In Memoriam - Sergio Echeverria

September 19, 2025

Hotel of the MonthWe’re heading to Casa Carolina, Cartagena!Tickets $10Drawing. Oct 15Tickets :  https://bit.ly/OctoberHoteloftheMonthor Zelle 305-801-9964 or [email protected] dreamy boutique rooms and suitesRooftop cocktails under the starsSoulful spa vibes + a complimentary spa treatmentBreakfast daily to start your mornings rightThis stay is all about nourishing the soul Cartagena style.Who’s ready to win?

September 4, 2025

Quick Sergio update! Since his emergency craniotomy on August 14, he’s been getting stronger every day. He’s even started light exercises again,pushing forward like the fighter he is. And of course, he’s never alone… his partner-in-crime Onyx (our pup) is right by his side, making sure her superhero never misses a beat

August 20, 2025

We spoke with Sergio’s neurosurgeon today. He told us that Sergio is doing great and said, “Your case was honestly the best outcome I’ve had yet. I am very happy with everything.”Most of the time (about 90%), the cause of something like this remains unknown. They did a vascular scan afterward, and there was no residual blood. The air inside will absorb on its own. His stitches will dissolve, and hopefully his hair will grow back normally.Sergio has remained very anxious—not knowing why this happened and feeling scared,but the doctor reassured him to breathe, be patient, and focus on taking care of himself. I also mentioned that he’s been talking more than he did before, and at his follow-up visit they may be able to adjust things and turn it down a little.For now, Sergio just needs to be very careful over the next month. If he experiences any similar warning signs,such as headache, anxiety, sweating, nausea, or speech problems,we need to take him to the ER immediately.” ❤️❤️ he’s tired. He’s really frustrated with this and getting extremely discouraged. But my hero remains a fighter!

August 18, 2025

We want to take a moment to update you on Sergio. This past week, he experienced a serious medical complication that required emergency brain surgery. Thanks to the incredible doctors, nurses, and the grace of God, he came through the procedure safely and is now in recovery.This unexpected incident has been overwhelming, but Sergio’s resilience continues to inspire us. We are deeply grateful for the prayers, support, and generosity that make it possible for us to focus on his healing journey.

July 22, 2025

Hi, I’m Lisa ,wife of Sergio Echeverria, who is now living as a complete quadriplegic. I’ve always found joy in helping others, making people smile, and finding solutions to life’s everyday challenges. I believe no one should ever go without food, care, or access to proper healthcare. As long as I’m alive, I promise to keep doing everything I can to help those in need ,just as so many have helped us.

April 14, 2025

Sergio continues to give his fight 200 % . We will beat this together

December 4, 2024

Thank you to all our loving generous friends for never giving up on us, we love you dearly! Stay tuned this Friday. We leave to Bimini Bahamas on a shark diving trip without cages.

November 6, 2024

Come join us this Sunday, November 10 whether you’re here in Miami Beach, New York at one of the @Bondi locations are incredible neighborhood sushi restaurant is hosting an all day brunch fun day at their properties and donating a portion of their funds towards fight to spinal cord injury

November 5, 2024

Come join us Nov 10 at Bondi Sushi

October 1, 2024

lady onyx getting daddy ready for bed !

July 14, 2024

Sergio is currently dealing with Covid , keeping positive and as always a smile . Thank you for all you prayers and continuous love, we couldn’t do it without you

June 9, 2024

Every day is a new day and we continue to wake up, praying that this nightmare,will end but we wake up and it’s still here and we’re not giving up our fight

May 28, 2024

May fundraiser is here! Featuring One of our oldest local restaurants, hang out spots on the beach! If you’re local or coming to Miami Sunday brunch at Nikki Beach is akways a blast! Footsteps To our beautiful beach! Sergio be drawing the lucky winner of Sunday brunch for four people! On June 1 Tickets $10 . Tax deductible donations to our 501c3 here

September 16, 2023

Everyday is a new day of hope!

July 15, 2023

Nothings gonna stop us we’re just gonna keep going until we’re actually walking or swimming which ever comes first. In the meantime this was last week diving.! Thanks to Thresher Adaptive dive team

April 2, 2023

This week was exciting. Sergio is now working with an amazing group of people who help everyone and anyone with or without disabilities. Enjoy life under water ! Our next step is to get back in the ocean scuba diving with the creatures that we love! We got this

December 12, 2022

Sunday Funday! We are so lucky to be a part of the “ Shake a leg” family here in Miami! We spent a beautiful day with friends. A nice boat ride on one of their “ accessable” boats, bbq and holiday cheer.

November 9, 2022

Everyday Sergio continues to go to PT, work out at home, meditate his body back to before! He is my hero and determined to beat the odds!

We continue to try and figure out ways to raise funds to get more PT, devices to help Sergio get around and a better chair to make life more accessable. Thank you always for your constant prayers and support.

September 23, 2022

We just completed our first trip and sleep over since accident ! Key Largo snorkel trip and over night at Bakers Cay Resort! It was a success, we were nervous! We put 10 pounds of weight around his waist and Sasha helped him down 20 feet.

September 15, 2022

Finally After a long summer of many ups and downs we were able to get Sergio back into the ocean Sunday. It was 20 minutes of freedom joy and for moment almost feeling normal again.

July 11, 2022

Everyday is a new challenge ! We constantly pray that Sergio will wake up and be able to move his fingers, his legs, go to the bathroom on his own ! It’s amazing how much we take for granted before something tragic happens . The costs just never end , I don’t know how people continue to be able to maintain this life. Thank everyone of you for continuing to be there for us .

June 21, 2022

Saturday we had our first Bootie workout fundraiser for Sergio with Starr Hawkins at the Surfcomber hotel in Miami Beach! A beautiful hot fun morning ! We will be feeling this for a few days! Many laughs

June 2, 2022

March 30, 2022

March 29, 2022

Today we were invited on the Impossible Dream Catamaran, totally set up for people like Sergio. It was our second trip on this amazing boat and very much needed . Things do not get easier, there are so many little ups and big downs. We aim to continue this journey with only positivity! What a beautiful day spent with warm loving friends.

March 14, 2022

February 26, 2022

Today I want to thank everyone of you ! This marks one year since sergio’s “our” horrific nightmare. I can’t honestly imagine how we would’ve gotten through this without everyone of you! Its still hard to be quite honest to wake up and see that its true! Mostly your prayers to start ,your constant helping hands , your love ,hugs and support . Your advise (all our SCI family) saved Sergio many times and kept me some what sane!!! Yes dont say it I know!!!!!

My wonderful hotelier family love so you all much ! I will need all of your help in my adventure #wheelgotravel ! This world needs to be more accessible to people like Sergio and I will make this part of the rest of my life!

Your donations have been much needed ( The continued costs & needs are unimaginable!)

We have a long road ahead of us and we plan on making it an upward climb to Victory! No one can ever imagine that something like this could happen to them or their loved one nor what it feels like to walk along side of your soulmate with a spinal cord injury until you’ve walked in their shoes or by their side!

Sergio who takes much pride in doing all himself and everything possible to help everyone in his path must now depends on everyone for everything! “Not his style” We almost lost “our friend my best friend” 1 year today and on Tuesday March 1 will be the day Sergio was brought into our world .

Happy Life day, Happy birthday happy everyday! WE GOT THIS!

January 11, 2022

Nothing will stop him!

January 5, 2022

January 3, 2022

Goodbye 2021 never wanna think about you or see you again but I welcome 2022 with open arms. Thank you help help live and all our beautiful friends , neighbors , family and people that don’t even know us who have continued to pray,! To contribute and be there to hold our hands throughout this terrifying past 11 months. Sergio continues to keep a smile on his face and give 150% he is determined and I am determined to stand behind him and beat this battle head-on! we are still working on getting a pool lift chair at home in our apartment building which has been our biggest challenge and will be Sergio‘s biggest help to move forward with this current state. During this past 11 months we have met so many new friends with strong hearts and strong minds! If anything this tragedy has taught us that the world is not set up for quadrepeligic‘s from the minute they wake up and are told abruptly that “you are a quad and as soon as you accept it you’ll be able to move on with your life to discharge from the hospital with no one knowing how to handle the situation after 21 days “ In part the world is not equipped the hospitality world is not equipped to accommodate quadriplegics but this will be my goal to change that. May 2022 be a success to all of us amen

December 21, 2021

Sergio continues to work hard1 Constant daily PT and mental meditation. Our huge disappointment has been our hopes to have Sergio a shower for Christmas. Between delays in Permits with our city and contractors the job is far from finished. We need miracles to have all completed so Aquaman can have a proper shower before the New Years!

December 1, 2021

Happy Holidays to everyone. Sergio continues to work hard on his journey to walk , swim and be back on s dive boat with all of us. We are praying that our renovations to have an ADA shower will be completed by Christmas. One delay after the other ... Its been 10 months since Sergio has had a proper shower indoors. Soon as this is complete we will be needing exercise equipment, standing machine, many many other things to keep Sergios rehab going. We will be having a "holiday fundraiser so stay tuned"

November 19, 2021

November 19, 2021

Newest projects and wishlists: Still waiting for the accessible shower to be completed so that Sergio can have a proper bath instead of bed baths and now getting to cool for under the hose on the patio. We are waiting for our Board Members here at home to allow us to install a pool chair lift so Sergio can continue to do his Hydro Therapy at home. Then there are several pieces of necessary equipment that will also help him at home that we will need. Sergio still requires 24/7 caregivers ....the list goes on as well as the crazy monthly expenses this all requires.

October 23, 2021

After a challenging week with ups and downs we made it back to the pool . It was chilly but every minute in the water is Lim victory! Thanks to Louis and Roy ! And Flamingo pool finally getting their chair working!!!

October 18, 2021

Last night at MAPS Backlot we had an incredible evening with friends, family and loving people coming together to helping Sergio's Journey! (fundraiser to help with Sergio's care, medical needs etc) The evening was beautiful, clear skies, amazing Music by "Soul PAX" and DJ Rodrigo. Great food and beverages under the stars. Thank you everyone for being part of this with us.

October 2, 2021

Please save the date Oct 16 at MAPS Backlot in Wynwood

October 2, 2021

Thank you Keller Williams Realty ! You are truly family. KW had a happy hour fundraiser for Sergio's Journey. Not only a great success but a wonderful evening spent with friends and smiling faces we have not seen in long long time. Your support, love , prayers is ooutstanding. Thank you KW , Lincoln road eatery, Alan Roth

September 30, 2021

Yesterday was Epic. Finally with the help of amazing friends and the Surfcomber Hotel we were able to get Sergio in the pool. Although he was expecting to swim and to find out that his body is not yet ready he flipped over and did a few stokes. I have no words to express how thankful I am to my community steeping up to help us. The world is not aware how it is not equipped for people like Sergio. A Quadriplegic. But the Surfcomber Hotel is!

September 13, 2021

Sunday funday! We were able to put our toes in the ocean which is Sergio’s favorite place on earth, the winds picked up 10 to 20 notsAnd with Sergio’s broken leg we had to be extra careful so we just got to the edge of the ocean. It was enough to give us encouragement to keep strong and keep working towards miracles . Sergio Will never give up and thank you Sabrina for standing by your side and making the sea accessible

September 8, 2021

Positivity positivity! Sergio continues to give 200% and determined to walk, swim, bike with me soon. Insurance has stopped paying for pT, OT etc bills continue to flow. Sergio still requires 24/7 care which is 100% out of pocket. He works out daily for hours on his own and with the Miami Project. This Sunday we will get back in the ocean thanks to Sabrina Cohen Foundation and water access volunteers! We have been looking forward to this since last month, it is truly the highlight these days. Leg is healing and we hope to get in a pool soon.

July 23, 2021

Wednesday everything was off to a good start, Sergio was happy with his progress at the Miami project and excited to get into their pool next week when another huge set back happened. While on way to his Dr appointment at UM Sergio chair slowly ran into the elevator and his foot twisted 180 degrees. He felt nothing and was unaware until Lisa noticed and ran to nurses station to get help. Unfortunately they did not respond to her concern and several hours later at a different hospital Sergio got X-rays. Finding multiple fractures and sent back to Trauma at Jax. Now in a cast and praying surgery will not be needed. Sergio is extremely upset and disappointed now has a few month set back to getting into the water. Please we need all your prayers.

July 14, 2021

Last Sunday July 11 Sabrina Cohen Adaptive Beach day returned after 18 month hiatus because of Covid. We were so excited to get Sergio back in his “happy place” Unfortunstely the winds picked up and the seas were a bit rough for someone so new to this injury. Sergio was able to feel the ocean and his feet got wet......It was so so close . Next try will be in August and we will get in no matter what . Please continue your prayers ans support. Sergio needs to be back swimming with his fishy friends

June 28, 2021

Please keep praying for my Sergio...It is so lonely in this chair ........................We have to find a solution to make things better!

June 14, 2021

June 11, 2021 - Today was an extremely emotional day for Sergio and Lisa. A few friends and family joined Sergio and Lisa at Miami Beach City Hall to support Sabrina Cohen. Sabrina's Foundation is requesting from the Miami Beach Finance & Economic Resiliency Committee to step up the City’s support and approve a capital funding allocation to building our all-inclusive Adaptive Fitness & Recreation Center. Sergio for the first time since his accident in a public format addressed the City with a beautiful speech about reaching his now 100 days of being a quadriplegic. The courage that Sergio is showing and how much Sergio and Lisa need your support to try and make their life to be as functional as possible. As we have been saying they can not do this alone it takes a village and they need your help!

Thank you for your support!

June 2, 2021

A bit of a set back . Sergio suffered Autonomic Dysreflexia from a severe UTI yesterday. This is something they have been telling us about and pounding in my head that I need to be able to recognize since day one. Thanks to all the amazing people around us I was able to recognize what was going on, go through all the steps...call paramedics and now Sergio is doing so much better but at Jackson recovering and should be home in a few days . This could have been deadly if we had waited even another hour. We still do not have our home ADA prepared, Sergio still can not be wheeled into the shower since the doors are not wide enough. We will continue to search for answers and remedies to walk and swim again. Never stop having faith or praying for Aquaman

May 21, 2021

They tell us it gets easier with time! How much time? Sergio does not stop putting in 100 percent but I see in his eyes the frustration the fear the pain! We need all of your help your prayers your love. We need experimental options . Don’t give up on us we will beat this we will! Today after PT with Miami Project a short haircut thank you Hermina! And then Sergio suffered again from trembling cold attack! Finally they stopped! Now just praying to Tommorow bringing us positive vibes

May 6, 2021

Yesterday was bitter sweet. An angel from above donated his ADA Van to us. Shawn Adam Friedkin, 56, a businessman, visionary, social entrepreneur, and nationally renowned advocate for people with disabilities passed March 3. Lisa his beautiful wife met us (with Paulie and Rachel) in Broward to do the exchange. I really thought I would be ok but the second we looked at each other we just both fell apart. I wanted her to give me all the answers, calm all my fears and tell me everything was going to be OK.....................Thank you Lisa Friedkin , we will keep Shawns memories rolling to knew places and hopefully be able to re donate Shawns van as soon as Sergio is walking to another beautiful person in need. Forever Grateful!!!! This is our goal! "live a life without limits."

April 25, 2021

Last night at 5 pm Sergio met many of his friends at the Marina on Key Biscayne. Divers Paradise and the Boys put together a beautiful fundraiser on their dive boat where Sergio used to work. This was Sergios first social outing in almost 3 months. He was not able to actually be on the boat to wish us off but tearfully waived to us as we took off on a sunset cruise up the Miami River. It was both extremely emotional but at the same time uplifting. The love , the kindness , the hope that our friends showed us was that "we do have a village " and we could not get through this climb without them behind us. YOU ARE OUR WALL, OUR ROCK Thank you to all of our friends. Forever greatful!

April 19, 2021

Funday Monday ? Well not exactly fun but Sergio did have a good Therapy session with Pedro today. Every day we will continue to take steps forward ....only forward. Ill include some photos on his therapy on the Therapy album below. Therapy is the most important instrument needed at this time to improve. We still are only offered 2 days per week and seeking all other available options. We are open to all and any advise.

April 12, 2021

Hello friends. This week will be 12 days since Sergio was discharged and he finally had his first therapy session (It was a great start) on Thursday April 8. He should be having therapy daily to increase his chances of recovery but because of insurance and other issues this has been a huge challenge. Sergio needs a lot of therapy both physically and mentally as he is suffering as well from PTSD from the day of the accident, these episodes are very real and scary for him. Please continue to help us help Sergio in any way possible. We are so grateful to all of you for everything you have already done and continue to do. Keep praying and spreading the word! Thank you to everyone!! We will win this battle!

April 9, 2021

Sergio had finally his first therapy session Thursday April 8 . He was discharged on the 31 March. In order to have the optimal chance he needs "acute therapy" daily. His insurance does not allow this and we need your help to make this happen.

April 6, 2021

Another Monday night comes to an end ! Thank god Sergio is at home with me but we are frustrated ! Almost 1 week since discharge and we are waiting still for a therapy schedule! We were told in our first family meeting two months were 25 percent of the recovery ! Every ones who knows Sergio knows he’s determined and he never gives up! He sees the light at the end of the tunnel and he’s swimming towards it! Every day he wakes up doing his own breathing exercises & arm movements. He makes sure to direct the aids on how to help him improve. His smile never stops ! Thank you family friends please continue to pray!