How to Choose an Accessible Four-wheeler

When Russ and I were dating, one of our favorite things to do was go four-wheeling. It was something we could enjoy together outdoors, and I wasn't limited at all by my paralysis, whether I was driving or riding. We were able to see places I wouldn't have been able to get to in my manual wheelchair, and we always had a great time exploring the mountains together.

I was fortunate that Russ already had a four-wheeler when we met, and for the most part, it works well for me when I ride or drive. But if I was in the market for a new one, these are the things I would keep in mind...

• Hand Controls

Look for an automatic transmission with all of the controls and buttons on the handlebars. Seems like a simple thing, but sometimes you think everything is on the handlebars, and you realize there is a foot brake that has to be engaged in order to shift into high gear or reverse. Sneaky little foot brakes. And then you have to lift your leg with your hand and push your shoe down on the brake and then shift. Not cool.

• Covers

Look at any parts on the four-wheeler that produce heat or actually get hot themselves. When you are on a four-wheeler, the last thing you need to worry about is constantly checking your legs to make sure they aren't getting burned in any way. If the four-wheeler has exposed parts that aren't covered by heat resistant material, consider wearing shin pads turned to the inside of your leg, or have a strap that holds your legs away from any direct heat.

If you burn your legs on a hot spot of the four-wheeler, it kind of looks like a paper plate thrown in a camp fire. And the hair on your legs will no longer grow in the burnt area. Don't ask me how I know this. And please don't ask my Mom.

• Back

Depending on your level of injury, you may want to invest in some kind of adjustable backrest. Whether you are driving or riding, these come in handy to not only store things (food, medical supplies, blankets, etc.), but also they provide support so you can relax and enjoy the ride without the fear of falling or getting unnecessarily sore. Make sure your four-wheeler has the space and ability to attach a back rest, and always carry extra bungees and extra padding if needed.

• Adaptibility

Depending on your needs, there may not be a four-wheeler that comes from the factory that won't need major modifications in order to make it work for you. Plan your modifications and make sure the four-wheeler you purchase can be modified to meet your needs.

Case in point- I introduced you all to my buddy Jake Winlow in a past post. Jake lives with a C6/7 SCI, and he has one of the coolest four-wheeler set ups I've ever seen. I will post pictures below to show you what Jake and his parents have come up with to allow Jake to drive independently, which is always the goal if possible. Check it out!

Loop for the gear shift

Key keeper

Ignition/key extension

Movable/adjustable seat back

Harness on seat

Back of seat

In forward position for driving

In back position for riding

Throttle extension

As you can see- Jake and his parents did an amazing job modifying this four-wheeler. If you have any questions about specifics, please let me know and I can forward them on to Jake.

No matter the setback, get outdoors! Happy four-wheeler shopping!

Book Update

I have been getting a lot of questions about my book and the release date, so I wanted to take a few minutes and update everyone. I have learned so much about the writing and publishing process throughout this journey, so I will give you a timeline of what has been happening since January:

• The first draft of the manuscript goes to the editor
• Several months of back and forth between the writer and the editor until the manuscript is complete
• The manuscript goes to a graphic designer for internal layout, in addition to the front and back covers and spine of the book
• The completed project goes to a proof reader for one final edit
• Final look from the editor
• The book is sent to the printer and copies are available

 To say the process of having a copy of your book in your hands is quite an undertaking is definitely something I never fully understood before.  Now that I have experienced it, I will know better for the next book what kind of a time frame is reasonable.

All of that aside, the book is currently with my designer, so we are very close to print. I am crossing my fingers for a launch date before Thanksgiving, but we will see! I want the finished product to be the best it can be, so I am trying to be patient and not rush the process. As soon as I have a definite date that copies will be made available, I will let you all know.

Thank you all for your patience and support through this year. I am looking forward to sharing this labor of love with you all very soon!

Learning To Push Forward

This past Sunday, August 2nd, was the sixteen year anniversary of my ranching accident. There were times in those first few days, weeks, and months after my pitchfork moment where I refused to believe that God had a plan, especially through such a horrible experience.

This week has brought about some amazing and exciting developments in my professional life that are a direct result of that accident sixteen years ago. Looking back, I can see God's hands on every aspect of my journey, even when I thought He had abandoned me.

I recently had a VHS converted to DVD that was filmed in the days following my accident and rehabilitation in Billings, MT. I can't help but laugh as I watch it. I am skin and bones, slowly pushing an archaic tilt chair, barely able to lift the weight of my own, bandage wrapped legs, and still struggling to breath and cough without pain from my surgeries and respiratory problems. I can't believe how far I have come.

I see so many old friends who were instrumental in my recovery.  Knowing I wasn't alone through the whole process was such a blessing. The staff at St. Vincent was also amazing. They went above and beyond on a daily basis to make me and my family feel loved and cared for.

I feel other emotions as I watch the footage. Sadness over changed relationships, thankfulness for the love and support I was shown, grief for other families who are going through similar circumstances. I honestly don't know who needs to see this video clip, but I feel the need to share it. Maybe it will encourage someone else to never give up, to trust that there is a plan bigger than yourself, and to realize that there is an amazing life waiting for you if you can just find the courage to learn to adapt and push forward.

Here is the video: http://youtu.be/DXt8llS2eVg

An Adapted Life

Sixteen years ago today, I thought my life was over. One moment changed everything, and I truly believed that I was doomed to a dismal, bleak future.

I am so thankful that I have never been so wrong.

Today, to remember the last sixteen years, and to look back and celebrate how far my journey has taken me, I thought I would stand up. And go fly fishing.

 

 

Thankful for so many things, but today I am very much in love with my family, Wyoming, and adaptive equipment- three things that make my life so richly blessed.

Enjoy a short video here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dc49sN3tblM

Camping From a Wheelchair

One of the highlights of our summers here in Wyoming is camping. We love the outdoors and any chance we get to be up in the mountains. As a wheelchair user, I wondered at first how this would work, but we have made some minor modifications to our cargo trailer to make it accessible and comfortable for us, and it works great!

While there are accessible RVs and campers on the market, they usually come with a huge price tag. Or they aren't quite as accessible as advertised. What we like about our trailer/toy hauler is that it works for camping, but it can be quickly swapped out to haul items as well. The ramp is great for access, and we have box springs and mattresses in the back for sleeping. I have a portable/bedside commode for Addison and I to use, and we have a table set up for our kitchen area. It wouldn't work for everyone, but it is perfect for us.

We usually take our kayaks, fly fishing rods, and/or four wheelers when we go camping. I recorded a short clip of our trailer setup as well as a few minutes of four-wheeling. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/acp2RhsMef8

Make Some Bubbles- Para Scuba Adventure

Ever since my accident in 1999, I have loved being in the water. There is something very freeing about moving around without boundaries or barriers. Over the last 15 years, I have spent tons of time in different pools, and I have even snorkeled in Maui, but I had always assumed that scuba diving was out of the question. Until I spent some time in the Therapeutic Recreation Department at Craig Hospital. They have teamed up with A-1 Scuba & Travel Aquatics Center to offer adaptive scuba adventures for Craig patients and alumni.

After my last appointment at Craig on Friday afternoon, I headed towards A-1. The owner, Scott, used to be a physical therapist at Craig, and he is passionate about their disabled diver program. I went down the elevator and met the staff before going into the classroom to learn about the equipment I would be using. My main instructor was Joanne, and she (and the rest of the staff) was absolutely amazing.

We used a lift to get me into the pool, and once I was in, we started putting on the equipment. I had been worried about getting in to the wetsuit, but once we were in the water, it wasn't bad at all. We also put on water shoes and knee pads to protect my skin from the floor and walls of the pool. I strapped in to the BC (buoyancy compensator) and air tank before locating my regulator.

We spent the next several minutes adjusting my mask, learning the hand motions we would use to communicate under water, going over the steps to clear your mask when it gets water in it, how to safely descend and surface, etc. before getting accustomed to breathing underwater in the shallow end. Once I was comfortable with these skills, we headed in to the deep end of the pool, and that's when the real fun began. They also have underwater speakers throughout the pool, so it is an awesome sensory experience.

I really can't fully explain what an amazing experience this was, so I am hoping the video helps you to better understand how much fun I had. If you are a person living with a disability, regardless of your level of injury, I encourage you to look into adaptive scuba diving- it will change your life!

Click here to see the video on my YouTube channel, and please subscribe while you are there!

Build A Room Campaign

As many of you know, I had a life-changing experience at Craig Hospital in April. I am so excited to announce that I have teamed up with Craig to promote the "Build A Room" fundraising campaign for the month of July. We will be raising funds to build a private consultation room in the new Outpatient Clinic, and each dollar will be matched up to $50,000, thanks to an anonymous donor who also benefited from Craig's Outpatient Clinic. Please consider supporting this amazing project- every little bit helps and your donation will be doubled! If you or someone you know has been affected by a SCI or TBI, this is the project for you to rally behind and share with your friends and family.
Check out the video we made for the campaign at the link below. Thank you for your support!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/build-a-room-at-craig-hospital#/story