Visitation
HealthSouth Valley of the Sun
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Visitation
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 We
were met this morning by Beth Bacher (CEO) and two escort vehicles from
HealthSouth Valley of the Sun in Glendale, Arizona. Since groups usually
travel at the pace of the slowest rider, they were totally psyched to travel
at a breakneck speed of 1 mile an hour while dodging traffic and making it
over a half-dozen strategically placed “speed humps.” We were extremely
sorry that Summer Wittkemper (DMO) came down with a case of
“these-guys-take-over-the |
 Jerry Suggs, an alumni Amputees Across America rider from 2002, joined us yesterday evening. He’s been through many medical problems in the last year and we’re certainly delighted that he’s still up and kicking, even if it’s with fewer toes. Here, we see Jerry (a Navy vet) talking shop about WWII. He even overlooked that fact that his conversation buddy was a Marine. Keep on fighting, Jerry! |
 Luke
tries to pretend that he doesn’t know AJ as she is sporting her princess
tiara on top of her bike helmet. He forgets, though, that they are wearing
the same jerseys and have been escorted in at the same time by the
HealthSouth vans. He’s heard murmuring that Doc would’ve been a lot less
princess-y. |
 A high-five celebrates a successful ride in for Luke, AJ, and Beth. |
 Beth
tries to notify the crowd that Abel has been known to swipe hospital
bracelets in order to pawn them for gas money. Needless to say, we don’t get
very far. That’s why we have to ride the bikes.
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 Abel
defends himself by trying to say that Luke is the one who takes a liking to
the hospital bracelets so he can continue to pay off his gambling debts from
Vegas.
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 AJ
and the crowd have a hearty laugh at both the guys’ expense as she spills
the beans about ALL the interesting things they have done on the
trip. Luckily, she carries a secret digital recorder that catches it all so
she won’t forget anything. After all, a true princess needs to always carry
ammo just in case it is needed.
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 Luke
tries to defend himself against Abel’s slander. Thankfully, he possesses the
much-envied baby face and doesn’t believe a thing Abel said. Of course, they
also thought he should still be riding with training wheels and a banana
seat. Ya can’t win ‘em all. |
 Jerry
merely talks to the crowd for a miniscule 8 hrs and 57 minutes. After he’s
finished, the only people left in the room are the star removal committee
and one guy that’s fallen asleep. That doesn’t stop Jerry, though. He’s
resilient and just keeps on going. |
 Another
city, another Luke fan club. Sometimes it’s hard to be this popular!
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 Luke
is still missing those three fingers, Abel has grown two horns, and AJ looks
to be surprised to just be almost standing up after their extremely long
half-mile ride. Bob, a true testament to never giving up, laughs nervously
and asks how much longer the riders are going to circle around him like
vultures hunting fresh meat. Bob makes the best of every day and has a great
message! Keep up the good work, Bob! |
 Cissy,
the Grand Poo-pah of ordering, whipped up this little raffle to raise funds
for AAA this year. The gift basket exploded into a BIG, HONKIN’ barbeque set
which helped the Valley of the Sun facility raise over $1300 for the riders.
We certainly appreciate all the generosity that is always given to us here!
Without this support, it would be tough just keeping gas in the truck.
Though our mission is not to raise funds but to raise awareness, we rely on
our families and friends to support us in what we do and we certainly
appreciate your support, as a friend of AAA, in helping us.
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 Patience
is really a virtue…she’s also an extremely cool chick that cracks jokes that
people actually laugh at. Here, AJ and Margi get ready for what must be
another whopper. Patience’s great attitude and bubbly personality are what
make her so fun to be around—even in physical therapy! |
 Robert’s
PT (physical torturer) has to restrain his hand in order to keep him from
swatting at Luke and AJ. Isn’t that what most people do to pests that hang
around and won’t go away? |
 Luke is unimpressed with a nursing student’s imitation of an orangutan and neither is anyone else. Luke could have gotten some phone numbers but, alas, he was lost in his daydreams about that softball team and his lost opportunity. |
 John
attempts to teach Abel how to lift a 1,000-pound bar. After 15 minutes of
hard work and sweat, he realizes that Abel has been holding it down the
entire time. As Abel leaves, John is heard muttering, “pigs will fly before
I come to see these guys again.” |
 As
Abel finishes teaching Bob how to sit down and do nothing, AJ has a good
time talking with him about how Georgia Peaches that once lived in Alabama
and have family in Chicago are really rare and that he should appreciate it
when he finally finds one that fits the bill. Bob says that he’s suffered
enough and shouldn’t have to put up with AJ and her family telephone
pole/tree stories.
Our thanks to HealthSouth Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital staff for all that they did to make us feel welcome. They expended extraordinary effort in making this event one that we all will remember. Thanks to the efforts of Beth Bacher, CEO, Summer Wittkemper, DMO. and the entire staff, our visit was a great one. Many thanks to the numerous merchants who donated raffle prizes. Thanks to the HeathSouth staff and patients who so generously contributed to the AAA ride across the country. Every time we visit the HS Valley of the SunHealth, the excitement and support goes far beyond and exceeds our greatest expectations. Our thanks to HealthSouth for letting us spend a day with you each year and to be a small part of what you do every day of every year, giving patients the hope that they need to get back to living an active and abundant life. |
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