Providence Fire Captain paralyzed in motocross accident, keeping positive attitude

By Alana Cerrone

Email: acerrone@abc6.com

Twitter: @Alana_Cerrone

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Family, friends, and coworkers are rallying around a veteran Providence Fire Captain who was paralyzed in an accident.

His life undoubtedly has changed forever, but he’s got a surprisingly positive attitude. And he’s taken to YouTube to prove it.

D’Ambra posted a video to YouTube called “Paralyzed and Positive” the day after a motocross accident left him paralyzed from the chest down.

"I want everyone to know I’m doing really well", D’Ambra said in his video.

Two of his daughters say they’re proud of their father for keeping an incredible attitude even though life his life has been turned upside down.

"He has a little bit of movement in his hands, but hasn’t been able to move his fingers yet", said D’Ambra’s daughter Nicole.

"His life will be completely changed”, said Nicole, “He runs like 10 miles a day, he goes hiking, he’s a firefighter."

That will change too. His daughters say D’Ambra will be forced to retire in January from a decades-long career with the Providence Fire Department, most recently serving as Captain on Rescue 1.

"It’s just been crazy how many messages we’ve gotten from people that have said he’s actually saved their lives", said Nicole.

D’Ambra is looking on the bright side, despite not being sure if he’ll ever use his legs again.

"Doctors say there’s no way, others say there is a way", said his daughter Victoria.

D’Ambra seems to have already made up his own mind.

"I think one week I’m going to try and walk”, he said.

D’Ambra is set to move to Spaulding Rehab in Boston to begin his road to recovery. His daughters think he’ll be back to helping people in one way or another once he gets out.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018