Pittsville man paralyzed in crash overcomes odds
It was an emotional start to 47 ABC’s interview with Ryan Stevenson on Friday. He had tears in his eyes.
The 30-year-old former EMT, volunteer fire fighter, and also the creator of Wicomico First Alert, a popular Facebook page that updates the community about incidents around the county, was hit by a drunk driver about eight months ago. It happened as Ryan was traveling home from work on Route 50.
Ryan says, “I remember the whole accident. Everything. Every flip. The last thing I remember is getting in the helicopter.”
That crash left Ryan paralyzed from the neck down. He’s able to move his arms just enough to show off his tattoos, but he can’t feel his hands.
The drunk driver who caused these injuries is now facing charges. According to court documents, he was going almost 100 miles per hour before the crash. The air bag data showed no braking activity before the cars collided.
Ryan says this experience has rocked his entire family and opened his eyes to the effects of drunk driving. He’s now planning to use his background in service to make a difference.
He continues, “Like have assemblies and talk to children about bad decisions, and talk to high schoolers about what it’s like to drink and drive.”
Ryan is hoping to be out of his rehabilitation center and back home in couple of months to get to work on that goal. However, in the meantime his words for folks considering getting behind the wheel after drinking…. “Call for a ride. Don’t risk it. I mean it’s not worth it. You could paralyze someone. You could kill someone.”
Habitat for Humanity and several other community organizations have pitched in to help the Stevenson family get prepared for Ryan’s return home. Everything needs to be handicap accessible. The family is still accepting donations or any help folks are willing to offer. Go to the “Hope for Ryan” Facebook page for more information on how you can help the Stevenson family. Monetary donations can also be made at the Farmers Bank of Willards.
