An 18-year-old California orphan has misplaced a leg and docs are combating to save lots of his different one after he was struck by an alleged drunk driver whereas he was ready at a bus prime.
Gelvy Ortiz was on a bench close to Wilshire Boulevard and twenty sixth Street in Santa Monica on Jan. 2 when a automobile pushed by John Edward Alevizos, 35, jumped the curb and slammed into him, KAKE reported.
“I used to be ready for the bus and the automobile hit me. I misplaced my left leg,” Ortiz instructed ABC7 from his hospital mattress at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
Doctors who amputated the West Adams Preparatory High School scholar’s leg had been combating to save lots of his proper one after he suffered large accidents.
Ortiz and his three brothers — who immigrated to the US from Guatemala seeking a greater life — turned orphaned at a younger age when their mom died of breast most cancers.
His oldest brother, 23-year-old David, instructed KTLA that life has not been straightforward since they misplaced their mother however they hope their combating spirit will assist them overcome their hardships.
“I got here right here 4 years in the past. I got here first, then I introduced my siblings over as a result of we’re orphans,” he instructed ABC7, including that they’d lived with their 80-year-old grandmother earlier than transferring to the US.
David, who works two jobs to assist his youthful siblings, mentioned he has been spending all his time caring for Gelvy and planning for his restoration as soon as he returns dwelling.
“We’ll must hire a bottom-floor condo. Our condo is on the highest flooring. He received’t be capable to rise up the steps,” he instructed the information station.
Gelvy, an avid soccer participant who deliberate to hitch the US Army after highschool, faces an unsure future after the tragedy.
“I’m asking God to present me the energy to get by way of this case,” he instructed ABC7.
Alevizos has been charged with felony driving whereas beneath the affect and has posted bail.
A GoFundMe account has raised greater than $45,000 for the household as of Friday afternoon.
“Gelvy was a full-time highschool scholar, who many describe to be sensible and hardworking, as he at all times managed to acquire the most effective grades at college, whatever the language and racial limitations he has confronted,” the web page says.
He “will want numerous remedy not solely bodily however mentally” as he prepares to get a prosthetic leg, it provides.
