Anthony Picchione

Anthony’s career in the construction trades started at the age of 16, when he was able to drive a small dump truck and run the backhoe and bulldozer for his father’s company in New Milford, Connecticut. His father’s firm, ADP Construction, installed septic systems and completed the finish work, including landscaping. Over time, he worked his way up to running all the machines on job sites.

On November 26, 2021, Anthony was paralyzed as the result of a dirt bike accident!

Anthony was racing his dirt bike at a motocross track in Gainesville, Florida when the crash occurred. He severed his spinal cord at T4, broke some ribs and punctured a lung in the accident. Anthony heard about our foundation from one of the therapists at the rehab facility he attended. He had been managing the invoices and bills for his father’s company after his accident, but he longed to be able to get back out on the job sites. His mom helped him find a van they could purchase, but they did not have the additional funds to retrofit it for wheelchair accessibility. Having an accessible vehicle would not only allow him to drive the jobs to oversee the work, but also to meet with clients and bid on jobs. His request was for an under van lift to allow for the most room inside, because he was going to use the vehicle as a mobile office.

Thanks to our generous donors, we were able to grant Anthony’s request.

When Anthony received our email approving his grant request, he said “Your email made my whole day! I’ve been a little depressed this week and want to have some hope. You’ve given me some hope, and I am excited about the prospect of getting back in the field. Thank you for your willingness to help me” See the pictures below of Anthony with his new BraunAbility under van lift.