Help a Hero get his BiOM Foot

Carlos Salazar is a real life hero. On March 1, 2014, local photographer Carlos Salazar was taking senior pictures of 17-year-old Kennedy Trevino on a sidewalk in Austin, Texas. Unknown to Carlos and Kennedy, a driver coming down the nearby street passed out behind the wheel and lost control of his vehicle. The car came across two lanes of traffic directly towards Kennedy and Carlos. As the car bounded over the curb, Carlos pushed Kennedy out of the path of the car. The car pinned Carlos against a building. Carlos was rushed to the hospital but, despite the best efforts of the doctors, the next morning, on his 37th birthday, Carlos became a right, below knee amputee.

As tragic as that day was, it could have been much worse.  Kennedy was so close to being hit that she had black residue on her face from the car tires.  Thanks to Carlos' quick thinking, Kennedy went on to graduate high school as the valedictorian of her class, and she is now a Sophomore at Columbia University studying Mechanical Engineering.
This photo of Kennedy Trevino was taken by Carlos Salazar moments before he was struck by the car.

This story could be about loss. It is not. Carlos has picked himself up from this tragedy and is an inspiration to everyone who knows him. Carlos has worked very hard to rehabilitate from his injuries. During this process, Carlos was introduced to the BiOM foot. The BiOM foot is a prosthetic foot with a mechanical calf muscle. It is only recommended for the most motivated and active amputees. Every one of Carlos' doctors has recommended the BiOM foot for him.  Even though the BiOM foot is the preferred prosthetic for soldiers returning from injury in military service, Carlos' health insurance company has refused to pay for it because it is still considered "experimental."
The BiOM foot prosthetic emulates a biological ankle joint during walking.  This prosthetic would reduce the wear and tear on his knees and hips.  His doctors believe that the BiOM would eliminate the need for Carlos to have future surgeries including hip and/or knee replacements.


Professionally, the BiOM foot prosthetic would allow Carlos to continue his work as a photographer.  Being a photographer is a very physically demanding job. When Carlos shoots a wedding he is required to be on his feet for 8-12 hours.  Many of Carlos' photo shoots take place outdoors and require traversing various types of terrain.  Traditional prosthetics make getting to these locations dangerous. The BiOM foot prosthetic would provide the stability Carlos needs to get to and from any location.


The GOFUNDME is for Carlos to get his BiOM foot prosthetic. Carlos has great character and spirit. Please help this real life hero get the help he needs.