Bilateral Beast: Eddie Garcia’s Towering Comeback
July is Disability Pride Month—a time to celebrate and honor the strength, resilience and achievements of people with disabilities. Few stories illustrate that spirit better than Eddie Garcia’s.
As a crane operator with McCarthy Building Companies, the 52-year-old Oak Cliff native is proud to be part of the construction of Halperin Park. But for Eddie, this project is much more than just a professional hometown triumph. Four years ago, at a job site in Oklahoma, Eddie’s massive crane toppled, trapping him for four hours. His rescue required doctors to perform an emergency in-field amputation of both legs above the knee.
Flown to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center in Oklahoma City, he underwent numerous surgeries. A month later, he was transported to Hanger Clinic, a Dallas rehab center, where he was fitted with state-of-the-art prosthetic legs. Through it all, Eddie displayed unfailing “can-do” enthusiasm as he and his care team worked together so that he could walk again.
A year later, he did. But that was just the start.
“The day after the accident, I told the doctor who saved my life that I’m coming back to work,” shared Eddie.
He did that, too.
"Eddie’s story is so inspirational,” says April Allen, Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation President and CEO. “He’s so proud to be working on this 'hometown project,' and we’re excited that he's been able to make his mark on our park with a purpose.”
Allen also notes that Halperin Park will include many accessibility accommodations to the public areas and programming elements for visitors with mobility impairments so they can easily and safely navigate the park, including elevators and ramps to the park’s multiple levels; graded access to the three interactive water features; and a fully accessible surface at the children’s playground.
“Halperin Park is a project of the community, by the community, and for the community. That means that whether it's the people that are working to bring this park to life to the visitors we’ll soon welcome to our park, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone,” adds Allen.
Eddie’s journey is a shining example of what Disability Pride Month is all about: belief in the dignity and inclusion of every person in the workplace, our communities and our culture.
And by sharing his story—whether it’s working on the jobsite, fishing with his kids or posting on Instagram as @BilateraLBeast—he’s proof that life after trauma can be just as profound, vibrant and full of purpose as before.
“No matter what background you come from, life can always hit you right in the face. But, ultimately, it’s up to you: do you want to stay on the ground or get up and do something? Giving up wasn’t an option. I wanted to come back and do what I love doing – building stuff.”