Max
06-14-2002, 12:46 PM
Day on the Lake
Disabled take part in fun, exercise despite obstacles
By Peter Ortiz
The Arizona Republic
June 14, 2002
Brian Mickelson's wheelchair was no obstacle as he kayaked on Bartlett Lake recently.
Mickelson, 20, was among more than 100 disabled water enthusiasts who participated in the annual Day on the Lake sponsored by the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center on May 31 to June 1.
With special adjustments and some help, Mickelson used his upper body and arms to power through the lake. The Chandler man was in a car accident two years ago.
"It is like nothing gets in the way," Mickelson said.
Recreational therapist Jo Lemons, with the help of Joyce Klassen, started the event six years ago, focusing on people with spinal cord injuries, who previously had to travel to San Diego for water sports events. The two-day event grew from 20 participants its first year and also includes jet and water skiing, fishing and rowing.
"To hear the participants say they never thought they could do that . . . that is really why you do it," said Klassen, who is also a recreational therapist.
Mickelson mirrors the majority of spinal cord injury victims in the United States. About 55 percent of spinal cord injuries happen to those age 16 to 30 and of those victims 81.6 percent are male, according to the Web site at the University of Alabama's Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
First-time participant Andy Webb was born with spina bifida, which occurs when the spine fails to close properly in the first month of pregnancy. The 12-year-old Chandler boy uses his upper body to swim and loves the water.
"The folks who came out to assist really had good attitudes and did whatever needed to be done to make sure everyone participated," said Andy's mother, Julie.
For more information on Day on the Lake, call (602) 406-6017.
Reach the reporter at peter.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-7726.
Find this article at:
http://www.arizonarepublic.com/chandler/articles/0614spinalinjury14Z6.html
Disabled take part in fun, exercise despite obstacles
By Peter Ortiz
The Arizona Republic
June 14, 2002
Brian Mickelson's wheelchair was no obstacle as he kayaked on Bartlett Lake recently.
Mickelson, 20, was among more than 100 disabled water enthusiasts who participated in the annual Day on the Lake sponsored by the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center on May 31 to June 1.
With special adjustments and some help, Mickelson used his upper body and arms to power through the lake. The Chandler man was in a car accident two years ago.
"It is like nothing gets in the way," Mickelson said.
Recreational therapist Jo Lemons, with the help of Joyce Klassen, started the event six years ago, focusing on people with spinal cord injuries, who previously had to travel to San Diego for water sports events. The two-day event grew from 20 participants its first year and also includes jet and water skiing, fishing and rowing.
"To hear the participants say they never thought they could do that . . . that is really why you do it," said Klassen, who is also a recreational therapist.
Mickelson mirrors the majority of spinal cord injury victims in the United States. About 55 percent of spinal cord injuries happen to those age 16 to 30 and of those victims 81.6 percent are male, according to the Web site at the University of Alabama's Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.
First-time participant Andy Webb was born with spina bifida, which occurs when the spine fails to close properly in the first month of pregnancy. The 12-year-old Chandler boy uses his upper body to swim and loves the water.
"The folks who came out to assist really had good attitudes and did whatever needed to be done to make sure everyone participated," said Andy's mother, Julie.
For more information on Day on the Lake, call (602) 406-6017.
Reach the reporter at peter.ortiz@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-7726.
Find this article at:
http://www.arizonarepublic.com/chandler/articles/0614spinalinjury14Z6.html