Well now...
Here is a revised plan for the goals of Hawt Wheels Across Ohio...
2012 - HWAO 0.5 Downtown Columbus to downtown West Jefferson (June 2nd)
2013 - HWAO 1.0 Travel Rt. 40 straight across Ohio (June 1st)
2014 - HWAO 2.0 Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati (June 7th)
2015 - HWAO 3.0 Toledo, Columbus, Marietta (June 6th)
2016 - HWAO 4.0 Sandusky, Columbus, Portsmouth (June 4th)
2017 - The project makes the big jump to Hawt Wheels Ultimate Road Trip where I travel through each of the lower 48 states to their capitols!!!
If you are not part of the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio facebook group, here is the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawtwheelsacrossohio/ , feel free to join so that you can receive the most current updates as the project continues!!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
And the HWAO saga continues...
All right.... NOW I KNOW I"M CRAZY!!! I had a dream last night that actually sounds like a challenge I can hardly pass up. I want to travel to the capital of each of the lower 48 states in the wheelchair. I can call it the Hawt Wheels Ultimate Road Trip. Talk about gain recognition for a cause!!! Osteonecrosis does not just happen here in Ohio, it happens across the world (that's a different trip!!!). And if I can draw some awareness to this condition for at least the children's sake... I think you know what I have to do.
I don't even begin to know how to plan a trip like this and I am thinking in the long term. Let's get Ohio conquered first with the understanding that the nation is next!
I don't even begin to know how to plan a trip like this and I am thinking in the long term. Let's get Ohio conquered first with the understanding that the nation is next!
Friday, January 27, 2012
And the HWAO saga continues...
Where to start today...
I guess first in apologizing for not updating the past couple of days! I have been a busy boy and now have been offered a job! I will be working at the CARMAX off Sawmill and 270. It is a full time position and it will certainly help in infusing what I can financially to HWAO. I cannot expect people to donate if I am not willing to do the same.
This project has become a true driving force in keeping me going from day to day. The word is quickly spreading on what it is all about and the levels of unbridled support from almost everyone is in fact a little overwhelming.
I get asked very regularly what my "problem" is so here is a simple explanation of what Osteonecrosis is:
"Osteonecrosis is a disease of bone which ultimately leads to collapse of the articulating joints such as the hip joint. Osteonecrosis is estimated to afflict 10,000 to 20,000 new patients each year in the United States alone. It primarily afflicts individuals during their Productive' years, i.e., 20s, 30s, and 40s. The bony destruction which occurs usually necessitates that total joint arthroplasty (total hip replacement) be performed. However, the percentage of good to excellent results for hip replacement is not as high in patients with Osteonecrosis as it is for other patient populations. Controversy surrounds the choice of methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis."
It has also been explained this way:
Osteonecrosis - A bone disease that few have heard of. Some where between 10,000 and 20,000 people are diagnosed with this disease each year in the United States alone. Yet, with the population of the United States of approximately 274 million, these people are being lost in the crowd. And given an average lifespan there are approximately 500,000 people with the condition living in the United states.
There is a sub category of Osteonecrosis called Legg-Calve'-Perthes Disease that affects children and here is an very detailed explanation of what this diagnosis and treat is like:
LCPD is what I had as a child and as an adult I have developed Osteonecrosis. This goal of this project is to bring some attention to this entire condition.
I guess first in apologizing for not updating the past couple of days! I have been a busy boy and now have been offered a job! I will be working at the CARMAX off Sawmill and 270. It is a full time position and it will certainly help in infusing what I can financially to HWAO. I cannot expect people to donate if I am not willing to do the same.
This project has become a true driving force in keeping me going from day to day. The word is quickly spreading on what it is all about and the levels of unbridled support from almost everyone is in fact a little overwhelming.
I get asked very regularly what my "problem" is so here is a simple explanation of what Osteonecrosis is:
"Osteonecrosis is a disease of bone which ultimately leads to collapse of the articulating joints such as the hip joint. Osteonecrosis is estimated to afflict 10,000 to 20,000 new patients each year in the United States alone. It primarily afflicts individuals during their Productive' years, i.e., 20s, 30s, and 40s. The bony destruction which occurs usually necessitates that total joint arthroplasty (total hip replacement) be performed. However, the percentage of good to excellent results for hip replacement is not as high in patients with Osteonecrosis as it is for other patient populations. Controversy surrounds the choice of methods of diagnosis and treatment of osteonecrosis."
It has also been explained this way:
Osteonecrosis - A bone disease that few have heard of. Some where between 10,000 and 20,000 people are diagnosed with this disease each year in the United States alone. Yet, with the population of the United States of approximately 274 million, these people are being lost in the crowd. And given an average lifespan there are approximately 500,000 people with the condition living in the United states.
There is a sub category of Osteonecrosis called Legg-Calve'-Perthes Disease that affects children and here is an very detailed explanation of what this diagnosis and treat is like:
Legg-Calve'-Perthes Disease |
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a rare disease of the hip that afflicts approximately 1 in 1200 children. Of those children, only about one in four are girls. About 5% of all diagnosed develop the disease in both hips (bilaterally). Most of these children are very active and often very athletic. The age of diagnosis is usually between 2 and 12 years old, with the average age of 6. Legg-Calve'-Perthes children tend to be of shorter stature due to delayed bone age.
What is Legg-Perthes Disease?
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a form of osteonecrosis of the hip that is found only in children. It is known by a few other names such as ischemic necrosis of the hip, coxa plana, osteochondritis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Most commonly it is called Legg-Perthes disease, LCPD, or Perthes.
LCPD is of unknown origin. It is known that bone death occurs in the ball of the hip due to an interruption in blood flow. As bone death occurs, the ball develops a fracture of the supporting bone. This fracture signals the beginning of bone reabsorption by the body. As bone is slowly absorbed, it is replaced by new tissue and bone.
 Initial Phase Reabsorption Phase Reossification Phase/Healed
Four Stages of LCPD
Who is at Risk?
There is no specific cause known for LCPD, however, there are some risk factors. Some of the factors identified as possible links include children who are small for their age and are extremely active. The disease is found more often in Asians, Eskimos, and Whites, with a much lower incidence found in Australian aboriginals, Native American, Polynesians and Blacks. Exposure to secondhand smoke is correlated with LCPD.
First Symptoms
The first symptoms characterized in LCPD are usually a limp and perhaps pain in the hip, groin, or knee (known as a referred pain). Often you will first notice limping during your child's active play. They usually cannot tell you an instance when they hurt themselves. They may not be able to tell you exactly where they hurt, especially if the pain is referred toward the knee area. They may not even experience much pain. Other cases may not be diagnosed until some precipitating event (fall, twisting injury) leads to an x-ray that uncovers the previously undiagnosed Legg-Calve'-Perthes disease.
Diagnosis
Initial diagnosis will require an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scan. Other diagnostic measures may include tests for limitation of abduction, a measurement of the thigh to determine muscle atrophy, and tests to determine the child's range of motion.
Extent of Disease
It is rare for a patient to have whole head involvement. However, age can play an important role in the prognosis of the disease. New bone growth typically reshapes better in younger children and it may improve with growth.There are several different classifications used to determine severity of disease and prognosis. The Catteral Classification specifies four different groups to define radiographic appearance during the period of greatest bone loss. The Salter-Thomson Classification simplifies the Catteral Classifications by reducing them down to two groups: Group A (Catteral I, II) which shows that less than 50% of the ball is involved, and Group B (Catteral Ill, IV) where more than 50% of the ball is involved. Both classifications share the view that if less than 50% of the ball is involved, the prognosis is good, while more than 50% involvement indicates a potentially poor prognosis. The Herring Classification studies the integrity of the lateral pillar of the ball. In the Lateral Pillar Group A, there is no loss of height in the lateral 1/3 of the head and little density change. In Lateral Pillar Group B, there is lucency and loss of height of less than 50% of the lateral height. Sometimes the ball is beginning to extrude the socket. In Lateral Pillar Group C, there is more than 50% loss of lateral height. Many doctors utilize these classifications as they provide an accurate method of determining prognosis and help in determining the appropriate form of treatment.
Prevention
There is no known effective preventative measure.
TREATMENTThe Goal
The goal of treatment is four-fold:
I) to reduce hip irritability 2) restore and maintain hip mobility 3) to prevent the ball from extruding or collapsing 4) to regain a spherical femoral head
Types of Treatment
Often at the initial diagnosis, the physician may take a "wait and see" approach to get a clearer picture of the progression of the disease. As long as the patient's symptoms are mild, the physician may only prescribe physical therapy exercises to help maintain good range of motion. If the patient's mobility changes, then the physician may prescribe either non-surgical or surgical treatment.
Non-Surgical TreatmentNon-surgical treatments come in varying forms. Crutches are used for non-weight bearing treatment for pain. Casts, traction, and braces help return range of motion and mobility. Range of motion exercises may be given to you by your physical therapist to do with your child in the home.
Surgical TreatmentTenotomyA "Tenotomy" is a surgery that is performed to release an atrophied muscle that has shortened due to limping. Once released, a cast is applied allowing the muscle to regrow to a more natural length. Cast time is about six to eight weeks. Osteotomy There are different types of "osteotomies" (cutting the bone to reposition it) and, depending on the need they are performed at different stages of the disease. At times with the softening of the ball, there is the possibility of the ball slipping out of the socket. To protect it, a femoral varus osteotomy, with or without rotation partially redirects the ball into the socket. Another approach to surgically treating Legg-Calve'- Perthes is to do an osteotomy above the hip socket. This allows the surgeon to reposition the hip socket in such a way that the femoral head will have less tendency to become deformed. The shelf arthroplasty gives added coverage of the ball from the top lip of the socket. Both the innominate and the shelf arthroplasty help in reshaping.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
Studies on long-term results of LCPD indicate that the incidence of late degenerative osteoarthritis is dependent on two factors. If the ball reshapes well and fits well in the socket, arthritis is usually not a concern. If the ball does not reshape well, but the socket's shape still conforms to the ball, the patient will tend to develop mild arthritis in later adulthood. Patients whose femoral head does not shape well and does not fit well in the socket usually develop degenerative arthritis before the age of 50.Although Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease cannot be prevented, much has been accomplished toward minimizing its effects. Research and clinical studies continue to provide patients with better long-term results. |
LCPD is what I had as a child and as an adult I have developed Osteonecrosis. This goal of this project is to bring some attention to this entire condition.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
And the HWAO saga continues...
Well... Wow... OK...
The response I received on making a short trip this year has been tremendous! As it stands right now (and there are a few things that can change this) I will be making a short trip on Saturday June 2nd of this year from downtown Columbus to West Jefferson!
Now again there are a few things that may change this date and trip. Most importantly I need to be able to order and have delivered a new wheelchair. I will be following through with the wheelchair manufactures I have found and see who will sponsor or offer the best discount and who can get the chair delivered fast!
Another factor will be whether I can get some descent training in. This should be much less stressful than ordering the chair! I have already started with doing some simple laps at the mall. I will soon be posting some of these results on the Nike website. I'll post a link to the progress page here in a few days.
I would also love to have anyone who could walk or jog the trip come along with me.
I plan on having as much media coverage as I can arrange for this day. It would be really cool to have a large crowd in downtown Columbus to see me off!!!
The response I received on making a short trip this year has been tremendous! As it stands right now (and there are a few things that can change this) I will be making a short trip on Saturday June 2nd of this year from downtown Columbus to West Jefferson!
Now again there are a few things that may change this date and trip. Most importantly I need to be able to order and have delivered a new wheelchair. I will be following through with the wheelchair manufactures I have found and see who will sponsor or offer the best discount and who can get the chair delivered fast!
Another factor will be whether I can get some descent training in. This should be much less stressful than ordering the chair! I have already started with doing some simple laps at the mall. I will soon be posting some of these results on the Nike website. I'll post a link to the progress page here in a few days.
I would also love to have anyone who could walk or jog the trip come along with me.
I plan on having as much media coverage as I can arrange for this day. It would be really cool to have a large crowd in downtown Columbus to see me off!!!
Monday, January 23, 2012
And the HWAO saga continues...
I am sooooooooo anxious to get this old body out on the road! I am thinking of maybe doing a short trip this year (something along the lines of Columbus to West Jefferson approx. 16 miles)!!! Making a short trip would help prove the technologies I want to use for the big trip.
Trying to do the marathon stuff has proven very disappointing (they all have very limited slots for wheelchairs and they are all booked) and expensive!!! I'm thinking I could get more marketing bang for the buck by just putting rubber to the road and contacting the various news media outlets.
If I do decide to do the short trip this year would anyone be interested in making the trip me?
I have also found another wheelchair manufacturer. http://www.colourswheelchair.com/ Colours Wheelchair makes some pretty radical chairs! I have a voice mail in to the VP of sales to see if there is anything they can do in sponsoring our little shindig here!!! Check out one of their wheelchair designs in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NJvgT60-mk&list=FLxl6Lexq5qZHAtADJzretkw&index=1&feature=plpp_video This kid has some mad skills and a real hard head!!!!
And the HWAO saga continues...
OK, now all of you can say that I am officially crazy...
HAWT WHEELS ACROSS OHIO just got a LOT bigger!!! I have decided that it will become an anual event. And it is going to become a five year cycle of routes. Please let me explain.
I have decided that each year starting in 2013 I will make a trip from border to border across the state of Ohio. The first one you all know will be from east to west running on Rt. 40. 2014 will be a trip from Toledo to Marietta. 2015 will be a trip from Conneaut (Cleveland) to Cincinnati. 2016 will be a trip from Sandusky to Portsmouth. 2017 will be a trip to follow the track of the Ohio River. All trips will start on June 1st and hopefully be finished by the June 21st.
WHEW!!! I'm getting tired just thinking about all this!!! I believe though that I can do all this with your support.
HAWT WHEELS ACROSS OHIO just got a LOT bigger!!! I have decided that it will become an anual event. And it is going to become a five year cycle of routes. Please let me explain.
I have decided that each year starting in 2013 I will make a trip from border to border across the state of Ohio. The first one you all know will be from east to west running on Rt. 40. 2014 will be a trip from Toledo to Marietta. 2015 will be a trip from Conneaut (Cleveland) to Cincinnati. 2016 will be a trip from Sandusky to Portsmouth. 2017 will be a trip to follow the track of the Ohio River. All trips will start on June 1st and hopefully be finished by the June 21st.
WHEW!!! I'm getting tired just thinking about all this!!! I believe though that I can do all this with your support.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
And the HWOA saga continues...
https://www.facebook.com/events/345177665496418/
Above is the link to the event on Facebook for my birthday party!!!
I am reluctant to ask this but I have been advised that it is a good idea... If I could get each friend to donate at least $10.00 each to the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio (HWAO) project that we would get a great head start on the $50,000.00 we have estimated it is going to take to get this project done and done right.
We will start collecting donations at the birthday bash.
Thank you!!!!
Above is the link to the event on Facebook for my birthday party!!!
I am reluctant to ask this but I have been advised that it is a good idea... If I could get each friend to donate at least $10.00 each to the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio (HWAO) project that we would get a great head start on the $50,000.00 we have estimated it is going to take to get this project done and done right.
We will start collecting donations at the birthday bash.
Thank you!!!!
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Hawt Wheels Across Ohio
Well... Come to find out that some of the marathons I was looking at have very limited entry spaces for wheelchair athletes (one was limited to only 2 wheelchairs and 8 hand crank bikes!!!). WTF?!?!?!?
I also have found (at last) a national organization that deals with my diagnosis directly. The National Osteo Necrosis Foundation (www.nonf.org). They deal with my current condition and also address the conditions I had as a child. I spent the better part of last night reading through their website and will be applying for membership as soon as we start with the fund raising at my birthday bash!
Speaking of birthdays... We are having a big blow out for my 50th birthday this year at O'Sheckys here in Columbus. O'Sheckys is located in the Continent just north of the intersection of 161 and Busch Boulevard. The party will be Saturday, Feb. 4th and will start at 9:00pm. I am asking that instead of buying me a shot or two (I don't drink anyways) you make a donation to the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio project!!! There will be live music that might and there is NO cover charge!!! Crazy Dave is celebrating his birthday that night also! Come on out and join us for a drop dead great time!!!
With the current snow fall it will be impossible to train out in parking lots so instead I will probably start doing laps inside Tuttle Crossing Mall. I can at least get in some distance training. I need to figure out though how to attach an odometer to the chair or put a pedometer on my arm somehow! Seems to always be a little challenge at every turn of these wheels!!!
I also have found (at last) a national organization that deals with my diagnosis directly. The National Osteo Necrosis Foundation (www.nonf.org). They deal with my current condition and also address the conditions I had as a child. I spent the better part of last night reading through their website and will be applying for membership as soon as we start with the fund raising at my birthday bash!
Speaking of birthdays... We are having a big blow out for my 50th birthday this year at O'Sheckys here in Columbus. O'Sheckys is located in the Continent just north of the intersection of 161 and Busch Boulevard. The party will be Saturday, Feb. 4th and will start at 9:00pm. I am asking that instead of buying me a shot or two (I don't drink anyways) you make a donation to the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio project!!! There will be live music that might and there is NO cover charge!!! Crazy Dave is celebrating his birthday that night also! Come on out and join us for a drop dead great time!!!
With the current snow fall it will be impossible to train out in parking lots so instead I will probably start doing laps inside Tuttle Crossing Mall. I can at least get in some distance training. I need to figure out though how to attach an odometer to the chair or put a pedometer on my arm somehow! Seems to always be a little challenge at every turn of these wheels!!!
Friday, January 20, 2012
And the saga continues...
I'm not sure if I'm ambitious or just crazy...
The thought occurred to me that one of best ways to get the message out about Hawt Wheels Across Ohio (HWAO) is to participate in several marathons between now and June 1st 2013. There are several marathons in the state and a few in adjoining states that have divisions for wheelchair athletes. I think it would be great to get involved in a few of these to not only get maximum coverage for HWAO but also the training potential seems too good to pass up. Winning one would be great but lets be realistic, just participating should be reward enough again in getting the message out about HWAO.
The first one would be (and no it is not a joke!!!) on April 1st in Athens, Ohio. Then Toledo, then Cincinnati, then Cleveland, then Canton and Dayton and Akron and Findlay and Columbus!!! Maybe I am crazy!!!
It means that I've got to really get started on the training. It means that I have got to find a way to get the all terrain wheelchair. It means I am going to need to depend on YOU to keep me encouraged and focused on really getting this done!!!
The thought occurred to me that one of best ways to get the message out about Hawt Wheels Across Ohio (HWAO) is to participate in several marathons between now and June 1st 2013. There are several marathons in the state and a few in adjoining states that have divisions for wheelchair athletes. I think it would be great to get involved in a few of these to not only get maximum coverage for HWAO but also the training potential seems too good to pass up. Winning one would be great but lets be realistic, just participating should be reward enough again in getting the message out about HWAO.
The first one would be (and no it is not a joke!!!) on April 1st in Athens, Ohio. Then Toledo, then Cincinnati, then Cleveland, then Canton and Dayton and Akron and Findlay and Columbus!!! Maybe I am crazy!!!
It means that I've got to really get started on the training. It means that I have got to find a way to get the all terrain wheelchair. It means I am going to need to depend on YOU to keep me encouraged and focused on really getting this done!!!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
And the saga continues...
Well my peeps... I have to follow through with this project... I have had the logo tattooed on my chest!!!
I've actually run across a couple of people that do not think that this project is the smartest thing I could do... On young lady just simply kept asking "Why would you want to do that?" and the other was more concerned that I will end up getting run over by a careless motorist while traversing the roadways!
But please be assured that my resolve in completing this project remains intact. And I have continued to verify that this is indeed will be the first time anyone has crossed the state in a manually powered wheelchair and have found no other record of anyone doing this.
I am hoping to make the "official" start to this project on Feb. 4th at the birthday party we are having for me at O'Sheckys (6240 Busch Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229). We will start taking donations at this event to go directly to funding the project. If you need any information on making a donation please feel free to contact me here or on my facebook timeline.
I am sooo excited to see this all coming together. And I want to thank all of you that have the faith in me to actually get this done!!!
I've actually run across a couple of people that do not think that this project is the smartest thing I could do... On young lady just simply kept asking "Why would you want to do that?" and the other was more concerned that I will end up getting run over by a careless motorist while traversing the roadways!
But please be assured that my resolve in completing this project remains intact. And I have continued to verify that this is indeed will be the first time anyone has crossed the state in a manually powered wheelchair and have found no other record of anyone doing this.
I am hoping to make the "official" start to this project on Feb. 4th at the birthday party we are having for me at O'Sheckys (6240 Busch Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229). We will start taking donations at this event to go directly to funding the project. If you need any information on making a donation please feel free to contact me here or on my facebook timeline.
I am sooo excited to see this all coming together. And I want to thank all of you that have the faith in me to actually get this done!!!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Hawt Wheels Across Ohio...
I am sorry that I have not updated the last couple of days...
Yesterday (1/15/2012) was a terrible day. I hurt so bad in a new way that brought tears to my eyes. It was like a weather change hurt but much more intense. It really felt like someone had set my pelvis on fire while trying to split me up to my sternum!!!! I have a follow up appointment with the doctor next week and will discuss the issue with him then. It hurt so bad I actually took pain meds!!!
Today is a little better. It is still on fire but I don't feel like I'm being split open.
I have an appointment this morning at 10:00 with a personal trainer. He contacted me last week and I want to see what he has to offer. If it works out right I will post his info here. I ma interested not only in what routines he thinks would help me build the strength I need but also how and if they plan on sponsoring!
I will be back later today to update how things go.
Yesterday (1/15/2012) was a terrible day. I hurt so bad in a new way that brought tears to my eyes. It was like a weather change hurt but much more intense. It really felt like someone had set my pelvis on fire while trying to split me up to my sternum!!!! I have a follow up appointment with the doctor next week and will discuss the issue with him then. It hurt so bad I actually took pain meds!!!
Today is a little better. It is still on fire but I don't feel like I'm being split open.
I have an appointment this morning at 10:00 with a personal trainer. He contacted me last week and I want to see what he has to offer. If it works out right I will post his info here. I ma interested not only in what routines he thinks would help me build the strength I need but also how and if they plan on sponsoring!
I will be back later today to update how things go.
Friday, January 13, 2012
And the saga continues...
Today is a rough day...
I am so sore I have actually given in and taken some pain meds. I HATE THAT!!! It feels like someone is trying to split me into with a battle axe starting in my crotch. And the left knee is yelling at me too. It hurts so bad I'm queazy. I've taken two Perc 30's. I'm even tempted to go to the ER and get all hyped up on dilaudid!!!
It's days like this that make me wonder if I really am up to the task of making this trip. Do I really have the right stuff? Do I have the resolve? Do I have the vision? Do I have the balls?
I know that some of this equivocation comes from simple doubt. I am guilty of over thinking and demanding from myself Herculean efforts to all challenges. Been that way since I was a kid.
I have sent some inquiries out to a couple of different energy drink manufacturers. I ran across a new company in California. Their facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/drinkbodyarmor. It looks pretty interesting. I asked to have a sample sent and asked about their interest in supporting the project. I also sent an inquiry to the folks at Gatorade.
I had the chance to talk with Ronni Hunter from 99.7 The Blitz and she is very excited to be a part of this too. I am working on getting a press kit together so that we can get the word out about the project to all the media outlets I can think of!
The pain meds have really kicked in so I am going to let this go for the moment... I will try to write more later when my head is a little clearer!
I am so sore I have actually given in and taken some pain meds. I HATE THAT!!! It feels like someone is trying to split me into with a battle axe starting in my crotch. And the left knee is yelling at me too. It hurts so bad I'm queazy. I've taken two Perc 30's. I'm even tempted to go to the ER and get all hyped up on dilaudid!!!
It's days like this that make me wonder if I really am up to the task of making this trip. Do I really have the right stuff? Do I have the resolve? Do I have the vision? Do I have the balls?
I know that some of this equivocation comes from simple doubt. I am guilty of over thinking and demanding from myself Herculean efforts to all challenges. Been that way since I was a kid.
I have sent some inquiries out to a couple of different energy drink manufacturers. I ran across a new company in California. Their facebook link is https://www.facebook.com/drinkbodyarmor. It looks pretty interesting. I asked to have a sample sent and asked about their interest in supporting the project. I also sent an inquiry to the folks at Gatorade.
I had the chance to talk with Ronni Hunter from 99.7 The Blitz and she is very excited to be a part of this too. I am working on getting a press kit together so that we can get the word out about the project to all the media outlets I can think of!
The pain meds have really kicked in so I am going to let this go for the moment... I will try to write more later when my head is a little clearer!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
And the saga continues...
Here it is day three of the blog and only 505 days left till this journey hits the road. And again the support I'm getting from all of you on this project is mind blowing.
I will be spending some time working on a much more detailed description of the project over the next few days. Some folks do seem to be a bit confused on exactly what I'm trying to do.
No rants today.
Till tomorrow!!!
I will be spending some time working on a much more detailed description of the project over the next few days. Some folks do seem to be a bit confused on exactly what I'm trying to do.
No rants today.
Till tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Saga continues...
Well... here we are on day two of this blog.
I have 506 days until the start of this trip and feel that I need about 500 more to get everything done the way I want it done!!!
I am continually amazed at people's reactions to this event. The look in their eyes is priceless.
Someone asked me the other day about growing up handicapped and I had to tell them that I really didn't know I was handicapped until I was 18! My parents didn't raise we with the concept of being handicapped. I knew I was different and I knew that I had to do some things differently and there were simply some things I could not do. But it was really put to my attention at a job interview when I was 18. Back then they asked everything on an application. The man I was interviewing with finally got to the medical information section (we were about 20 minutes into the interview) and saw the long list of surgeries and stopped the interview with "I'm sorry son, I don't need to hire you I have all the handicapped people I need." I was devastated. I went back home and with a very stern voice asked my mom "Why didn't you tell me I was handicapped?" She still laughs at this story to this day (as do I)!!!
I have to admit that I still struggle with the handicapped status. Maybe it's because of the stigma we have associated with the word handicapped. I remember as a kid that me and the whole family were required to go to counseling because and I quote "if there is a leg problem there must be a psychological problem". The counselor we had (Dr. Bermount) would tell my mom that we were the most balanced family he talked too.
Yes, there were the times I had to deal with bullying at school. One time someone had disassembled my crutches during a class and it made me late to the following class because I had to put them back together. I normally just attributed it to ignorance and would go on my way. Yes, I have had to deal with prejudice. We all have felt that tinge of doubt when we see someone get out of a car parked in a handicapped spot and they don't limp!
I will be first to admit that there are folks out there that have it far worse than I do, but it seems to me that there has been a real drop in the level of common courtesy that people have to those with handicaps. Now I'm not saying I demand that someone else be inconvenienced by my needs, I would just like to have the same opportunities (within reason) to the pursuit of life and liberty!
That is why I'm planning this trip. I hope to raise some awareness. I hope to earn some respect. I hope to show those who struggle like I have that there is no limit to the fullness of the human spirit.
I have 506 days until the start of this trip and feel that I need about 500 more to get everything done the way I want it done!!!
I am continually amazed at people's reactions to this event. The look in their eyes is priceless.
Someone asked me the other day about growing up handicapped and I had to tell them that I really didn't know I was handicapped until I was 18! My parents didn't raise we with the concept of being handicapped. I knew I was different and I knew that I had to do some things differently and there were simply some things I could not do. But it was really put to my attention at a job interview when I was 18. Back then they asked everything on an application. The man I was interviewing with finally got to the medical information section (we were about 20 minutes into the interview) and saw the long list of surgeries and stopped the interview with "I'm sorry son, I don't need to hire you I have all the handicapped people I need." I was devastated. I went back home and with a very stern voice asked my mom "Why didn't you tell me I was handicapped?" She still laughs at this story to this day (as do I)!!!
I have to admit that I still struggle with the handicapped status. Maybe it's because of the stigma we have associated with the word handicapped. I remember as a kid that me and the whole family were required to go to counseling because and I quote "if there is a leg problem there must be a psychological problem". The counselor we had (Dr. Bermount) would tell my mom that we were the most balanced family he talked too.
Yes, there were the times I had to deal with bullying at school. One time someone had disassembled my crutches during a class and it made me late to the following class because I had to put them back together. I normally just attributed it to ignorance and would go on my way. Yes, I have had to deal with prejudice. We all have felt that tinge of doubt when we see someone get out of a car parked in a handicapped spot and they don't limp!
I will be first to admit that there are folks out there that have it far worse than I do, but it seems to me that there has been a real drop in the level of common courtesy that people have to those with handicaps. Now I'm not saying I demand that someone else be inconvenienced by my needs, I would just like to have the same opportunities (within reason) to the pursuit of life and liberty!
That is why I'm planning this trip. I hope to raise some awareness. I hope to earn some respect. I hope to show those who struggle like I have that there is no limit to the fullness of the human spirit.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Getting things started...
WOW...
I first want to thank everyone who has encouraged me in the planning and execution of this project! I am truly fortunate to have such a good foundation of friends and loved ones to build the courage and nerve to carry this project to completion.
I have to admit when I was told that no one had ever crossed the state of Ohio in a wheelchair I was a bit skeptical. But with a ton of research I found out it was true! There have been people travel across the state in hand cranked bicycles and even a couple that have crossed in electric chairs but no one has ever done it in a manually powered wheelchair! I have made it my goal to be that first one. And at the sake of getting ahead of myself if the trip goes well there will be others planned.
Now... to the tasks at hand. There is a lot of things to get accomplished before we get rubber on the road as it where. I have already contacted the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Department of Public Safety and received permissions and instructions on how to plan this all out. ODOT will be there to help with keeping me up to date on construction and the folks at Public Safety will be there to help with enforcement of the Ohio Revised Code as necessary.
Oh... I should explain what I want to do!!! I will be traveling across the state of Ohio from east to west along Rt. 40 the old National Highway. The trip will be 230 miles from start to finish. I plan on getting out there to get this started June 1, 2013 and expect it to end by June 21, 2013.
I have already started the physical training (and it is gonna take a lot to get this fat butt back into shape!!!). I have also started getting my head in the right place. And again I have a great group of folks that have already given me the best in encouragement and love.
I have had contact with a bunch of potential sponsors, Nikon USA (www.nikon.com), Lytro (www.lytro.com), GoPro (www.gopro.com), Invacare (www.invacare.com) just to name a few. I also have the support of a couple of local small businesses. Jim Rinaldi at Wide Photography Studios here in West Jefferson and Dago and Traci from Easy Street Ink have already pledged to help in any way possible. I am also selling some of my books of photography to raise funds (http://www.blurb.com/user/store/hawtwheels).
As you can imagine this project is more than one person can keep up with. Heather "Sunny" Martin has been a great help in administrating the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawtwheelsacrossohio/). And we will have a dedicated web page up and running very soon (http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net).
It will be my goal to post something here at least once a day. Let's see what we can get done!!!
I first want to thank everyone who has encouraged me in the planning and execution of this project! I am truly fortunate to have such a good foundation of friends and loved ones to build the courage and nerve to carry this project to completion.
I have to admit when I was told that no one had ever crossed the state of Ohio in a wheelchair I was a bit skeptical. But with a ton of research I found out it was true! There have been people travel across the state in hand cranked bicycles and even a couple that have crossed in electric chairs but no one has ever done it in a manually powered wheelchair! I have made it my goal to be that first one. And at the sake of getting ahead of myself if the trip goes well there will be others planned.
Now... to the tasks at hand. There is a lot of things to get accomplished before we get rubber on the road as it where. I have already contacted the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the Ohio Department of Public Safety and received permissions and instructions on how to plan this all out. ODOT will be there to help with keeping me up to date on construction and the folks at Public Safety will be there to help with enforcement of the Ohio Revised Code as necessary.
Oh... I should explain what I want to do!!! I will be traveling across the state of Ohio from east to west along Rt. 40 the old National Highway. The trip will be 230 miles from start to finish. I plan on getting out there to get this started June 1, 2013 and expect it to end by June 21, 2013.
I have already started the physical training (and it is gonna take a lot to get this fat butt back into shape!!!). I have also started getting my head in the right place. And again I have a great group of folks that have already given me the best in encouragement and love.
I have had contact with a bunch of potential sponsors, Nikon USA (www.nikon.com), Lytro (www.lytro.com), GoPro (www.gopro.com), Invacare (www.invacare.com) just to name a few. I also have the support of a couple of local small businesses. Jim Rinaldi at Wide Photography Studios here in West Jefferson and Dago and Traci from Easy Street Ink have already pledged to help in any way possible. I am also selling some of my books of photography to raise funds (http://www.blurb.com/user/store/hawtwheels).
As you can imagine this project is more than one person can keep up with. Heather "Sunny" Martin has been a great help in administrating the Hawt Wheels Across Ohio Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawtwheelsacrossohio/). And we will have a dedicated web page up and running very soon (http://www.hawtwheelsacrossohio.zxq.net).
It will be my goal to post something here at least once a day. Let's see what we can get done!!!
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