Overcoming Disabilties Team Room

[brotherjim]

That sounds fine to me R & R. I can let you know what days later.
jim



The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project is a partnership between Disabled Sports USA, its chapters and the Wounded. Warrior Project, providing year round sports programs for severely wounded service members from the Iraq and Afghanistanconflict and the Global War on Terrorism.

The “Wounded Warriors” and their family members are provided these opportunities free of charge, including transportation,lodging, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction in over a dozen different winter and summer sports.

Programs take place at sites throughout the United States of America offering Wounded Warriors the opportunity to integrate
as participants and mentors in their home communities.

[Kristine Strasburger]

Jim,

It looks like this is going to be a great "Team Room" that is read by many. Keep posting the great stories of overcomers everywhere. We all can gain from hearing of the successes of others. And one never knows when one's life will suddenly change, and one will have to approach life from a totally new perspective. We all need to be reminded that "we can do it" when an obstacle comes our way. I believe this team will be creating a valuable resource of encouragement here, and you guys have the right idea to share the load of stats and encouragement postings. The group effort will build your team into something more than just a virtual team to be on. It will build a community of friends bigger than the sum of the parts. Best wishes to you all as you get started here.

[brotherjim]

Thanks Kristine I will do as there is no try as Yoda says.
jim

[brotherjim]

Stats update for today.......
We rowed 67671 meters and moved up to 54 th place! Awesome baby, awesome. It will be tough to break the top 50 but as much as most of you have overcome, we WILL do it.

Allie----------------------100
Ronnie--------------------8700
Sarah---------------------5925
Samuel-------------------6120
Rivka--------------------- 7745
Elton----------------------3300
Rosita---------------------8555
Jim------------------------27225

I hope Anita is having a great time while some of us are babysitting. (hmmmm)
Keep up the great rowing , take care, and keep on keeping on. OMG, did I really say that.
jim

[brotherjim]

I found this article from 2006. Rudy is still doing great and competing.
jim


By age 5, Rudy Garcia-Tolson had already undergone
15 surgeries to repair the effects of Pterygium
Syndrome, a rare hereditary disease that can cause a
cleft palate, and webbed hands, legs and feet.

Rudy was born with the most severe form of the
disease. Doctors were able to repair his mouth and
hands -- but his webbed, deformed legs could not be
easily fixed.

Doctors then offered Rudy and his parents an
impossible choice: life in a wheelchair or amputation
of his legs so he could walk with artificial limbs.

"Cut them off," the 5-year-old boy told them. "I don't
want to live like this. I want to go outside and play
with my brother and everything."

Despite the disease, Rudy was an active and
intelligent child, said his mother, Sandra Tolson.

"When he was little some people thought maybe
something was wrong mentally," said Tolson. "You
know, nothing mentally was wrong with him when he
was born. It was just all superficial. Very bright kid,
very smart kid, got along with everybody in
preschool."

His doctors warned that even with artificial legs, he
might be able to do nothing more than struggle on a
walker. But after the amputation surgery, Rudy felt as
if he were free.

A Gold Medal and an Ironman Quest

His parents were advised to take him to a therapeutic
pool. "So the doctor wrote a prescription using a
therapeutic pool which was like 100 degrees -- just
for therapy," Tolson said.

Rudy started swimming in the super-heated water and
made quick progress.

"I mean, after going a couple weeks, the therapist
said, 'You know what, you should put him on a swim
team. You should put him in a big pool,'" his mother
said.

"We took him to the YMCA and the coach said, 'Yeah,
put him on the team.' It was just like the water was
just like natural for him," she said. "And he used to do
his butterfly. You'd look at him and you'd think,
maybe that's what he feels, like a butterfly, he's flying,
if he's flying in that water because he has such a
beautiful stroke."

When Rudy was 7 years old, he set a goal for himself:
"I will compete at the 2004 Paralympic Games in
swimming." When it finally came time, he not only
competed in the 2004 Paralympic Games in
swimming, but also won a gold medal and broke a
world record in the 200-meter individual medley.

Since then Rudy has been unstoppable.

Rudy will be graduating from high school this year
and has set his sights on the Ford Ironman World
Championship in Hawaii. "Nightline" went to the San
Diego Low Speed Wind Tunnel where Rudy's support
team -- Team Braveheart -- were testing a new bicycle
for Rudy to conquer the 112-mile ride at Ironman.

"His reach is universal," said Bob Babbitt, co-founder
of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. "Because
somebody is sitting on a couch at home -- somebody
who's overweight, somebody who's got emphysema,
somebody who's got something totally different than
missing a leg -- sees Rudy on television and says:
advertisement Teen Thriving Despite Rare Disease, Amputations
Young Triathlete Is 'Unstoppable' Despite Loss of His Legs
What's my excuse? I can do it. I can do whatever that
person is doing without legs, I have no excuses."

Rudy's mother said she saw her son's obstacles as no
different those of any other young person. "I want him
to be treated equally," she said. "I always teach him to
fight for his rights because he's the same. Some
people say, no he's not -- he doesn't have legs. It
doesn't matter; he's the same.

"The world is changing the way people see people
with disabilities. Rudy doesn't like the word disability.
Rudy doesn't like the word handicapped. He says 'I'm
challenged.'"

Tolson said her son's outlook has begun affecting
others, too.

"Rudy is changing the world," she said. "Rudy is really
changing the way people see people who have a
disability, who have a challenge in their life. Rudy has
changed that a lot. He's got a big heart. He's got a
very strong heart, too. He's got no fear. No fear for
nothing. Rudy never gives up."

The young athlete himself agrees.

"I swim, I run, I bike, and I play football, I ride my
skateboard," he said. "I'm just unstoppable."

[rosita]

I am going to do a half marathon tomorrow. I do not see how Jim puts in so many meters.
Rosi

[brotherjim]

Rosi, I hardly ever row a large sum of meters at one time. I row 2.5 K before breakfast, then 3 or 4 7K or 8K during the day. Once in while I row a 20 K or a 30 K but not often. I kind of chip away till I reach my goal. I do have more time than most people who row, so I have an advantage that most people don't. Good luck manana ( did I spell that right) on your HM. I know you will do it.
jim

[brotherjim]

This a nice story taken from Invisible Disabilties website. Kind of touching to me . remembering I lost my Service dog Red a week ago today.Please enjoy the story.
Remember-all disabilities are not visible so be kind and patient to everyone.
jim


Woman with Cryoglobulinemia and Her Service Dog Bring Hope to Others
November 24, 2010
A Thanksgiving Story.

Dr. Diane Dike lives with Cryoglobulinemia, a rare blood disorder that can be very painful, debilitating and life threatening. Seven years ago, when Diane’s condition was greatly worsening, she was told about a doggie that had been in an accident and needed a new home.

Diane and her husband, Paul, went to see this pup with two broken legs and a ripped off tail - it was love at first sight! At the time, they had no idea that this little creature they named Gracie would not only fill their lives with joy, but would also give back in bigger ways they could ever imagine.

It didn’t take long for Gracie to come to life and realize an even greater purpose! Gracie began alerting Diane before she would have an attack, by aggressively licking Diane. The forewarning has allowed Diane to take precautions to help prevent the Cryoglobulinemia from “pooling” the blood in her legs and feet, by raising them. Keeping Diane’s blood warm is also imperative, so Gracie cuddles in Diane’s lap with a nice comfy blanket to warm up her extremities. Diane has also taught Gracie how to retrieve things for her, like her cell phone or keys. After the honing in of Gracie’s natural talents, along with some training for proper behavior in public, Gracie became a full-fledged Service Dog.

With Gracie’s help, once a very athletic and career oriented woman, Diane also found her new purpose amidst her limitations. She became the Founder and President of Second Chance with Saving Grace that reaches out to others in need through hospitals, churches, prisons, orphanages and other groups. Diane was also the recipient of the Invisible Disabilities Association’s Inspiration Award in 2008.

Paul and Diane share an encouraging message about love, giving and how they rescued Gracie, then “Gracie rescued Diane right back!” (PRLog). Their story comes alive in a beautifully illustrated story series book called, The Adventures of Gracie & Diane. Diane has also written an autobiography, God Made Only One of Me.

The trio has enjoyed their lives together as a family, eager to love with the motto “no human or animal left behind.” With Gracie always by her side, Diane’s indelible spirit has uplifted children and adults alike. So many who are living with chronic illness, cancer, history of abuse and more can relate and be encouraged that even with their brokenness, they are loveable, unique and can make a difference in someone else’s life.

“With Dike’s precarious health it would be best for her to stay home, safe in bed limiting the variables that can take her life and limbs. But she’s not going to let what she can’t do keep her from doing what she CAN! Even though she pays a high price for living and giving, she is committed to both. She is strong and courageous inspiring all around her to be the same” (PRLog).

The Dike family has been planning a trip across the country in their recently donated RV, to share their story and hope to many. Sadly, the week before they were to leave, Gracie was diagnosed with Mast Cell Cancer. She had surgery to remove a spot on her ear and tests to see how advanced was. As the doctor was giving the couple the bad news, Diane’s tears began to fall “Yet, Gracie ever on duty, caught each one with a kiss” (PRLog).

Paul and Diane had to wait for the final test results to arrive, before they could leave on their journey. If the tests showed she was in stage one, they would have the green light to continue on their way. If it were stage two, she would need treatment and with stage three the doctor said, “let’s not think about that right now” (PRlog).

The following week, Paul and Diane received the incredible news! Diane exclaimed, “Gracie had stage one Mast Cell cancer but the wonderful Dr. Charlie said they got it all, good job & have a GREAT trip!!!!” (IDA communications).

So, the three will enjoy their Thanksgiving Blessing, with plenty to be grateful for this year and a new lease on their passion to never take anything for granted. They will be leaving soon for their American Missionary Journey going west through Utah then down through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. To schedule Diane, Paul and Gracie for your church or group, call 303-225-2717 or visit their website.

[rosita]

I did it!!!! Rowed my first half marathon. Thank you to all who wished me well. Time of 2:01. Very happy I may have to run only 5k today.
Jim, your Spanish is bad. Stick to English
Rosi

[ronnie1]

I did it!!!! Rowed my first half marathon. Thank you to all who wished me well. Time of 2:01. Very happy I may have to run only 5k today.
Jim, your Spanish is bad. Stick to English
Rosi

Hooray Rosita!!! I am excited for you. I will now have to try one. That is good time I think.
Let's pick on Jim. His Jamaiican is terrible also
Yay for Rosi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RONNIE

[brotherjim]

Oh you kiddos are a real Abbott and Costello I am lucky to speak English. I sound more like Yoda than Yoda.
Rosi, Congrats on your HM. I am very proud of you
jim

[brotherjim]

Wow, we had a huge meter day with 111096 meters rowed. Congratulations again to Rosi for completing her first HM Stats for 12/28

Allie----------------100
Ronnie--------------8056
Sarah---------------13504 Great rowing
Samuel-------------15900 Hoo Boy
Rivka----------------10600
Elton-----------------13000 Big day, way to row
Rosi-------------------22597 Hooray
Jim-------------------27339

Pretty cool team!
jim

[brotherjim]

Thought i would post this as my last post had an article about a service dog.




Disabled Horses Find New Life Providing Therapy for Disabled Kids
13056 Essington Rd, Plainfield, IL

Elvis is a pigeon-hoofed paint quarter horse who has a clumsy trot.
Scooter is a sorrel fox trotter who doesn't trot at all – he can only walk dragging his left rear leg.
Sadie is the golden girl at Ready Set Ride. At 22, the aging brood mare has decaying teeth that can only chew mush.
Therapeutic riding stables that mount special needs children (or adults) on horses aren't much of a novelty any more. It's not news that horsing around helps kids build confidence and body control.
But Ready Set Ride, right here in far northeastern Plainfield, is a horse of a different color.
"We take in horses with special needs, that don't have any other function in life," said Lisa Ashfari, who founded the non-profit nine years ago. "These are often the horses that are perfect for kids with special needs."
Ready Set Ride is home to 10 horses on a small five-acre patch Ashfari rents on the banks of a creek slicing through Plainfield's upscale subdivisions and sprawling new school complexes. Kittens, dogs and – yes, that's a duck – scramble through the barn as a team of 60 volunteers stagger stints of daily chores, bathing horses and scooping stalls.
Kids as young as 3 come from all over the Chicago area for developmental therapy based on North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) guidelines that harnesses horses as a means of mobility for the children.
I was born into a horse family and spent my youth raising and showing quarter horses. As an adult, I spent several years working with people with cognitive disabilities. So, when I discovered Ready Set Ride not a mile down Essington Road from my farm, it was a seamless fit. I did a stint last fall leading horses during classes and helping out with noontime chores.
Therapy sessions start when volunteers help students strap on helmets and hoist them to their steed. The hour slips by as a horse leader and two side walkers follow cues from Ashfari in a series of games on horses she specifically plans to target individual areas for growth. The activities on horseback, ranging from baseball to the hokey pokey- incorporate physical, speech, occupational, developmental and recreational therapy.
Nine-year-old Kayla Gere of Naperville told her mom she wanted to be buried with the laminated "driver license" Ashfari gives students with a picture of their horse. Gere's favorite horse Lamb Chops died that year.
"I want to make sure God knows I can ride Lamb Chops," the little girl with a brain injury told her family.
Ready Set Ride's therapeutic benefits don't end with the riders and the horses. Horse tending is therapeutic for the volunteers as well as the students. Kids who've landed on the wrong side of the law can choose Ready Set Ride as a community service option. Toting hay bales and sudsing up steeds gives them an alternative to finding mischief after school.
The horses come from race tracks and from owners who can't keep them anymore when they fall on hard times or move from a horse-friendly environment. Many of the mounts come from illustrious backgrounds, but might be throw-aways if it wasn't for Ready Set Ride.
Cubanna, a 9-year-old bay (that means she has a brown body with a black mane and tail), is a retired polo pony who doesn't know she is retired or that she is not a pony. Bugsy, known around Ready Set Ride as a giant teddy bear, is a cream-and-white paint quarter horse who loves marshmallows He used to be a Western show horse who won his share of Wisconsin state awards and is trained as a rescue and police horse.
There's even a miniature horse – April, who came from Michigan, where she pulled a cart in shows. She's a pint-sized pony, just the right amount of horse for kids to groom and learn around. April comes when you whistle, can shake hands and loves baby carrots.
The Ready Set Ride string of horses gets all the indulgences – right down to regular message therapy treatments.
"It feels good to be able to make a good home for these horses that, otherwise, would have no place to go," Afshari said. "And here, they're doing something so important."

[Izzzmeister]

Jim,
Thanks for starting this wonderful thread and team. We all don't use our capacities well, sometimes only rising to the next level when adversity strikes.
(As a diabetic, I know how hard it can be to have to overcome, while feeling hopeless, sickly and anxious. Thankfully, with G-d's loving help, I made it through the first rounds in great shape.)
In this negative world, your positive push towards not only surviving but actually thriving is so needed by all, but especially by those who often get messages - usually subtle, like a frown, grumble or quick aversion of the eyes - that they don't quite measure up.
Please keep letting these valuable souls know that they are as much of G-d's plan as anyone else, and at least as loved by G-d.
This is bringing you joy, and them strength, so keep it going & growing!

Continued success!
Yisroel H

[APM]

Jim,
Thanks for starting this wonderful thread and team. We all don't use our capacities well, sometimes only rising to the next level when adversity strikes.
(As a diabetic, I know how hard it can be to have to overcome, while feeling hopeless, sickly and anxious. Thankfully, with G-d's loving help, I made it through the first rounds in great shape.)
In this negative world, your positive push towards not only surviving but actually thriving is so needed by all, but especially by those who often get messages - usually subtle, like a frown, grumble or quick aversion of the eyes - that they don't quite measure up.
Please keep letting these valuable souls know that they are as much of G-d's plan as anyone else, and at least as loved by G-d.
This is bringing you joy, and them strength, so keep it going & growing!

Continued success!
Yisroel H

Agreed with the sentiment. I wish you all the best Jim, and thanks for all of your help with Timbuktoo!

Adam