Overcoming Disabilties Team Room

[rosita]

Gene, so nice to have you on the team!!!! I just came home from practice and saw you had joined. You are on the best team. Benny is so glad you are on the team too. He says he wonders who has more medals
Rosita

[brotherjim]

I know I just posted about Mrs. Madsen a day or so ago, but she just is SO amazing. And since she is an avid rower, even more so. Please checkout her website. I love the line " Life is changed,not taken away" T o those who are challenged as my teammates, we do know what this means.
jim

Marine Corps Veteran, Athlete, and Paralyzed Veterans Member Angela Madsen

Every so often, in some part of the world—in this case, Long Beach, California—word comes of a person with an amazing life tapestry. Angela Madsen, a lifetime member of Paralyzed Veterans of America, is such a person.

Woven in the early parts of Madsen’s tapestry are threads of incredible hardship. Madsen was in the Marine Corp when she was injured while on duty in 1993. She sustained a spinal cord injury, L1 incomplete, a condition further complicated by surgical errors. She lost her job in engineering due to the months she was in the hospital, and as a result, was homeless for a time.

Since the spinal cord injury, Madsen has undergone a double mastectomy for breast cancer and numerous other surgeries and treatments relating to carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve problems. She has also been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease pertaining to the fatigability of muscles.

Despite it all, Madsen has rocketed to the position of marvelous athlete and world-class inspiration.

Madsen was, in fact, always an athlete, and continues to be every day. Madsen has played and continues to play all kinds of wheelchair and adaptive sports, but one of her more exceptional passions is rowing.

Madsen has rowed non-stop around Britain, a 2010 mile stretch from London’s Tower Bridge to London’s Tower Bridge (made very challenging due to unpredictable weather patterns), and across both the Atlantic and Indian oceans. In doing the latter, she became the first person with disabilities to row across two oceans and the first woman to row across the Indian Ocean.

In 2009, Madsen was added to the Guinness Book of World Records for her achievements.

Madsen shares her skills through her work as a rowing coach and founder of 501-c3 nonprofit organization called The California Adaptive Rowing Program, which provides free rowing participation and instruction to people with disabilities.

Now, as a 50-year old grandmother of three, her latest aspiration is to row from Morocco to Barbados in hopes of breaking the current 33 day record. Madsen will make the approximately 3400 mile attempt in her rowing catamaran, the Big Blue.

And in the tradition of her striding exceptionalism, Madsen already has the latest aspiration planned: a rowing race from California to Hawaii.

“Situation and circumstance,” Madsen says, “should never be allowed to dictate who we are and what we will be able to achieve in our lifetime. Allowing situation and circumstance to oppress us is a choice… I knew I was going to row an ocean. I did not allow the situation of being a woman and a paraplegic stop me.”
On her website, Madsen displays a Latin phrase which reflects the above philosophy: “Vita mutatur, non tollitur.” Translated: Life is changed, not taken away.

Story by Katrina Ilich

[ronnie1]

Jim asked me to do stats the next 2 days, he is having some confusion problems. But he is rowing like a madman!!!
Welcome to the team Gene. We added 363115 meters , that is alot for 15 rowers. Good going team .

Stats for the day

Gene-----------------------4500
Aidan-----------------------78
Jim-------------------------62331
Rosita----------------------40554
Harold---------------------15850
Zander---------------------25000
Anita-----------------------32952
Super Sam----------------51454
Ronnie---------------------36622
Princess-------------------13838
Michelle-------------------27700
Christa--------------------43500
Benny---------------------7800
Allie----------------------946

We are in 12th place in the Challenge.
We are in 31st place overall.

I think I did this correct.
Row on team, row on.
Ronnie

[rosita]

Jim, I just read your post on Lunatics page. That is so funny. Ethan is soooooo cute.
Rosita

[brotherjim]

Danelle Umstead

BIOGRAPHY
Vision4Gold is Danelle Umstead and her husband/guide Rob, and their "vision" to bring home gold for USA as they compete for the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team. Danelle is a visually impaired skier whose sight is continually degenerating due to a disease called Retinitis Pigmintosa (RP). After battling with the gradual loss of her sight, she took up skiing, which gave her a new perspective on life. "Skiing has given me new meaning and value to life, in more ways than the sport itself," she said. Rob, a long time ski coach, started guiding his wife full time in 2008 after watching her struggle to find a suitable guide for several years.

After an outstanding first World Cup season filled with podiums and wins and a successful Paralympics, bringing home some hardware, the Umstead's are ready for 2011. They have set their sights high, aiming for perfection at the 2011 World Championships in Sestriere, Italy.

DANELLE SAYS
2010 was an incredible year for us. The World Cup overall title was a bit of a surprise. The night before the last race, Rob looked at the standings and knew we had a shot, but he did not tell me. After we crossed the finish he told me we just won the super G title and the overall. What a surprise!

Then the Paralympics was the most amazing experience. We were really happy with our two bronze medals and all we learned there. The vision is four gold and we will keep working hard to Sochi.

For 2011 we are focused on the World Championships. Winning gold there would be perfect. We really like the downhill at Sestriere and cannot wait to get back on that course. We are also working hard on our technical skiing in hopes of medals in GS and slalom too.

FIRST TRACKS
Umstead started skiing eight years ago in Northern New Mexico at Taos Ski Valley where she met Rob. He was offered a coaching job in Park City, and in 2006 the pair moved to Utah and Danelle began training with the National Ability Center. She competed in Slalom and Giant Slalom her first year of racing.

OFF THE SNOW
We spend a lot of time cross-training in the gym, tandem biking, doing yoga, kit surfing and paddling. We also spend time with our son, family and friends.

[ronnie1]

Stats for the day. We rowed 287935 meters and we have moved up to 11 th place!

Gene--------------1500
Allie---------------335
Benny-------------8520
Bobbie------------5454
Christa------------25600
Michelle----------29525
Ronnie------------30888
Anita--------------27310
Sam---------------27690
Zander------------37599
Harold------------12851
Andy---------------15901
Rosita--------------23252
Jim-----------------41510

Great rowing to all! Jim said he will be back tomorrow to do stats.
Ronnie

[brotherjim]

Thank you Ronnie for doing the stats the past 2 days. You did a fantastic job The numbers were jumbling up my head
Here is a story from 2004.

Disabled rower's inspiring solo feat

4 October 2004
By DEREK CHENG

He may need a cane to walk, but Scottish cerebral palsy sufferer Stuart Boreham endured 13-metre waves and 109 days at sea to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean.


He shared his experience at the Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club last week as part of its guest speaker series.
Born with cerebral palsy, Mr Boreham, 38, has had several operations to help him walk and balance. Cerebral palsy is caused by defects to the brain, affecting movement and posture.

On November 15 last year he left the Canary Islands, off the northwest coast of Africa, and began the 5370-kilometre journey to Barbados in the West Indies.

During the journey, he battled 13-metre waves and five-day storms. He had to row the last 965 kilometres with a fixed seat after its wheel-bearings broke. He also overcame foot and knee infections and blisters on his hands.

Mr Boreham said he tackled the challenge for three reasons: "For my own sense of self achievement, to raise funds for UK-based Macmillan Cancer Relief, and to show able-bodied people and disabled people alike that having a disability doesn't mean that you're without ability."

He had practically no rowing experience when he set out. "I had only rowed about 10 miles before actually starting. But I didn't feel nervous because I trusted the boat, the equipment and the preparation.

"I kind of developed my rowing technique as I went along." Taking cover for days while storms subsided was demoralising, but Mr Boreham said he had no shortage of highlights.
"The calmest day of the trip was Christmas Day. The water was like a mirror and dolphins came by the boat, close enough to be touched."

PROVING A POINT: Stuart Boreham, who has cerebral palsy, in Wellington to talk about his solo row across the Atlantic.

Mr Boreham had the ocean's wildlife to take his mind off the solitude.

"I would imagine all the turtles, whales and dolphins were coming to visit me. I felt privileged just to be passing through. I wish everyone in the world could just go and see it for five minutes."

He is writing a book and making a documentary about his feat.

"I try to make people realise that ability lies in us all. Everybody who has a dream is capable of realising that dream."

[brotherjim]

On Martin Luther King Jr. day, I found a very applicable quote of his. It is meaningful in so many ways.
jim


"If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk.
If you can't walk, crawl. But by all means,
keep moving."

[ronnie1]

Great quote Jim! It does mean so many different things
Ronnie

[brotherjim]

Congrats to Christa and Michelle for passing 500K
We rowed 257212 meters since the last post!!! We are in 11th place in the challenge. We are in 2nd place with meters rowed per person. That seems pretty cool to me

Stats


Sam----------------------43111
Gene---------------------1500
Bobbie-------------------3005
Benny--------------------5200

Andy----------------------8285
Harold-------------------12121
Zander-------------------17675
Christa-------------------23222
Rosi----------------------24072
Anita---------------------25156
Ronnie-------------------28080
Michelle-----------------31110
Jim-----------------------34675

Better than halfway through the challenge.
jim

[brotherjim]

Making Their Dreams Come True
Lin Kornhauser's story is one of transformation and perseverance. She was born with very weak muscles, a baby too weak to even raise her head. Doctors did not think Lin would ever walk. Today, she participates in four sports, loves training, and has a life her parents could only dream of for her.

Lin's mother, Tali Kornhauser, does not sugarcoat any of her emotions, describing "mourning" and not knowing what to do when she first learned about her daughter's special needs. She worried about people talking and the toll on the family. When a friend told her about Special Olympics, she decided to give it a try and brought her daughter in.

Lin's journey was not easy from the beginning. Her first sport was swimming, and though now Lin swims "like a dolphin," she was initially resistant. It was a challenge for her to learn how to swim and it took a long time, nearly two years.

Over the years, the family moved several times to afford Lin the best opportunities for participation. Tali would drive nearly 2,000 miles each month to get Lin to practices. For Lin's brothers and sister, growing up having a sister with special needs was not easy, especially when having friends over. But watching Lin compete changed how they saw her. Today, Special Olympics is a family affair and everyone is involved.

Tali is on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics Israel, spearheading fundraising efforts and putting her training as an art therapist to work with athletes. Lin’s dad, an orthodontist, volunteers his time to provide treatments as a part of the Healthy Athletes program. Older brother Tom helps out with graphic design, while sister Or gives speeches to raise awareness about intellectual disabilities. Youngest brother Omer volunteers and cheers at the competitions.

One of the most unforgettable moments for Tali was watching her daughter play table tennis doubles, an event that requires great coordination and quick reaction, areas that are especially challenging for Lin. "I couldn’t believe my eyes. Is this my daughter? Some moments you never forget." Later Tali was chosen to award medals – and got to personally bestow her daughter with a medal.

Special Olympics has given Lin confidence, independence and friends. Lin learned skills and discipline, now is even holding a job. Today, she plays four sports and lives independently. As for Tali, she describes her daughter as a present, helping the family focus on what is important and making Tali "a better person."

[brotherjim]

Congrats to Ronnie for passing 700K
Congrats to Sam and Zander for passing 900K
Congrats to Harold for joining the 1 million meter club!!!!!!!!

We rowed 267906 meters since last update We are in 11 th place but looks like we will soon be passed by a team with 48 more members. That is okay, we are doing fantastic. Please don't try and row extra. Your meter amounts are amazing.

Stats for 1/18

Gene---------------------1500
Benny--------------------9000
Bobbie-------------------4652
Christa-------------------24690
Michelle-----------------30002
Ronnie-------------------25707
Anita--------------------28345
Sam---------------------37500
Zander------------------28000
Harold------------------12345
Andy---------------------4120
Rosita-------------------26102
Jim----------------------35943

Great rowing team, consistancy since day 1.

jim

[brotherjim]

Wow, this is a great story. I had been feeling sorry for myself today not being able to pick up sick grandkids from school and get medicine from the pharmacy. I am ashamed at my oh woe is me attitude. Sorry team.
jim
Copied from Mobility website

No Arms, No Legs, But One of the Happiest People in the World

What do you do when you have no arms and no legs? Your life may seem overwhelming because you may feel like you are missing out on so many things you are unable to do. Nothing is more untrue according to Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs. It is all about attitude! If you concentrate on what you do have instead of what you don’t have, you are setting yourself up to become a happy person. Be thankful for what you have; don’t be bitter for what you don’t have!

Being a C5/C6 quadriplegic, I can relate to Nick’s inspirational message quite well. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself when you’re disabled and to blame your disability when you run into adversities. I have been there many times! And, just like Nick, I feel that having a positive attitude is the foundation for being a happy person regardless of whether you are disabled or not. I truly believe keeping a bright outlook on life after my disabling accident is what has allowed me to live a good life.

Nick certainly takes attitude and inspiration to the next level. Despite having no limbs, Nick is probably one of the most accomplished and happiest people in the world. One can only imagine the challenges he faced during his childhood years being ‘different’. But, he never gave up and instead turned his limitations into opportunities.

Now at the age of 27, Nick travels all over the world inspiring and motivating millions of people from all walks of life. He believes there is a purpose in the struggles we encounter in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles along with our faith can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face. Watching his humorous and inspiring introductory video will encourage you to reflect on your own situation and will very likely remind you that life offers a lot to be grateful for, whether you’re disabled or not.

[brotherjim]

"Cory and his dog Melly are an inseparable pair," says Maurice Harrison, Cory's father. Ten year-old Cory was injured in an automobile accident six years ago that rendered him paralyzed from the neck down.
Prior to Melly, Cory's classmates would frequently focus all of their attention on Cory's wheelchair and tracheotomy tube. But now, the attention has shifted away from his disability and towards his partnership with Melly.

"Now kids don't look at the trach tube, but instead notice Cory and Melly as a pair. They wish that they had a dog like Melly for themselves, " says Maurice.

Cory's favorite part of having a Skilled Companion? The kisses, constant love and attention. While Cory has no feeling from the neck down, and generally hates getting his face wet, he makes an exception for Melly. Cory's dad marvels, "The joy in Cory's face when Melly lavishes him with kisses is delightful to watch."

[brotherjim]

Super day for us with 239909 meters rowed.
Congrats to Aidan for passing 200 meters
Congrats to Gene for passing 10K

Stats-

Aidan----------------------78
Gene-----------------------1500
Benny-----------------------8110
Bobbie----------------------6075
Christa----------------------25000
Michelle---------------------18000
Ronnie------------------------21085
Anita-------------------------27111
Sam--------------------------20000
Zander-----------------------24505
Harold------------------------15000
Andy--------------------------11140
Rosi---------------------------27140
Jim----------------------------35165

Great rowing everyone!
jim