The day was supposed to be rainy but instead it was cloudy, humid, and slightly cool, which quickly started turning warm.  Once again, HealthSouth had prepared for our arrival with a great turnout with many people greeting us as we arrived.

The group lines up at the podium for the welcome from the patients, staff, and community.

Tammy Ober, CEO at HealthSouth, starts the ball rolling with her opening remarks before turning the microphone over to the riders.  Does she realize what chances she is taking? 

Waiting for their turns to share their words of wisdom, the group stands at ease.

The audience listens attentively to the speakers.

Andrew shares his philosophies on life as an amputee and overcoming obstacles.  He is quite a speaker.  He tells it like it is.

Garry Moore, founder of Amped Riders, and Don Davis, survivor and volunteer at HealthSouth, prepare to plant the cherry tree commemorating the visitation by Amputees Across America 2004. We were clearly moved with this gesture and our thoughts will remain with you and all of HealthSouth for a very long time.

All of the riders take a turn at throwing in a shovelful of dirt. 

The Plaque

The shovel, tree, and plaque represent a new start in life, similar to the experience of surviving a traumatic experience and finding ways to survive and grow.  Thank You!  It touched our hearts to think of the tree growing and remaining as a symbol of new hope.  We will be certain to return to check on its growth.

It was almost like a carnival atmosphere in the parking lot as we celebrated with all of the people who made this visit so special.

Andrew, who was presented with a new skateboard by Amped Riders, eyes the ramps as he prepares to take it for it's initial ride.

Kind of looks like Oscar from Sesame Street doesn't it?  No, it is just out beloved Kip.

Kip is working on his skateboarding technique.  He did a skydive, why not try skateboarding too?

Joe prefers two wheels over four.  However, he did not do tricks on the ramps.

Brad is in the clutches of the group.

Gary and Steve mug for the cameras along with the riders.

Andrew socializing with the other skateboarders.  He really has a way of connecting with people.

Helen just couldn't let Andrew get away without getting her picture taken and giving him a hug! Helen you are a gracious lady and beautiful spirit who filled our hearts with joy just in meeting you.

Joe, personalizing posters again, as Sheila tells him how to spell his name and what words to write.

Terri told the group that lunch was ready but they still have to wait on Richard to finish talking before they can make their way to the food.

Another visitation done, the fiery shirted brigade saunter across the parking lot.  Once again, they have been impacted by the awesome people they have met and interacted with.

Thanks to Tammy Ober, CEO, Bonnie Reynolds and Denise Rohrbach from marketing for their encouragement, support, and the awesome event they organized.  Our thanks to the wonderful patients we have met and the strength they show in their everyday activities in rehab.  Their strength is an inspiration to us.  And last, thanks to the staff of HealthSouth whose efforts every day touch so many lives and make a real difference in patient outcomes.