Friday, Jun 13, 2003

Salt Lake City Visitation

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We started our day in Salt Lake City with a visitation to the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center in Salt Lake City.  Pictured below is the foyer of the Best Western Motel in Salt Lake City.

Helping us ride to the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center were a host of great folks.  Pictured below are Officer Webb and Sergeant Howard.  Thanks guys for directing traffic for us while we rode our bikes to HealthSouth.

Unable to resist, Jim proudly sits on Officer Howard's Harley Davidson.  Jim exclaimed we would need to pull his cold, clammy fingers from the handlebars before he would dismount.  However, Jim relented and we were off in our caravan to the Rehabilitation Hospital.

Also joining our caravan were members of the Sandy, Utah Fire Department.  This included members of the Emergency Medical Team as well as their firefighters.  Also riding with us was Scott Hosie, Certified Prosthetist for Ogden Orthotics and Prosthetics, Inc.  The EMT and fire department personnel included: Debra Wolfley, Ingrid Backus, Capt. Dick Hekker, Brandon Howard, Jim Ruggles, Derek Maxfield, Chief Deputy Mike Veenendaas, Dan Christensen, Captain Dave Olearain, Troy Harris and Nathan Morraleale.  It was quite an honor riding with these fine people.

Pictured here is Keith Uuro, a guest rider visiting us from Alabama Artificial Limb and Orthopedic Service.  Keith is chomping at the bit to get on the bike pictured here and ride with the boys.  However, we warned him that a day riding bikes on the highways with the AAA gentlemen my drive him drink.  Sorry this took so long to post Jeanne!!!!!

Mark is known for his colorful humor and matching socks.  Here Mark sports his "sun" socks in an effort to add to the upcoming festivities at HealthSouth.

Here the boys and all of the riders arrive at the Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital.  The riders pulled up beside the fire truck for a group picture.  The sunny skies and the patients and staff waving and cheering for us was a welcome site.  As we arrived at the facility we noted the interaction among the staff and patients.  The depth of caring by the HealthSouth staff with their patients was quite evident throughout our visit.  All of the staff spent their time talking and assisting patients, showing an "attitude" of attention that was wonderful to see.

Pictured here are the boys with the honorable Mayor of Sandy, Tom Dolan.  The boys informed the mayor that any association with them would have a profound negative influence on his re-election plans.  In a most magnanimous gesture, the Mayor presented the boys with a Sandy EMT bicycling helmet.  The gift was most appreciated.

After a most inspiring (and gratefully short) speech by the boys, the AAA gang presented HealthSouth CEO Rick Richards with a signed poster.  Rick was a most gracious host and we were very moved by the welcome we received.

After the speeches were concluded, the boys mingled with patients and staff.

Here the boys are pictured with Sam Jolly, a young patient at the facility.  It was great talking with him and learning about his story.  Tomorrow Joe Sapere will skydive in honor of Sam and other patients at the facility.  Sam's attitude put a smile on our faces.  Get well soon Sam!!!!

Here the boys talk with Kimi Hill and her family after the reception.  Her smile and great attitude warmed our hearts.

Here Jim talks with another patient at HealthSouth.  Jim is always willing to lend an ear to all of the patients.

After lunch, the boys toured the facility.  Here the boys talk with a patient in the PT area.  We were amazed at the quality of care provided to the patients.

Our man, Scott Hosie, ordering us out of the cafeteria after the boys consumed all of the food rations for the week.  The boys always bring an appetite.  Seriously, Scott is giving us a guided tour of the facility.  We also want to thank Scott for graciously donating his time to "fine tune" our prosthetics which have taken a beating on the road over the past few weeks.

Being keen observers of two wheeled transportation of any kind, the boys and Keith take time to admire Scott's ride.  Jim is contemplating a way to jump start the vehicle for a quick ride.

One of the highlights of our day was a visit with a remarkable lady by the name of Alee Pepper.  Alee is a recent BK amputee with a wonderful smile and bright eyes.  The boys enjoyed exchanging stories with Alee and hopefully provided her with some words of encouragement.  Alee is celebrating her birthday today and we wished her all the best.  Gratefully, the boys refrained from singing the "birthday song".  Alee's story touched our hearts and put a smile on our faces with her determination.

It was quite a day.  Tomorrow we head to Toole Airport outside of Salt Lake City to watch Joe skydive. 

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