Friday, June 20, 2003

Colorado Springs Visitation

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Today was a visitation day, graciously hosted by the HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Colorado Springs. We began our day with a short ride with many guest riders to HealthSouth. Escort duty was provided by the Colorado Springs Police Department. Our arrival at HealthSouth was met with many cheering people and tons of balloons. It was enough to embarrass almost anyone, the boys included. Short speeches were followed by the boys signing posters and chatting with many rehab patients and guest riders. Then a barbecue lunch with live Caribbean music provided by HealthSouth staff. All together, it was a tremendous event. We closed our day visiting with rehab patients at Memorial Hospital and with several amputees at Pembrose Hospital.

Jim DeLong (a rapid Ohio State fan) and Dr. Humphries (the Medical Director for HealthSouth of Colorado Springs, and a University of Michigan grad), demonstrate remarkable closeness, even in the face of Ohio State winning the national championship in football.

Shortly after this photo was taken, Dr. Humphries, tired of Jim's OSU tirade and cackling, squished Jim's head like a grape. With only a few hours recovery, Jim was able to return to the festivities. He is one tough troop. At the end of the day, Dr. Humphries presented a Michigan sweatshirt to Jim.

A note to Dr. Humphries -- Jim actually wore the shirt this afternoon and was smiling proudly at the gift. Jim says you are a remarkably good man, notwithstanding the serious educational handicap you had to overcome.

Several dozen guest riders including representatives from the local amputee community rode with us this morning on the way to HealthSouth. Riders included folks from local amputee support organizations, local cycling clubs (including several Olympic cyclists), and HealthSouth employees.

The following are names of guest riders that we were able to capture -- please forgive us if we missed anyone!

Amy McCabe, Amy Powell, Amy Downs, Joel Berman, Sharon Anders, Katie Lambert, Sid Smith, Mary Ellen Benson, Emily Mann, Allison Jones, Ashley Magnuson, Jackson Latka, Erik Estrada, Freddie Rodriguez, Dr. Humphries, Michael Thompson, Teri Mann, Ruth Smith, Noretta Watts, Al Brody

Judy, from the O and P Edge, holds Marks bicycle while he madly looks for a restroom shortly before the ride begins.

Check out that crowd of riders! We were thrilled by our reception in Colorado Springs and in the overwhelming support this event demonstrated for the disabled.

The boys presented signed posters of themselves to several local dignitaries (Dave Schultheis, shown) who attended today's event.

Debi Nottingham, of HealthSouth, as well as the entire marketing staff, put together a tremendous reception for us. Debi tried hard to use our visit to help pull together and energize local rehabilitation and support resources.

Noretta Watts, a local below-knee amputee, is very active in providing peer-based support to amputees in the Colorado Springs area.

See the intense look on the boys' faces? Smells from the cafeteria just reached the dignitaries.

One of the honorees today was Sandy Oppenheim (holding crutches in this photo), who has inspired many HealthSouth staff and patients with her determination to overcome many serious health issues. Sandy became a below-knee amputee almost exactly a year ago. She's doing great, and visited with other rehab patients today with the boys. Throughout, Sandy kept a bundle of helium balloons tied to her belt. "To help me walk straighter," she said.

Other special honorees were the Myers family, including their sons Luke and Ethan. Luke recently became a below-knee amputee and spent a lot of time talking with Jim today. Ethan is also working hard to overcome his injuries. We, along with other HealthSouth and Memorial Hospital staff, were genuinely touched by their attendance of today's event. We wish them well on the path to recovery.

While Jim jokes with Sandy, Bruce and Mark continue their remedial handwriting lessons under the patient tuteledge of a HealthSouth employee, Sid Smith.

The Shriners sent over a clown to blow animal balloons for the participants. Bruce was finally denied any further balloons, as his attempt to assemble a helium menagerie caused children to go without.

Many children attended today, and they were especially welcome. Pictured at right is one of the two delightful daughters of Mary Ellen, the HealthSouth Administrator.

Luke Myers really opened up today with other amputees, once again demonstrating the power of peer support. Here, Luke chats with Joel Berman, director of Adaptive Adventures of Evergreen, Colorado.

Four year old Shawn Bakker touched numerous hearts today. Here he wears the official head gear of the HealthSouth Marketing Team. He especially loved seeing his older brother and his mother wearing the hat.

Lawrence Seales, a PT tech for HealthSouth, organized several other Caribbean emigres and provided "much love" to the crowd. Let this be a warning to other HealthSouth facilities on our visitation schedule -- this was LIVE, EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD music. The bar has been set very high by our first three visitations. Be warned.

A view of attendees eating lunch. Also attending, but not pictured (sorry, guys!) were Dale and Patsy Watts, close family friends of Bruce and Cheryl, who were deeply touched by their attendance today.

Sadly, Judy and Gene (guest riders for the past 2 days) had to leave us today. And Keith, our first guest rider, leaves for home on Monday (Jeanne, Keith swears that bruise he is sporting is from a bicycle handlebar, but it looks like a hickie to us). Their participation in this ride had a huge effect on us. Their support and excitement were much welcome as we entered our third week. With their laughter and graciousness, we could almost forget the tired muscles and sore posteriors. Keith, Judy, and Gene -- we wish you all well and will miss each of you like hell. Keep the rubber side down and we can't wait until next year so we can ride together again. Much love to each of you, as Lawrence Seales would say.

Tomorrow, Joe will sky dive to honor inspirational amputees in the Colorado Springs area.

Blue Skies, Joe. Tomorrow is his 100th jump. So tomorrow, the "refreshments" are on Joe. Thanks, Joe.

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