This is Ron with your motivational message:
Do you see God, The tower, and airplane?
I nudged my chin control wheelchair down the empty streets of New York. I had this eerie feeling like I was in a ghost town. Papers were blowing across intersections and people dragged on like zombies with dusk masks. This was my first trip to New York, and it was September 11th.
As a quadriplegic and a person this tragic event was one of the most devastating things that I have witnessed. I was invited to the premiere in New York called ‘Wisdom of Dreams’ by Martin Luther King Jr the 3rd. He wanted my story to be the premiere.
When my family and I woke up on 9/11, we were so excited to start the new day. New York City, The Big Apple I was ready to be a tourist. Suddenly out of nowhere, I could hear screams and people running out of the hotel, the intercom’s voice was telling the hotel guests to evacuate. In the street I could see the 2nd tower was hit. Thank god my family wasn’t any closer and we were for the most part safe.
My heart hurt as we watched the tragedy unfold, many lives were lost. I began to cry when heard a gentlemen report that he barely made it out alive. But on his way out people were screaming for help as they sat in there wheelchairs. Many people were trapped in the building because they couldn’t physically use the stairs and leave. When a building is in crisis, the first thing to get shut down is the elevators. The sign reads ‘In case of fire use stairs’ I wonder if the individual who made the sign ever attempted stairs with a wheelchair. As people crammed into the stairwell to save themselves, individuals that could not physically move were left sitting. Later that day I heard an incredible story that lifted my spirits, a gentleman picked up his friend up and threw him over his shoulder and carried him down the stairs to be rescued.
Accessibility is so important, with the amount of Men, Woman, and Children in America that are physically disabled. We should safely be able to get out and go do things at our leisure and have access to it! I realized firsthand the importance of wheel chair accessible facilities.
The day the towers came down reignited my passion and in 2004 the first part of my dream was complete. Camp Attitude-The very first fully wheelchair accessible camp located in Sweet Home, Oregon. Families and children of any age can experience a week of barrier free life changing experiences. The camp covers 40 acres of lush timber, is located next to Santiam river, and has accessible tree houses!
My dream did not stop there I envisioned camps all over the United States. Incredibly, we have secured property on Maui by a dear friend of mine. This beautiful piece of land is next to a protected tropical culture reserve and it overlooks the ocean. Imagine watching beautiful sunsets bursting in color over the island of Lanai with whales migrating. It would be the first fully wheelchair accessible camp located on Maui.
I am asking you to partner with me and help me build the first fully wheelchair accessible camp in Maui. Hawaii. It will be accessible to all, but those in particular with mobility impairment. If you can walk it that doesn’t mean I can roll it but where I roll you can walk. So let’s Walk and Roll together! Can you picture a disabled child floating with fish for the first time, to feel the salt water and swim. The camp will have horseback riding, agriculture, and gardening. Most of all; a fully accessible ramp that leads right into the ocean!
14 years ago tragedy struck this great country of ours. In remembrance in those who lost their lives on 9/11. I am asking you to join with me in building the Roll on Ranch Camp, Maui.
Today we are alive my friend. Let’s live today like it could be our last. Say. Do. Think. The things you’ve always dreamed of. Together we will Walk and Roll!
May God Bless America, and one more time remember to be thankful for the days we are given.
To your inspirations,
Ron