A 41-year-old amateur cyclist from Vancouver, Canada is fighting for his life after developing a rare life-threatening flesh-eating infection while at a springtime training camp.

Ryan Busto was training in San Diego, California in mid-March when he developed a severe saddle sore, which turned septic and into a rare bacterial infection known as necrotizing fasciitis, according to training partner Tara Rosenberg. 

“Within 36 hours he was fighting for his life. I have never heard of such a rare thing and am completely shattered,” Rosenberg wrote on Facebook.

The rare infection is life threatening, with 1:4 affected typically dying from the disease as it spreads quickly, destroying tissue surrounding muscles.  Death can occur within 12 to 24 hours in some cases.

Bustos is bravely fighting those odds and making progress in dealing with the disease at a San Diego hospital while in an induced coma, according to Rosenberg. While hopeful for Busto’s recovery, Rosenberga added, “The road ahead is uncertain.”

Busto planned to race this year and often participated in the world famous GranFondo Whistler ride from sea level in Vancouver to the summit of Whistler Mountain, the largest ski resort in North America.

At press time, a GoFundMe has collected more than $120,000 to help pay the staggering medical bills associated with Busto’s care.

Photo Credit: Facebook/tara rosenburg

© 2019-2024 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily