$6M Donation To Help S&W Keep Up With Orthopedics - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

Scott & White doctors in Temple are getting help overcoming a shortfall that's affecting the whole state.

They're having trouble keeping up with orthopedics, but now a multi-million dollar donation will help them bring in more doctors and technology.

It's a priority former orthopedic patient and Temple Police Detective Marlon Reed holds close to his heart.

It takes him back to April 3, 2009, when a drug bust gone bad forever changed his life.

"When we made entry, I was fired upon twice, one hitting me on my arm."

The shot severed the radial nerve in his right arm, and for months, he would depend on help from Scott & White's orthopedic surgeons and other medical and therapeutic staff.

"I didn't think I would ever have the use of my hand again, and it was scary, nothing can prepare you for that," said Marlon.

But after a tendon transfer from his wrist to his arm, he's back, and he's looking forward to the hospital's new bone and joint institute's completion.

Now thanks to donors Glen and Rita Roney, $6 million will go toward putting the best doctors and equipment inside of it.

Chairman of Orthopedic Surgery Dr. Robert Probe said, "We're so thankful to the Roneys for getting this philanthropic campaign started, because it is meeting such a huge need for all Texans and certainly those in Bell County."

$2.5 million is for the newest imaging machines available, and $3.5 million will go toward research and educating more orthopedists.

It comes at a time when the hospital can't keep up with the current demand for this type of care.

"There's a huge need for more orthopedists, we need them not only here at Scott & White, but throughout the state," said Dr. Probe.

Marlon says he just can't imagine what life would be like if they hadn't been there for him when he needed them most.

"I love being a police officer, so I really don't know what I'd be doing right now," he said.

$2.5 million of those funds depend on matched fundraising.

The new building will be finished next September.

It will be called the Glen E. and Rita K. Roney Bone and Joint Institute.

Reporter: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com

Photographer: Chris Buford cbuford@kcentv.com