AMPUTEES ACROSS AMERICA

August 10, 2005

Arrival Braintree, Mass.

Visitation HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Braintree

Our final visitation begins at the assembly area along with several folks from Tennessee Gas Pipeline as well as staff members from HealthSouth. Bill sneaks his Super Soaker water pistol from the back of Joe's truck and loads it up with ice water. He plans a sneak attack on David Jones but is stopped before he could do any damage by Joe. Joe tells Bill to wait for him to load his gun so we BOTH could soak David at the same time. At just the right time, we charge David (The BIG, BIG CHEESE) ready to give him an old fashioned bath, but at the last second, Joe turns and unloads on Bill. Bill manages to soak both David AND Joe until David is finally handed Traitor Joe's gun. David eventually runs Bill down and gives him a good watering along with pink papers transferring him to NORTHERN SIBERIA. "Shux, I didn't even know we had a pipeline THERE!"

The group poses for a photo just before heading to HealthSouth.

A big crowd anxiously awaits our arrival in anticipation of the AAA crew hitting the finish line.

The group is now on the road. Tension is high as we near the end of the line. We get a little excited and manage to exceed the speed limit and are being pulled over here by the local police. Joe, in his recumbent is written up for impersonating a policeman. Bill, Jim and Luke are able to offer up enough money to bail him out of jail just in time to complete the ride in.

As we are set to turn into the facility, Joe couldn't resist the opportunity to do ONE MORE U-TURN. So as he rides straight past the sign stating "TURN HERE" along with the two HealthSouth employees jumping up and down screaming for him to TURN, Bill takes the opportunity to make the turn and cross the finish line first! It was obvious to many that RAY CHARLES could have seen that sign! But not Sheik Joe Flash. Of course poor Jim was just crazy enough to follow right behind him. They finally make their last U-Turn of the trip and proceed down the ramp and are greeted by a big crowd.

We were surprised by so many people there cheering at our arrival.

After our arrival we are allowed a few moments to address the crowd.

Each rider was able to share a few thoughts on what the trip has meant to them.

Teressa Hays, the Director of Marketing Operations, introduces David Jones of Tennessee Gas Pipeline.

David, the Vice President of Operations at TGP, was impressed with the boys of AAA. He explains how Billy Bob Vanover an avid and ardent fan of the University of Kentucky, in jest, soaked him (an avid and ardent fan of the University of Tennessee) with an icy cold liquid out of a water gun. With a sly smile, David recounted how Billy Bob is enjoying his new job shoveling manure on the pipeline running through Northern Minnesota.

State Representative Joe Driscoll offers words of encouragement and support to everyone there.

Following speeches, the Amputees Across America join local politicians shaking hands and kissing babies.

Visiting patients in PT and OT.

Bill is either signing posters on the floor or groveling for loose change on the floor. Luke notices a dime and points it out for Bill. Joe nods off in the background. He is awakened by a patient who is recovering from a knee replacement by kicking the table three times.

After his nap, Joe and the AAA crew address the staff and answer questions.

Members of the local Amputee support group pose for a photo with the AAA crew. We were impressed by the member's zest for life and wish them the best. Don't ever let go of your dreams. Only you can make them come true.

After visiting patients in their rooms we were treated to dinner at F1. Our thanks to HealthSouth staff and to Teressa for all that she did to make our finish line event a stupendous success. Thank you HealthSouth Rehab Hospital of Braintree. You are a class act.

Our arrival at the Atlantic Ocean. This is the photo just before our backs give out.

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS

Mark Farrell, said it so well in 2003:

"And so...Why did we do it? Several reasons come to mind. First we rode because we wanted to show that three average middle aged guys who suffered an amputation could meet any challenge. Second we wanted to help others through their own trauma. In Lance Armstrong's book he spoke of beating cancer and his "obligation of the cured". We feel the same obligation and wanted to show others along the road who are suffering that life does indeed go on and a full, happy and rewarding life is available to all those who show the courage and determination to face the challenge.

And sometimes it is hard, so very hard. But the only way out is through. And for the past (70) days, we did it together.

The three of us met as strangers but have become brothers for life. The journey was as much about the friendship and affection for each other as it was about the miles. Helping each other along the way, supporting each other in good and bad times. It was indeed a unique and life changing journey, one we will never forget. It is the bond of brotherhood we formed that will allow us to continue our quest for challenges that test our limits, but always with the passion for living life to it's fullest.

We are fortunate men to have had the opportunity to ride across the country and meet so many wonderful people. People like Paige, Josh, Sean, Kody, Kyle, Ethan and so many others too numerous to mention.

Their spirit and passion for life touched us deeply and helped us so many times along our journey. We thank you all for your thoughts, support and prayers. We will never forget you. Stick together, people, because the debt we owe each other as members of the community of the disabled cannot be ignored nor easily repaid. Remember, no person recovers alone.

We few, we happy few, we band of brothers..."

AMPUTEES ACROSS AMERICA 2005

Our heartfelt thanks to HealthSouth Corporation, our Gold Sponsor for their belief in what we do. To our Silver Sponsors, Ohio Willow Wood and El Paso Corporation, our thanks for your support. For all of the employees, staff, businesses, and private citizens who contributed in so many ways, a special thanks. Without your support, Amputees Across America would not exist.

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