As we dive into STEPtember, raising money for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation, I am absolutely blown away by the support we've received. We've just kicked off, and guess what? We've already raised nearly $5,000! This incredible start is all thanks to YOU!
Your enthusiasm, support, and generosity have set an amazing tone for the month ahead. We've taken our first steps together, and with this momentum,
the journey ahead looks even more promising.
A special shoutout to those who've already contributed and spread the word. Your belief in our cause and commitment to making a difference is truly amazing.
Let's keep this energy up and continue to step up for Cerebral Palsy research.
Remember, every step counts, and every donation brings us closer to our goal.
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here's to a successful STEPtember!
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Plane
A UK-based consortium has created a cabin concept that allows wheelchair users to use their own chair when flying on airlines
Greetings, fellow readers! I'm your friendly neighborhood wheelchair user, navigating the world with everyone’s favorite 70-pound Lab Retriever, Canine Companions® Pico. Over the near decade that we’ve been matched, we have a knack for finding ourselves in the most absurd situations.
Let's talk about flying. Not the Superman kind, but the "strapped into a metal tube hurtling through the sky" kind. It's a bit like a roller coaster, except the ride lasts for hours and there's no overpriced keepsake photo afterward proving you survived.
Now, imagine doing this while also wondering if your legs (aka my wheelchair) will still work when you land. It's like playing a game of "Wheelchair Roulette". The stakes? A cool $20,000. That's right, folks. My wheelchair costs more than a used car, and I'm entrusting it to the same people who routinely lose luggage on direct flights. In 2022 alone, 11,389 wheelchairs were mishandled by US airlines, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation February 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report.
But let's not forget my trusty sidekick, Pico. He's the Batman to my Robin, the peanut butter to my jelly, the...well, you get the idea. He's my rock, especially when turbulence hits and I'm clutching the armrests like I'm trying to strangle them. This is where the spasticity from CP can be extra fun.
Now, here's the good news. Delta Air Lines and Air 4 All are stepping up their game. They're developing a seat that allows us wheelchair users to stay in our chairs during the flight. Debuting on June 6 at the Aircraft Interiors Expo, this prototype has been a longtime coming. As PriestmanGoode director Daniel MacInnes told Insider, "Offering equal access to comfort, safety, and dignity for all passengers has always been our objective for Air 4 All."
This is a game-changer, folks. No more playing "Wheelchair Roulette". No more being transferred from chair to chair like a game of musical chairs. Just me, my wheelchair, and my trusty canine sidekick, cruising at 35,000 feet.
So, here's to Delta, Air 4 All, and all the wheelchair users who dream of flying comfortably. Keep flying high, my friends. And remember, the sky's the limit...unless you're in an airplane. Then it's more like 35,000 feet.
Share your thoughts, experiences, or your favorite airplane food (if such a thing exists) in the comments below. Let's get the conversation rolling!
Spastic Chatter: Episode 90 Disability Humor, Employment, & More
Thank you Whitney Bailey for the opportunity to join Spastic Chatter. What a fun and honest deep dive into all things Cerebral Palsy and quite the kickoff for 2023!
STEPtember 2022 Kickoff
Can you believe it’s been a year since last #STEPtember? That’s right! I’m back at it with my team “Shoes Your Own Adventure” stepping up and raising money for the Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation USA.
Watch the kickoff video and learn how you can make an impact for the 18 million people like me living with CP.
Or if you like Canine Companions® Pico better, do it for him.
Get your donation matched today by clicking here.
Thanks for sharing, reposting, and helping make a difference.
Let’s step it up!
Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation 2022 Kickoff Video.