Sister Of Man Left Paralyzed In DC Building Collapse Seeks Help

WASHINGTON, DC — The 27-year-old construction worker who survived a building collapse in Washington, D.C. last Thursday may never be able to walk again.

Leonardo Moreto DaSilva was working on a building in the 900 block of Kennedy Street NW when it collapsed. Trapped under three stories of rubble for about 90 minutes, first responders were able to rescue DaSilva and rushed him to the hospital.

DaSilva went through a spine surgery and is recovering at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

Over the weekend, DaSilva's sister, Leidiane Guimaraes, created a GoFundMe page to raise money for his medical and rehabilitation costs.

Guimaraes told WUSA9 that DaSilva moved to the area 16 months ago from Brazil to live closer to her and her family. In Brazil, she said he was a civil engineer. She said he had plans to pursue his master’s degree in civil engineering in the United States.

After DaSilva leaves the hospital, he will be transferred to a rehabilitation center. "It is a very long process, but we are staying positive and believing in the power of God and in the great medical team involved in his care," the GoFundMe page reads.

Visit the GoFundMe page to donate money to help with DaSilva's rehabilitation and recovery.

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