One Step at a Time: Emilio’s Journey of Recovery

January 1 is a day many people associate with fresh starts and new possibilities.

For Emilio, however, the new year began in tragedy, causing him to start over in a way he didn’t expect. The 18-year-old from Aruba was on his way to work when a drunk driver crossed into his lane and struck his motorcycle. The crash caused severe injuries to his leg, beginning a difficult and life-changing medical journey.

After receiving initial treatment in Aruba and additional care in Colombia, doctors were forced to make a difficult decision. Multiple infections, including one that had spread into the bone, meant amputation was necessary to save him. Now everything in his life would be different. Despite all that happened, Emilio chose to focus on the future rather than what was lost.

“I just try to enjoy life,” he said. “You never know when something can change.”

That perspective guided him throughout his recovery at Shriners Children's Texas, where he was referred to by a Shriner who had contacts in Aruba. For the past several months, Emilio has been working with specialists from the hospital’s Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) department and rehabilitation team as he adapts to life with a prosthetic leg.

“While Emilio's surgical care was taken care of by a hospital closer to home, Emilio came to Shriners Children's Texas for his prosthetic care and rehabilitation to learn to walk with a transfemoral prosthesis,” said Meredith Roehrs, L/CPO, and department manager of POPS. “He is a resilient, strong and bright person that was able to emotionally and physically bounce back from a bad motor vehicle accident that claimed his leg but could not claim his buoyant spirit.”

The POPS team designed and fitted Emilio with a custom prosthesis that reflects his personality. Rather than seeing the device as a limitation, he embraced the opportunity to make it his very own, choosing a bold Joker-themed design. The team worked closely with him throughout the fitting process, helping to ensure his prosthesis would support both his physical needs and his goals for the future.

Equally important has been his work in physical therapy. When Emilio first arrived in Texas, walking with a prosthetic limb was a major challenge. He relied heavily on crutches and needed to learn how to move confidently and safely. Through physical therapy, he has steadily improved his strength, balance and mobility. Today, he practices stairs, agility exercises and functional movement skills, even incorporating activities like basketball into his rehabilitation.

Outside of therapy, he spends a lot of time thinking about his future. Before the accident, he worked as a waiter at a beach restaurant and really enjoyed being in the hospitality industry. That experience, combined with culinary training he received in high school, sparked a passion for cooking that continues today. One of his favorite dishes to make is pasta Alfredo, and he enjoys learning new recipes and techniques whenever he can.

As he looks ahead, Emilio is considering attending college in the Netherlands and exploring opportunities in the culinary field. Whatever direction his future takes, he is carrying forward lessons learned through one of the most difficult periods of his life. With support from the POPS department and physical therapy team at Shriners Children's Texas, Emilio continues to move forward one step at a time.