(Saint Robert, Missouri-January 24, 2014) All across the country, millions of people suffer from a wide range of rare diseases. Some of these diseases are disabling, while many others proving fatal. Many of these inflictions remain elusive as to their cause, and due to their complexity, results in a lack of understanding of how they attack the body. This leaves many patients with no effective treatments or cures. According to NORD (National Organization of Rare Disorders), “In the U.S., a disease is considered rare if it is believed to affect fewer than 200,000 Americans. There are approximately 6,800 such diseases…they affect nearly 30 million Americans or almost 1 in 10 people”. SGT Louis Colasanti, a former medic for the U.S. Army, is one of these Americans. He suffers from a disease known as Cramp Fasciculation Syndrome. His illness leaves his muscles weak and fatigued, while causing him constant cramping in his extremities.
DOWN BUT NOT OUT: DISABLED VET REINVENTS HIMSELF
Suffering from a rare muscular disorder, former Army medic reevaluates his capabilities, starts wood carving business.
SGT Colasanti’s condition forced him into medical retirement in September, 2013, since he could no longer maintain his physical military standards. He was also left with a dilemma; he was no longer strong enough to qualify for civilian positions related to his training as an EMT and a physical therapy tech. “On its own, the transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging for a great number of people” says SGT Colasanti. “When service disabled vets make that transition, there are sometimes even greater barriers before them. Their skills and training that they would normally put into their resumes, are now beyond their physical capabilities. This forces them to have to make a brand new start.” For many disabled vets, this can be a disheartening reality.
After evaluating the difficulties that faced him, SGT Colasanti decided to take his separation from the military and turn it into an opportunity. “I needed to take another look at my skills, my hobbies, my passions, and determine what I was still capable of regardless of my limitations”. Before joining the Army, SGT Colasanti had spent many years learning art, computer design, and 3D graphics. Later in life, SGT Colasanti and his wife Marilyn began delving into woodworking and wood carving. “I really got to enjoy working with wood, and especially enjoyed the concept of wood carving” says SGT Colasanti. “Unfortunately, I could not work for long periods of time without my hands cramping up on me, preventing me from using that passion to start a new career. Then, I found my answer.”
SGT Colasanti began researching CNC wood carving machines. These machines utilize computer software to create a 3D image which can be transferred to the CNC machine. The CNC machine will interpret this image and perform automated wood carving, creating very intricate 3D designs. “For me, it’s the best of both worlds. I can utilize my computer design and 3D modeling skills to create elaborate designs and allow the machine to transfer these images into wood. This will allow me to create a wood carving without having my muscle problems getting in the way of the finished product”.
Thus, Carved In Grain, LLC was formed. SGT Colasanti has started a crowd funding campaign to help finance the expense of the equipment and programming required to produce his product. Crowd funding is a means of pitching your business plan to the general public in the hopes of finding contributors to help you reach your financial goals. In return for contributions, campaigns offer “perks”, which are products and/or services offered in return for the contribution. “My personal goal is to reach my funding goal by February 28, 2014, which is Rare Disease Day”.
Rare Disease Day is a worldwide event to help bring about awareness regarding rare diseases. According to RareDiseaseDay.org, “The main objective of Rare Disease Day is to raise awareness amongst the general public and decision-makers about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives.” Originally starting back in 2008 by EURORDIS and its Council of National Alliances, more than 1000 events have occurred around the world. RareDiseaseDay.org welcomes everyone to visit their site and learn how you can help spread the word to your communities.
If SGT Colasanti’s vision becomes a reality, he plans on using Carved In Grain, LLC to produce custom wood carving to both homes and businesses. His desire is to create custom made signs, plaques, decorations, and furniture, while building a new life for himself that he will be proud of. SGT Colasanti says that if can build a successful business, he hopes to bring in other disabled vets to train them in new skills that will be more viable for their limitations.
If you would like to contribute to the Carved In Grain campaign, or if you would like to share his campaign with others, please search for us on www.indiegogo.com to read more of the story behind the business. You can also connect with Carved In Grain, LLC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/carvedingrain
