Main fundraiser photo

Help Emilio Walk Again

Tragedy

On August 29th, 2018, 18 year-old Emilio was run over by a boat after falling off while tubing. The majority of his right side was torn apart by the propellor and he suffered several fractures to his right arm and leg. He was in critical condition and rushed to hospital.

Healing, Heroes & Hope


The amazing team at the Ottawa Civic Hospital managed to save Emilio’s life despite infection that consumed his body. Over the course of two months, Emilio underwent 16 surgeries/amputations and ultimately lost his right hand and entire right leg to his hip.

After almost 4 months in the Civic Hospital, Emilio progressed to the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre where he works with a wonderful team of healthcare professionals. His daily schedule includes healing, physio and occupational therapy to relearn how to walk and many basic skills of daily life.  

We are amazed by his grace and how he never wants anyone to feel sad for him. Emilio’s positive, “can do” attitude is remarkable to witness and an inspiration for us all. He continues to have tremendous optimism for the future.

Costs

Emilio will have huge financial costs to overcome as a result of this accident; the most obvious being his leg and hand prosthetics which are anticipated to be replaced upwards of 23 times during his life. 

Our team of experts estimate his primary prosthetic costs alone will be $5 - $6 million dollars. Other healthcare and supportive expenses are estimated to be several million more dollars yet are not included in this campaign.  

Emilio has been lucky to have a temporary “loaner” leg provided to him by the Ottawa Rehabilitation Centre. (Merci et Thank you very much!!!!)  

With your help we are striving to buy Emilio his own leg and hand which he will put to immediate use and also provide funds for their initial replacement.       
                                                  ($240,000 x 2 = $480,000 GOAL)

Financial and insurance support for Emilio’s costs are extremely limited and expected to fall severely short.  We need your help.  

Dreams

Emilio has had a remarkable recovery and been an inspiration to us all with his commitment, drive and focus on becoming well both physically and mentally.  We know that prosthetics will support him in living his best life and sharing his gifts with the world. 

While Emilio’s original dream of attending Dalhousie University for Architecture & Design has been put on hold, he does have a goal to return to school once he is able to. For now, his biggest dream is to have a working leg and hand to use in his daily life.



What You Can Do

You can help Emilio and his family by:

1. Donating to this campaign today through:

            i. E-transfer to [email redacted]
                 or
           ii. The Donate button on this page

Every donation is needed and sincerely appreciated. 

2. Sharing this campaign:

Please share Emilio’s story to as many people as possible. A quick email, post on Facebook, Instagram or your favourite social media (Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn etc.) will make all the difference in helping us buy Emilio the leg and hand he needs!

         iii.  Email your contact list  
         iv.  Share this GoFundMe Page on your social media networks
         v.  Share  this podcast  (http://www.iheartradio.ca/580-cfra/podcasts/ottawa-now-ottawa-teen-determined-to-regain-independence-after-devastating-tubing-accident-1.9375462?mode=Article


Gratitude

Since this incident, our family has been so touched by the outpouring of love and support.  It means the world to us and has been helpful beyond words.         
The pain of this incident has been extremely challenging; we thank you for supporting us throughout this journey.

Donations 

  • John and Heather Jarrett
    • $1,000 
    • 4 yrs
  • Canon William Kibblewhite & Linda Kibblewhite
    • $200 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Insurance proceeds
    • $72,067 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $2,220 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs
  • Nevenka and James Jennings
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 4 yrs

Organizer and beneficiary

Robert Lee
Organizer
Ottawa, ON
Emilio Dutra Lidington
Beneficiary

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