Lubbock Monterey Ambucs donate Amtryke to stroke survivor

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A man is on the move after a donation from the Lubbock Monterey Ambucs.

The nonprofit and the Jordan Restaurant Group donated an Amtryke to Devin Zaccardo, who suffered a debilitating stroke.

Lubbock Monterey Ambucs President Kadee Harcrow says other than a heart condition, Zaccardo was a healthy young man, before suffering from the stroke in his 30s.

“Now, he just needs something to help him get more mobile and some independence. He’s unable to drive, but this will let him go places and really, really excited about this for him,” Harcrow said.

The tryke, given to him on Monday at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, will help him continue rehab. Zaccardo’s parents are Ambucs members, making this donation the first of its kind within the chapter.

Matt Jordan says the Jordan Restaurant Group wanted to sponsor the donation, after his 6-year-old daughter was given the same freedom.

“As other kids are playing in the neighborhood and ride around their bicycles and things, this is something that’s allowed her to be able to join them, as well,” Jordan said.

The Lubbock Monterey Ambucs raises funds for Amtrykes, offering them free of charge to those in need, including children, adults and veterans living with disabilities. It also gave away $47,000 in scholarships this year to health professionals at Texas Tech University.

“Then, we can educate those people on how to identify when somebody needs a tryke. So, physical therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, that group of of kids at Tech,” Harcrow said.

Harcrow says anyone can help give someone another chance at freedom - donate or join the club on Mondays at noon at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center.