Please read this important message from our friends, Ben Sciortino and Ruth Holliday:
Diego Ballesteros is a 36 year old Spanish man who really enjoys challenges. Although he is an accomplished tennis player and marathon runner, his true love is bicycling. Two years ago, he retraced the route of Marco Polo and rode his bike from Spain to Bejing, China, completing 13,000 kilometers in 100 days. This year, Diego and three other Spaniards decided to tackle the toughest ride in the world—the Race Across America. It is a non-stop race across the United States where participants ride 24 hours a day, switching riders every three or four hours. His team made it halfway through the race. They had traveled 1800 miles in three days and were hoping to finish in seven days. His team was in position to win the team section of the race, but in a split second Diego’s life was changed forever. A young driver became distracted, perhaps he was texting, and veered onto the shoulder where he hit Diego at a very high speed. Diego survived with two crushed vertebrae, two broken vertebrae, four broken ribs, and lacerations over his entire body. He is currently paralyzed from the waist down. In a split second this young man’s life was changed forever. Thanks to the highly efficient professional medical personnel at Wesley Medical Center his life was saved (due in large part to his excellent physical condition). But now his BIGGEST CHALLENGE begins:
He must try to regain as much of his body’s functions as possible, which may take several years. He then may have to modify his living arrangements to accommodate his reduced capacity.
It is our understanding that his hospital bill is currently in excess of $350,000 dollars. Negotiations are still underway with various insurance companies concerning this bill. However, it is evident that very little money (if any) will be available for Diego’s ongoing expenses. It is very important that we get Diego home to be close to his family and culture. Through donations, loans and his family in Spain, sufficient funds have been acquired to cover his trip home, but not for the ongoing medical expenses he faces. Any further donations would be greatly appreciated and very much needed. An account is being opened at Carson Bank on east Douglas close to Oliver in Wichita, Ks.
Please send any contributions to:
Diego Ballesteros Benefit Fund
Carson Bank
4641 E Douglas
Wichita, Ks. 67218
(316) 777-1171
Please watch KWCH coverage:
Here is the Link: Click HERE
Feel free to call if you have any questions:
Ben Sciortino
733-5192 home
Ruth Holliday
Bicycle Pedaler
330 N. Rock Rd.
Wichita, KS 67206
(316) 685-4545
bpedaler@sbcglobal.net