Let's Get Ricky Pace "Big Orange" Rolling Again!
Anyone associated with sports at the Muscle Shoals Rec Center probably knows Ricky Pace- known far and wide as Big Orange. Orange has played ball, coached sports and supported the Youth Sports Program for over 60 years! Literally, hundreds of young people have been positively influenced by Coach Orange.
Those old enough to remember know that Big Orange has suffered knee problems for many years, going back to a high school football injury. He's had numerous surgeries, repairs and replacements through the years culminating in an attempted knee replacement this past May. The surgery resulted in a severe infection that required removal of the knee and months of intensive treatment. He currently has a temporary support structure in his leg while it heals. Then, sometime after the first of the year, he will have the temporary structure removed and receive a new artificial knee.
Orange was hospitalized for 81 days at UAB. He is at home now but temporarily immobilized while his leg heals. He has Home Health Care and is receiving physical therapy to help him get his strength back
The good news is HE IS GETTING BETTER. His faith, big heart and Ramona have pulled him through. He is expected to have a full recovery. As you might imagine, the hospital and homebound expenses are substantial.
Many of the "kids" that Orange coached are now business, civic and religious leaders in our community. The Orange Team encourages you to use your resources and contacts to get the word out that Coach could use a hand. Let's show him how much we appreciate him! Support the Orange Bowl with your prayers, good vibrations and financial support!
