Captain Pico - New Leg New Life

Six months ago Pico's leg was amputated to save his life. Since that time Pico has been getting healthy, but now we need to get him therapy and a prosthetic leg. Please read the back story below:

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Pico changed the course of my life. When I came to the Amazon and began going on long expeditions with JJ and learning the forest, Pico was the one always keeping us safe. He drove the boat on almost every one of the long expeditions we went on. He was always the one scowling at the horizon, reading the river, and making sure we don't run aground or worse. And over the years Pico became one of my closest friends. Our adventures together became the stories I tell in my first book 'Mother of God'.

Pico has been disabled most of his life. He grew up in the indigenous community of Infierno. When he was only sixteen a tree fell on him, shattering his back and causing him to spend a year and a half in a hospital bed recovering. It left him in constant pain, and with one leg that had chronic circulation problems. As long as I’ve known him Pico has walked with a limp.

In the 1990’s when all the other men were logging mahogany, Pico was unable to keep up or lift heavy loads, and so he instead was always the designated boat driver. This is how he became one of the most talented and respected boat drivers in the region. When we began Tamandua Expeditions, Pico became our most trusted boat driver, and piloted people from all over the world safely through the waterways of Amazonia. 

Pico's family live simply. Their house is made of boards, tarp, and corrugated steel. But what they lack in extravagance they make up for in warmth.

Why we need to help Pico now:

Back in November, Pico's leg almost killed him. He had a bone infection and gangrene, and his health was fading so rapidly doctors said he only had a week to live. We raised some money to fly him to Lima and get the amputation. Since that time Pico has regained his health and has been healing and recuperating. But now we need to give him the ability to walk. To make a living. To have a new life!