SURPRISE, Ariz. — A social media group came to the aid of a Valley man who recently lost his leg below the knee to an infection and health issues tied to diabetes.
“I’ve been dealing with it for over 10 plus years,” said Ricardo Figueroa from San Tan Valley.
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Following years of struggling with health issues tied to diabetes and getting a cut on his foot years ago, doctors gave Figueroa some heartbreaking news.
“It would keep getting infected and toward the end they said ‘it’s better to have it amputated,’” said Figueroa.
In October, doctors amputated his left leg below the knee, dramatically changing his life.
“I know it’s a long tough road ahead,” said Figueroa.
After working as a building manager at an East Valley school for 15 years, he’s been out of work with no mobility for two months, something that bothered his loved ones, especially his cousin Nadia Kleinschmidt.
“He’s actually the seventh amputee in my family due to diabetes, so that wasn’t sitting well with me… with him just sitting somewhere,” Kleinschmidt said.
One day when she was scrolling through Facebook, she found a group for people who live in Surprise and came across a post.
Kleinschmidt said it was something that might help. It was a post that said, "List something that you need but can't afford."
"So I thought what the heck, let me try it, so I asked for a mobility scooter for my cousin, because he just got amputated,” said Kleinschmidt.
Within a few days, her wish was granted.
“A miracle came out of it,” she said. “Michael Hibb reached out to me, and he said I have one for you... he said it’s brand new, my mom just used it two times and passed away I guess in July.”
Kleinschmidt was in disbelief, because that kind of scooter can cost thousands of dollars, and he wanted them to have it for no charge.
“So, we met up at Goodwill… when we saw the machine, we were just blown away,” she said.
After meeting up with the kind man, they loaded it up and Kleinschmidt and her husband were on their way.
“We were very emotional,” she said. “On the way home, we literally didn’t speak because we couldn’t believe it, you know… I thought we would get a cane or a walker, not a scooter that’s brand new. He’ll totally ride it in memory of his mom.”
When she gave it to her cousin, he was in awe.
“I was delighted,” said Figueroa. “I couldn’t believe it.”
The mobility scooter was a complete surprise, and it was nearly brand new.
“I’m so sorry for the people’s loss,” he said. “It’s very heartwarming… all the help from everybody.”
While Figueroa doesn’t know how long he’ll be out of work, this is definitely a big step forward, and he’s already putting plenty of miles on it.
“It’s awesome... it moves,” he said.
“He’s been using it ever since, and I just think it’s wonderful,” said Kleinschmidt.
“I just want to say thanks to the people that donated the wheelchair and my wonderful family and friends,” said Figueroa.
Both Figueroa and Kleinschmidt are still overwhelmed by the amazing gesture. While their hearts are filled with sorrow for a complete stranger’s loss, at the same time, so much gratitude for his generosity.
“What I learned are there are a lot of good people out there still… and it never hurts to ask,” said Kleinschmidt.
And now she’s looking for ways to pay it forward.
“God is amazing… don’t lose hope,” said Figueroa. “Speak up – there’s always somebody out there that will lend a helping hand.”
After all, kindness is contagious.
Figueroa still has a long road ahead, so for now, his family has set up a GoFundMe until they figure out whether he will be able to return to work.
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