn rotator cuff and also dealt with biceps tendinitis and nerve damage.

Recovery was hard, both physically and mentally. In the beginning, Carlos felt lost and helpless. Most of his family lives in Ecuador, so he felt really alone while trying to get through surgery, therapy, and all of the daily challenges that came after.He said our help felt like a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Carlos’s recovery included physical therapy, orthopedic care, and occupational therapy. Occupational therapy helped him work on his range of motion and everyday activities, so he could be more independent again.

Today, Carlos is doing well and adjusting to life. Looking ahead, he does not think he will have the same movement he had before, but he is happy to be independent and able to do his daily activities and continue his passion for cooking.

He also wants to see his sons more and is thinking about going back to Ecuador to spend more time with his family. He did promise that before he leaves, he will come visit us!

Check out what he had to say about his experience: