When Eduardo arrived at Salt Lake City’s Burn Trauma ICU, doctors said he was a dead man with a heartbeat. During the course of his recovery, Eduardo spent 48 days in the ICU. He had nine severe exit wounds and underwent 21 surgeries, which included the removal of four ribs and cutting away destroyed muscle mass from his torso, legs, arms and scalp. Doctors tried to save Eduardo’s left hand, but, when it came down to life or limb, they had to amputate the chef’s hand and forearm.
While in the ICU, fighting for a heartbeat, Eduardo was dealt another shock: He had stage 2 testicular cancer. Pending surgeries were put on hold and he returned to Montana to begin aggressive chemotherapy. After months of chemotherapy treatment, he returned to Salt Lake City to complete his surgeries.
Months before the incident, Eduardo’s long-term girlfriend, Jennifer Jane, left him after Eduardo had proven himself unfaithful. Still struggling with the knowledge that Eduardo was not the man she thought he was, Jen flew from England to be by his side. As his primary caregiver throughout it all and by his side 24 hours a day in the ICU, Jen documented the initial months with her camera and supported him through his recovery as those months turned into years.
Since his hospital release, Eduardo has become an athlete and speaker for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, mastered the use of his prosthetic hook in the kitchen and is back to exploring the great outdoors. As inspiring as his physical recovery is, it is just a small part of the transformation ignited by his traumatic injuries.
Charged is a survival story built on the foundations of love and forgiveness. But it is about more than just surviving. It is about building stronger relationships and a better life after tragedy. It is about finding your best self so you can live life fully Charged.
For more information please visit chargedfilm.com
