At Total Physical Therapy, we believe in our patients—and few embody that belief more than Edward “Eddie” Denaro. For 25 years, Ed has been part of our extended family, known not just for his loyalty and work ethic, but for his incredible spirit and resilience. Now, he needs our help—and yours—as he sets his sights on a new and hopeful treatment path.
From Active Athlete to Unthinkable Injury
In 2017, Ed’s life changed in an instant. A mountain biking accident resulted in a traumatic spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic, unable to move or feel his arms, legs, or torso. For someone as active as Ed Denaro — a public school teacher in Hicksville, a husband, a father of two daughters, and a lifelong lover of the outdoors—the diagnosis was devastating.
A Long-Term Patient and Lifelong Fighter
Even before his injury, Ed Denaro had been a longtime patient at our clinic, originally known as Park Physical Therapy. Over the years, everyone at Total has come to know and love Eddie. His work ethic is unmatched, and under the guidance of our partners Ray Cecora and Lou Mastrangelo, Eddie has shown remarkable progress in his therapy—regaining motion, improving muscle strength, and pushing the boundaries of what many thought was possible.
Ed and his support team now believe that stem cell therapy offers the best chance for him to continue improving—and possibly walk again. Unfortunately, this cutting-edge treatment is not available in the United States, but it is being offered in Mexico. The cost of the therapy and related travel expenses is significant, which is why we’ve launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $100,000 on his behalf.
Join Us in Supporting Eddie’s Comeback
We invite you to be part of Ed’s incredible journey. Visit our GoFundMe page to contribute and support Ed Denaro’s stem cell therapy journey. Your donation—no matter the size—helps bring Eddie one step closer to reaching his goal of walking again.
Thank you for supporting Eddie. It gives all of us at Total Physical Therapy great satisfaction to stand with him, and with your help, we can give this determined, inspiring man the opportunity he so greatly deserves.
Update: It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to report, Edward Denaro passed away on October 14, 2025 from complications due to his condition. Eddie was a fighter to the very end and we aim to honor his legacy in the future.
