Embracing Wheelchair Adventures: A Journey Beyond the Paved Path

Wiki Article

Welcome to our world, where the pavement ends and real living begins. Our family life revolves around pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible. We believe that wheelchair adventures are not just about accessibility; they are about attitude. For over two decades, we have been exploring the globe with our daughter, Kellisa, proving that a set of wheels is a ticket to freedom, not a limitation.

Our blog, Kellisa's Path, documents our journey. From the moment Kellisa was born as a micro-preemie, doctors gave us grim prognoses. Yet, here we are, thousands of miles later, having hiked in all 50 states twice. This article will introduce you to our philosophy and the incredible spirit that drives us forward.

The Mindset for Unlimited Wheelchair Adventures

The first step in any adventure is believing it is possible. When Kellisa was young, her neurosurgeons placed very few restrictions on her. They said no tackle football or scuba diving, but everything else was fair game. We took that advice to heart. We decided that wheelchair adventures would be the rule, not the exception, in our lives.

We don't look for reasons why we can't do something; we look for ways that we can. This mindset has led us down canyon trails, across frozen lakes, and up mountains. It is about seeing a challenge as an invitation rather than a barrier. Kellisa's lack of fear and her desire to participate are our greatest inspirations.

Defining a Rich Wheelchair Life

What makes a life rich? For us, it is experiences. Wheelchair life is not just about medical appointments and therapy sessions, although those are part of it. It is about feeling the spray of a waterfall, the bump of a rugged trail, and the energy of a live concert crowd.

Kellisa loves motion and sensory input. She thrives when we are on the move, whether it's a plane, train, or automobile. We make sure her life is filled with the things she loves, from Hannah Montana concerts to holding tarantulas. Every day is an opportunity to add a new story to her path.

Overcoming Medical Challenges in Wheelchair Adventures

Kellisa's medical history is complex, including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and a G-Tube for nutrition. These factors add significant logistical challenges to our wheelchair adventures. We travel with a lot of medical gear and have to adhere to strict schedules for medication and feeds.

However, we have learned that these needs can be managed anywhere. We have done feeds on mountaintops and managed seizures on the trail. Being prepared allows us to focus on the fun. It is a balancing act, but one that is entirely worth it for the joy it brings to our family.

The Goal of Fifty State Wheelchair Adventures

One of our biggest motivators was the goal to visit and hike in every single U.S. state. This ambitious project gave structure to our travels. It pushed us to seek out wheelchair adventures in places we might never have considered, finding hidden gems in every corner of the country.

We completed this goal before Kellisa turned 18, and then did it again by her 21st birthday. It was a grueling but incredibly rewarding experience. It taught us that beauty is everywhere, from the cornfields of the Midwest to the rocky coasts of New England.

Sharing Our Wheelchair Life Story

We started our blog to share our story with family and friends, but it has grown into something more. We want to show the world what wheelchair life can really look like. We are often the only wheelchair users we see on rugged trails, and we hope to change that.

By sharing the highs and the lows, the breathtaking views and the flat tires, we hope to inspire others. We want families to know that the wilderness is open to them. You just need a little determination and a sense of adventure.

Conclusion

Our journey is far from over. There are still trails to hike and experiences to have. We have found that living a bold wheelchair life brings us closer together as a family. We have faced fears, overcome obstacles, and created a lifetime of memories.

We encourage you to step outside your comfort zone. Plan that trip, find that trail, and don't let anyone tell you what is impossible. The world is a vast and beautiful place, waiting to be explored by everyone, regardless of how you get around.