My story began in the late summer of 2006, when I developed an open wound on the bottom of my right foot.  After several surgeries to clean the wound and several months of IV antibiotics trying to save my foot, on December 14, 2006 I had a trans-metatarsal (lis frank) amputation of the front half of my foot.  The surgery was successful, and recovery was quick.  All was well for about 2 years until an open wound developed on the bottom of the remainder of my foot.  Over the next 8 years I would have 4 skin grafts, 4 IV PICC lines, and multiple other infections treated with oral antibiotics. Through it all, every little gain was followed by an equal setback.

Ultimately, in early 2016, I began having discussions with my podiatrist, infectious diseases and primary care physicians about the next course of action, which I knew was going to be a below knee amputation.  I was asked to consult with a reconstructive surgeon; I could have surgery and my wound could be closed but could not expect a long-term positive prognosis. They all concurred, that I should have the surgery while I had no active infection going and was otherwise in relatively good health, and that I would be highly successful in dealing with a prosthesis.

Prior to making my final decision, I consulted with Dr. Ron Fairman, chief of vascular surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Chris Dalmass of Prosthetic Innovations.  Both felt I was a good candidate for both the surgery and rehabilitation, and both provided positive words of encouragement.

On November 7, 2016 (at the age of 68), I had my below-knee amputation.  Four days later, I transferred to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital to begin my acute rehab.  I returned home on November 19th.  It was a gorgeous fall day as you can see in the picture above.  On November 28th, I had my staples removed and that same day begin the process of being fitted for my prosthesis.  On December 16th, I walked out of Chris’s office wearing my new leg and was able to return to work a few weeks later on January 3, 2017. 

Through this entire 10-year period, I was fortunate to be able to continue working, thanks to the flexibility of both my employer and my health care providers.

I was able to resume my full-time work life as a new person.  I was able to continue working for three years before retiring at the age of 70.  During that period, I oversaw the largest annual appeal ($8.1 million), and initiated and completed a $40 million capital campaign at the Diocese of Camden; both the largest in its history.  In 2018, I was named the Fundraising Executive of the Year by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

Today, I remain active in my local and church communities. I serve as a trustee and founding member of the Catholic Business Network of South Jersey. I am the chair of the Pastoral Council and member of the Finance Council of my parish. I also serve as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist.

In the limb loss community, I am a CPV with the Amputee Coalition and am also certified as a Peer Mentor with Magee Rehabilitation Hospital.  I have been a speaker about limb loss to nursing students, physical therapy students and in the local community.

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I also have had the honor of serving as a peer reviewer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program where I am sponsored by the Amputee Coalition.

I am an avid sailor, own a 19’ O’Day Mariner and a 14” gaff-rigged catboat. I am the proud grandfather of 3 adorable girls, age 3 and under and am expecting a grandson in July.

Oh, BTW, I earned a Masters in Church Management from Villanova University in 2013, while all this was going on.

As you might guess, I am fond of the Magee motto: Believe/Achieve!