Part 3 — Dr. Lesavoy decided that Cliff was a candidate for his surgical procedure and within two days, Cliff was in surgery at UCLA where he had part of both calf muscles removed and attached to his severely damaged knees.
In the accident, one-third of Cliff’s knees were immediately disintegrated and in need of repair. At the time of the surgery the primary objective was to save Cliff’s legs and little thought was given to the unlikely prospect that Cliff would again be able to walk.
After the successful surgery, Dr. Lesavoy challenged Cliff with the words "I’ve done my 50% by putting your legs back together. Now, the rest of your recovery is up to you!"
After three months, Cliff left the hospital to begin his arduous and challenging rehabilitation and recovery process. Cliff spent the next two years in supervised rehabilitation programs and underwent a total of fifteen surgical procedures in fifteen months to keep his legs free of infection and promote healing of his grafts and burns.
Next, Cliff began a regimen of training that included weight lifting, riding stationary bicycles,swimming and rowing in an outrigger canoe.
It took three and one-half years before he could walk without the aid of crutches. It was an especially satisfying moment when Cliff was able to take his first unassisted steps. After all, doctors had told Cliff and his family that he would never walk again as a result of the accident!
