Another recently publicized exoskeleton, called eLEGS by Berkeley Bionics, promises to help paraplegics walk again. We featured two similar devices earlier at DisabledAndProductive, namely the Rex Robotic Legs and the ReWalk System, both developed by companies in countries outside of the US. But to the best of our knowledge, eLEGS is the first of its kind developed in the US.

eLegs Walking Device

eLEGS  is a battery-powered, wearable bionic device using artificial intelligence and sensors in the crutches allowing the wearer’s legs to move with a natural human gait. Candidates for using this bionic device must have sufficient upper body strength to transfer themselves from a wheelchair. Primary candidates are people with ALS, polio, muscular dystrophy and paralysis as a result of injury or stroke.

Trials are targeted to start in selected clinics in Canada by 2012 and users will initially be supervised by therapists to ensure safety. The initial estimated price tag of eLEGS for use in rehabilitation centers where the device needs to be adjusted for a specific client will be $90,000 to $100,000. But it is expected that the price will be substantially lower by the time Berkeley Bionics introduces a personal use eLEGS.

Being a quadriplegic, I have personally experienced the benefits of using a standing wheelchair, but this device takes it literally a step further. And even though I won’t be able to take advantage of the eLEGS device due to my lack of upper body strength, I am excited for anyone else who might get equipped with eLEGS at some point in their life.

Specifications for the eLEGS prototype:

• User must be between 5-foot-2 and 6-foot-4 tall and weigh 220 lbs. or less.
• Weighs a little over 40 lbs., but its own weight is supported by the machine itself.
• Worn over regular clothes and shoes, it is held on using Velcro straps, backpack-style clips and shoulder straps. With practice, can it be put on or taken off in a minute or two.
• Prototype battery stays charged more than six hours under nominal use in a rehabilitation setting.
• Walking speeds vary by wearer, but speeds in excess of 2 miles/hour can be attained.
• Users should be comfortable using eLEGS after five to 10 sessions.

Feel free to check out this eLEGS video to learn more about this exciting device.

Recently we had the chance to interview Sheila Radziewicz, who was born with TAR syndrome which left her without arms or kneecaps. Despite these difficulties and challenges, Sheila has gone on to be awarded a Master’s Degree, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and is now an inspirational speaker. Sheila shared with us some of the things she has overcome in her life, and how the experience has made her strong.

Disabled and Productive: You were born with TAR syndrome. Tell us a little about that and how that has shaped your life.

Sheila Radziewicz: I am the third daughter in a family of five. My parents had no idea that I would have a disability. I was born at Malden Hospital and was immediately transferred to Floating Hospital in Boston. I had a hole in my heart and a low platelet count, which are common issues to TAR syndrome. I came home for a short stay after my birth and then went back and did not return home until just before Thanksgiving. My parents have told me after I was born our family doctor had a very important conversation with them. He said ‘you have two choices with your daughter. One, you do everything for her now, in the future, and after you die – or you do nothing.’ My parents picked the latter which was not an easy choice.

I do not have a great many memories of my childhood but I do remember it being hard. I spent the first ten years in and out of Hospitals. I stayed in the Boston hospital until around 2 years old and then I went to Shriners.

I’ve grown up with great determination. I think that was a personality trait I was born with and then my family fostered that in me growing up. I had to deal with a lot of people making fun of me, staring, and pitying me. At a young age I realized that could hide my pain with laughter. So when other children made fun of me I would laugh with them and they stopped a lot faster then if I cried. Laughter was not the expected response so I guess it was not fun for them to continue. There was emotional and physical pain. I required the aid of leg braces, a walker, or both until I was about five years old. I had about ten major surgeries before the age of ten. I had to relearn to walk several times. I think having TARs has made me a strong person physically and emotionally.

Disabled and Productive: What is the most difficult thing you have had to overcome with your disability?

Sheila Radziewicz: This is always a tough question to answer. Since I was born with TARs, there are many things that others perceive as difficult that don’t seem that way to me. I have never known anything different so I’ve just learned to do some tasks differently. My life is a puzzle, and I need to figure out how to put the pieces together to get things done. I think dealing with other people has been difficult. I’ve meet many people who felt fear, pity, were just ignorant, or felt the need to help me when I did not need it.

Disabled and Productive: What would you say your biggest achievement is in life so far?

Sheila Radziewicz: I would say my biggest achievement is living independently. Living independently is hard for many people, and having a disability adds more struggles to that difficult situation. Finding a job has always been difficult because of other people’s biases, and there are many jobs that I can’t physical do, so that really limits my options. Finding the right apartment has, in the past, been a nightmare. In the past I have had to deal with small problems: second or third floor apartments, kitchens with spaces too high for me to reach, and space that was too small for me to set up things that work. There are small details that I need to take into account that most people don’t. I’ve had many people tell me that a place would fit me fine, but they don’t get it. For example, my current apartment does not have a dishwasher-which many consider a luxury-but not having one is a real hardship for me. I have looked at countertop dishwashers, but they are expensive. I have been able to learn how to care for my own personal needs and have surprised people when I have told them I do not have a personal care attendant.

Disabled and Productive: You have a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. First, congratulations! Second, what was it like starting to do something as difficult as Tae Kwon Do? Were you scared and nervous? How accommodating were your instructors and what was it like working with the other students? And finally, why choose Tae Kwon Do? What drew you to that specifically?

Sheila: I started martial arts while in graduate school. I saw a flyer and thought it would be fun. I’ve been through many scary things in my life but starting martial arts was not one of them. When in Arizona, my school mixed different types of martial arts into the school and so I did all of them the best I could. Initially, I never thought about which martial art style was best for me. When I returned home from graduate school I explored classes of different styles and found that Taekwondo was best for me. The body work focused more on the lower body and that fit my needs best. Also, Bruce McCorry’s school felt right-there was no judgment, no assumptions, and the space was welcoming. My instructors have been great at being accommodating when necessary. They have never decided that something would be changed before going over it with me before hand. If I’ve felt the need to stop they never questioned it. They also have got to know me very well and can tell when I’m hurting and need to stop versus me being lazy.

Disabled and Productive: What has Tae Kwon Do taught you? Did earning your black belt take more effort and determination that earning your Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

Sheila: Getting my black belt and getting my Master’s in Criminal Justice were both difficult in their own ways. Taekwondo kept me sane when working on my thesis-it was my outlet to release my stress. High stress was my life while getting my Master’s. I finished the program in two years and I was only the second student to ever have completed my degree that quickly. I did all my own typing and that was tiring as I type one handed with a pointer.

Taekwondo has been a long commitment and has helped me grow as a person. I have never been involved with one activity this long before. It has had its really hard days, and then just fun days and that’s important.

I remember sparring in the advanced class for the first time. I was scared, but people saw my fear and helped me work through it. They wanted me to succeed and so they used humor to get me to relax, and it worked. I got tips on how not to get knocked down so much. Now I look forward to Monday night sparring.

Disabled and Productive: What do you have to share with others and how do you think people can learn from you, be happier, and improve their own lives?

Sheila: I think it is important for people to believe in themselves, and if they really want something it is possible-it just might take some time. We are all going to have hard time and sometimes you need a good cry and then you get up and start again. Each of us has the power to make our lives as we want it; we just need to accept the challenges around us and move forward.

What I think others can learn from me is to never give up. I’ve done a lot of things in life; sometimes it was because I wanted it or I felt the need to prove that someone who doubted me wrong. My family will tell you the the best way to help me to succeed is to tell me “you can’t do that.” I’m also a fairly positive person, and even when things have fallen apart I try to find that light.

Disabled and Productive: How did your family help shape your attitude and how you approach life?

Sheila: Growing up my family has always been there to protect me and be there for me. My mom created a motto that I have lived my life by: The impossible only takes a little longer. My dad would ask ‘what are the four letters of American: I can’. They brought me up with a positive attitude and help me live in an able bodied society.

Disabled and Productive: What gives you inspiration?

Sheila: My friends, family and community all around me.

Disabled and Productive: Tell us about your relationship with Shriners Children’s Hospital, and how you have begun giving back to them.

Sheila: Shriners became my second home at a young age, and when I was too older for Shriners I left them saying that if there is anything I can do to give back, please contact me. I have had the chance to speak to donors about my Shriners experience and explain how important the care given at Shriners is to us.

I remember going to the hospital to speak to a young man from Poland who lost both of his arms in an accident and was learning to use his feet as his new arms. We spoke for a while, and I was able to give him some tips about using his feet to do things. Shriners called me about five years ago because they had a child with TAR Syndrome and his family was asking if there were others out there with TARs. Five years later the family and I have become great friends and I’ve been able to help them with their son.

Recent media attention I’ve gotten because of Taekwondo has strengthened my relationship with Shriners. As soon as I started getting interviews, I made it clear that Shriners needed to be put in any stories about me. I’m now working with Shriners as a patient ambassador. They had their 85^th anniversary with a walkathon, and I spoke to the crowd and the local media. We have discussed how we can foster this relationship and they are also helping to support me with my motivational speaking.

It sounds like you keep really busy! Besides the speaking and Tae Kwon Do, what other hobbies do you have?

I’m a bit of a social butterfly, my friends would say. I am actively involved in the drumming community. You can often find me at one drum circle or another, drumming, playing the didgeridoo, or belly dancing. I am also a fire performer; I dance and do tricks with my fire staff, and some of those moves come from my martial arts experience. I also love to spend time with friends hanging out, go to local festivals (depending on the time of year), go camping, and most recently I’ve begun working to become a professional motivational speaker.

Disabled and Productive: Finally, our favorite question: what are you most grateful for in life?

Sheila: My family and friends. If it was not for all of them, I would not be were I am today.

Philippe’s swim across the English Channel is a true testament of how to overcome your disabilities through determination. He didn’t take on this challenge just to prove to himself he could do this amazing feat, but he did it for all those who have suffered tragedy and lost their taste for life.

Philippe Croizon in wetsuit

And Philippe, a French native, certainly knows what tragedy is all about. In 1994, he lost all of his limbs after suffering an electric shock as he stood on a ladder adjusting his television antenna, which touched a power line.

Philippe expected the 21 mile crossover between Britain and France to take about 24 hours, but he completed the swim in just 13 1/2 hours. Maybe it was the company of three dolphins that swam alongside him for a good part of the journey that gave him the extra speed. Philippe trained for this swim for two years and was able to get himself into such a shape that he can swim at around 2 mph, which is only slightly slower than the 3 mph that able-bodied athletes might achieve. Not bad for a quadriplegic amputee!

Shortly after his amazing accomplishment, he announced he plans to cross from Europe to Africa in the Strait of Gibraltar. Philippe, we certainly wish you good luck with this next challenge!

Learn more about this inspiring man and his memorable swim by watching this short video.

Free Wheelchair Mission was founded in 1999 by Don Schoendorfer, who has a doctorate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, after he was inspired by the sight of a physically disabled woman in Morocco crawling across a dirt road. It certainly adds a challenge to life when you have a mobility disability. But setting that aside, the people who are physically challenged living in the more developed countries – like myself – may in some regard consider themselves lucky compared to those living in the poorer countries where access to the most basic wheelchair is practically non-existent.

Don took note of that unfairness and came up with the idea of creating a simple, durable and inexpensive wheelchair that would be distributed free to those in need on a non-discriminatory basis. As you can see from the picture, the wheelchairs are made using bicycle wheels and a cheap plastic patio chair. Now, how ingenious is that?

The cost of one wheelchair is around $60.00.  That is hardly anything when you think of the huge difference that one of these chairs can make in the life of someone in need, whose alternative would be to crawl across the dirt or being moved around in a wheelbarrow. So far Free Wheelchair Mission has given away nearly half a million wheelchairs in 77 developing countries.

One of my favorite anecdotes confirming what a difference this wheelchair can make is a story I read in the Los Angeles Times. It’s about a 5-year-old boy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The boy lived in an orphanage for disabled children, where he spent most of his time lying on the floor except for trips to the bathroom. A week after the boy was given his new chair, the Free Wheelchair Mission representative who delivered the wheelchair was heading to the airport when he caught a glimpse of something familiar on the side of the street. It was a wheelchair. The little boy was in it being pushed by an older boy who was running. The boys were laughing.

Don, keep up the great work!

To learn more about the Free Wheelchair Mission, visit their website at http://www.freewheelchairmission.org

Phaedra Marriott-Olsen has been crowned Miss Wheelchair USA 2010. The Miss Wheelchair USA competition is very similar to the traditional Miss USA contest.  “The largest difference is that we did not do a swimsuit competition,” Phaedra said.  The contestants are judged on appearance, their accomplishments and goals. One of the major differentiators is that they are also judged for the work they do as leaders in the field for women with disabilities. The goal of the Miss Wheelchair America pageant is to promote glamour, self-confidence and community service. “Society just doesn’t think women in chairs are beautiful and the reality is we’re pretty amazing,” Phaedra said.

Phaedra Marriott-Olsen, Miss Wheelchair USA 2010

Phaedra became disabled in 1996 after being hit by a drunk driver, but she didn’t let her tragic accident stop her from making strides toward preventing more drunk driving incidents from happening. Instead she took on the position of Director of Services for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers.

Phaedra is an inspiration and a role model for women with disabilities. She now represents others in wheelchairs throughout the country and she plans to travel across the country to attend various events to promote individuals with disabilities.

“Just because you have a disability, does not make you a different part of society,” Phaedra said. ”We can still be active, intelligent people in our society. That’s my biggest goal.”

For more information about Miss Wheelchair USA, visit mswheelchairusa.org.

We posted a story last February about the ReWalk system, a device invented by an Israeli company Argo Medical Technologies, Ltd. that enables paraplegics to walk again. When I was watching the Belgian news on the Internet yesterday, which I do occasionally to keep in touch with what’s going on in the country where I was born, another walking device for paraplegics was featured. Hayden Allen from New Zealand, a paraplegic as a result of a motorcycle accident, showed off a pair of robotic legs that help paraplegics walk again. It caught my attention and I decided to investigate the system some more.

Rex robotic legs for paraplegics

The product is called Rex, an abbreviation for robotic exoskeleton, and was designed by two New Zealand inventors who claim these are the world’s first robotic legs allowing paraplegics to walk again. The battery-powered device weighs 84 pounds and is joystick operated. It enables its user to climb up and down stairs or slopes, sit, stand, and step forwards, backwards and sideways. Users simply transfer from their wheelchair into Rex, strap themselves in and start walking by controlling their movements with a joystick and a control pad.

Rex robotic legs joystick and control pad

Rex offers a lot of benefits in terms of mobility, improved social interaction and self-image. I have experienced that myself as a C5/C6 quadriplegic who uses a standing wheelchair. Just to be able to talk to people at eye level again is a major boost to your self-esteem. And it’s very likely that there are also long-term health and quality-of-life benefits through reducing the complications of being in a wheelchair all the time.

It is expected that the product will go on sale by the end of 2010, but only in New Zealand at first. The rest of the world will have to wait till the middle of 2011. Unfortunately the initial estimated $150,000 price tag will be prohibitive for a lot of prospects suffering from paralysis, but it is expected to go down when the product becomes available in larger quantities. At least it is nice to know that another technological advancement has been made towards improving the lives of people who are paralyzed.

It seems as if Rex is a realistic standing and walking alternative to wheelchairs, at least for some paraplegics. You can find out more information about these bionic legs at Rex Bionics.

You can also watch a demonstration of Rex by 23-year-old Hayden Allen, the first paraplegic to benefit from this amazing product, by watching the following video.

I remember going on a day trip to Grandfather Mountain near Linville, North Carolina a few years after my disabling accident when I was still living in Charlotte, NC. Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains and it’s best known for its mile high “swinging” bridge that links two of the mountain’s rocky peaks. The panoramic views from the bridge are supposedly spectacular, but I never got to see it because there was no wheelchair access to the bridge when I visited. Needless to say that I was very excited when I read an article about a new structure built at the top of Grandfather Mountain that provides wheelchair access to the bridge.

Luke Wilcox in front of swinging bridge

Making the mile high swinging bridge wheelchair accessible was a dream come true for Luke Wilcox. Luke was born with cerebral palsy and has been in a wheelchair all of his life. Luke and his parents frequently visited Grandfather Mountain ever since Luke was a baby and his parents were able to carry him up to the bridge till he became six years old. After that, they still visited Grandfather Mountain regularly but they only went half way up the mountain to the animal habitats because Luke got too big to be carried up to the bridge.

Luke, now 13 years old, is one of the first people to cross the swinging bridge in a wheelchair and he did it with a big smile on his face. Making the bridge accessible was a huge deal for Luke and the realization of his dream made him happy. Stories like this are a true testament of the difference accessibility can make in people’s lives.

You can find out more information about Grandfather Mountain at www.grandfather.com. And if you would like to witness Luke’s crossing of the mile high swinging bridge in his wheelchair, watch the video below.

A few weeks ago we discovered and posted about a nonprofit started with the mission of helping to improve the lives of those with disabilities. Founded by Dan Cummings after he regained the ability to walk again through intense exercise, Journey Forward aims to help those with spinal cord injuries recover function and improve the quality of their lives. After reading about the program on their web site, we wanted to know more and recently had the privilege of interviewing Journey Forward and their founder Dan. Their words were a dose of inspiration, and reinforced our belief in the importance of helping others achieve their goals. Read on to hear about how Journey Forward is making a difference and changing lives one at a time.

(Disabled and Productive): Journey Forward’s motto is “Bettering Lives of Those with Spinal Cord Injuries.” Can you tell us what that means and how you go about doing that?

Lanyia Johnson and specialist Lisa Mikula

(Journey Forward): Our program uses intense exercise based techniques that are tailored to the specific needs of individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries. We provide the means to assist individuals toward achieving some of life’s most basic lifelong functions. We focus on both short term and long term goals for each individual and adapt their individual program to help achieve these goals. “Bettering Lives of Those with Spinal Cord Injuries” means something different to each of our clients. For some it is helping to build the strength and function to assist PCAs (personal care attendants) in daily life, for others it’s to independently feed themselves or even stand and take steps. The “Bettering Lives of Those with Spinal Cord Injuries” is focused on the individual and how we can work together to attain their goals of independence.

How is what you do different from other programs that are out there?

We use a very active and full body approach that tailors to each individual’s program plan. Many of the gyms that work with individuals with disabilities tend to focus on the client’s abilities and forget to work with the affected areas. We at Journey Forward focus on the client’s weaknesses and work on coordinating the entire body in a very functional and complete style. Our clients work on many different activities including gait training, load bearing, and full body neural stimulation. This aggressive and functional approach makes it possible for individuals to focus on personal goals of regaining function as well as daily goals of participating in an exercise routine.

Where did the idea for Journey Forward come from? What are the benefits that you are seeing for people in your program?

Ben Harris working with Journey Forward program director John Walters.

We are seeing a lot of great benefits-everything from increased strength and function of muscles below level of injury, to all of the health benefits associated with exercise. Specifically for our SCI clientele we are seeing benefits which include but are not limited to: increased bone density, improved circulation, prevention of muscle atrophy, decrease in spasticity, increased range of motion, increases in cardiovascular endurance, and a decrease in UTIs.

Tell us a little about one of your success stories.

Some of my favorite success stories are about those who have increased their independence and quality of life through our program. Kevin came to us a year and half after his injury as a C4-5 Complete (quadriplegic). Kevin had slight movement in his left and no movement in his right arm and was unable to even operate a power chair. After the first year in our program Kevin is now able to operate his chair and is performing a variety of day-to-day tasks that were once thought to be impossible. He now feeds himself, turns the TV and lights on and off, can open doors and is assisting in dressing himself. For Kevin the increase in strength and function has enabled him to be more independent so that he does not always have to ask for help. When clients hit milestones like these it brings great satisfaction to them and us. This is what makes our job so rewarding!

Your founder, Dan, was injured in a diving accident in 2000? How did his experiences following his injury lead him to start Journey Forward?

Dan doing upper body strengthening exercises

Dan is a very determined individual and the whole time I have known him he never took “No” for an answer. Being told by his doctors that he would never walk again, Dan became determined to prove that he would do the impossible. One day he would walk again! Once he accomplished his goal of walking and being independent, he wanted to continue his journey by helping others who stand in the very same shoes that he stood in seven years ago. His focus changed to bettering the lives of others who have suffered a spinal cord injury. Dan decided that he wanted to do anything possible to create a special place for individuals who suffered a spinal cord injury, so they too could work toward gaining independence. Dan continues to be passionate about his work believing that you can never lose hope. He strongly feels that with determination, hard work, and the proper resources, opportunities are endless. Dan had a calling in life and unfortunately it took a tragedy to realize what that was. Fortunately for us, and the millions of people that he inspires, we got to witness and be a part of his heroic efforts.

Where is Journey Forward located and how can people find out more – whether that’s to participate or to donate and support Journey Forward?

We are located in Canton, MA which is about 30 minutes south of Boston. You can find out more information on our web-site at www.Journey-Forward.org or by contacting us at 781-828-3233.

What are your dreams for the future of Journey Forward?

To receive the funding and support from donors so we can continue making our program known and accessible to everyone who needs it. In the upcoming years we wish to open more locations across the country so people do not have to travel as far to get care.

(for Dan) What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to overcome since your injury?
The death of my brother – something that I will never get over. But I assume that this question is aimed towards my “disability” so my answer to that would be overcoming paralysis and regaining the ability to walk again.

(for Dan) Did the challenges around your injury make you stronger as a person?

Absolutely!!!

(for Dan) How have your goals in life changed since your disability?

When I first broke my neck my only goal was to walk again – everything in my life revolved around that. Now that I have done that – my goal is to open Journey Forward (centers) around the country to help others do the same while still working on my weaknesses as well – I still have a lot of work to do myself when it comes to training.

(for Dan) What gives you inspiration on a daily basis? How do you recommend others dealing with a disability find their inspiration?

Before I began walking what drove me was just the simple “thought” of walking again – that is what drove me and I was not giving up until I turned that thought into a reality. Today my inspiration to do what I’m doing in regards with Journey Forward, are all my clients who come rolling through our doors – because I want to give them their opportunity to walk again.

My advice to somebody who is dealing with a disability would be find a goal or an aspiration in life and go for it. I realize that not everybody’s goal is to walk again for one reason or another but do not sit back and feel sorry for yourself and rot away. Life is not over after suffering a serious injury – my life only got better. So find out what it is in life that you want and go for it.

As with any organization, The Boy Scouts of America have rules and guidelines that must be adhered to. When Nathaniel Schrader of Chantilly, Virginia, joined a local Boy Scout troop, the leadership was hesitant. They werenʼt sure how a boy with cerebral palsy would be able to fit in or even progress within the ranks with all his limitations. The leadership offered information on another troop in the area that served mobility impaired scouts but Nathaniel wanted to stay with his Cub Scout friends, all of whom chose this particular troop. Leadership wasnʼt sure how to teach a scout with so many limitations.

Nate in Boy Scout Uniform

Nate’s first new scout campout was on a boat with very steep ladders. Scouts quickly scampered down the ladders and were off playing a game. Nate, with his equipment on his back, arrived at the ladder, and quickly stopped abruptly in his tracks. After all, a steep one person enclosed ladder and a physical impairment never go together well.

The scoutmaster stopped as well and so did the many scouts waiting so impatiently behind him. Everyone silently waited to see what Nate would do next. Everyone looked to Nathan’s dad for help. What should we do? In the time it took adults to figure out how they were going to get Nate down this tiny one person steep ladder, Nate threw his backpack down ahead of him, turned himself around and took one hesitant careful step at a time. That was the minute everyone in the troop knew that Nate was not going to be stopped. Sure, he was extremely slow and sure he was scared. But surely, the leaders standing there were in awe of this 10 year old boy figuring out a way to keep up with his peers on his own.

Keeping up with his peers became a challenge for Nate as he worked tirelessly through each requirement. He needed to learn to put up a tent using only one hand, do the knots and lashings required and keep up with the hikes and challenges of the troop. On long campouts, simple modifications and safety drops needed to be put in place in the event Nateʼs legs could not continue due to his hemiplegia, or if a safety issue arose. Truly though, Nate never used the special accommodations. His scoutmaster, Ron Campbell, once said: “Nate is the only scout who doesn’t complain on the long hikes during a campout and of all scouts he would have the right to complain!” Nate was never the fastest, never the quickest, or never the first to arrive on a scene, but he always reached the goal.

Campouts werenʼt the only places Nate needed to persevere. Summer scout camp presented the most challenges. Many of the skills and activities offered were set by strict rules and safety guidelines and camp counselors were trained to adhere to those rules no matter the circumstances. This made coming up with modifications for Nate to participate using only one hand difficult at best. For future campouts, leadership learned to investigate activities for Nate before registering the troop for a particular camp.

Merit badges also presented some challenges. Some merit badges are choice driven. However, some are “Eagle Required”, which means if you want to earn the rank of Eagle, you must complete them. One in particular was a major challenge. The “Eagle Required” badge was a choice between swimming, hiking or biking. Because he is not a competent biker, and not a long capable swimmer, Nate chose to work through the hiking merit badge. Hiking was the last badge he needed to earn Eagle. For the summer of 2009, hiking was going to be his goal. Nothing else mattered to Nate besides earning that hiking badge.

Raising support for Eagle Scout Service Project

Hiking with legs of different lengths is not easy. Nate knew he needed to manage his special needs and the requirements of the badge. So he called on one of his physical therapists, Connie Johnson. Connie helped Nate keep not only the usual safety goals in mind for the hikes but his personal needs as well. Muscle spasms from overuse were the main concern. With safety in mind, Nate’s new shoes were on and he hiked, and hiked and hiked. Very quickly, his muscles got sore, his nose and cheeks sunburned and he was tired, but he somehow managed to continue his hikes.

First it was a walk around the neighborhood, then a trail walk to his local high school. He slowly built himself up to a 5 mile hike, then another. He completed a ten miler around a battlefield with his family members.  He brought friends on some hikes and it was his dog Benny that accompanied him on others. The soles of his brand new shoes were soon dusty, dirty and worn out. His shoes looked as thought they were saying “I give up!”, but Nate wouldn’t. He bought a new pair of shoes, retired the old pair and moved on for a new hike. Soon the completion of the badge he so vigorously sought was earned.

After many years of traveling with the troop, attending summer camp and working through the ranks of scouting, Nate had one last hurdle – the Eagle service project to the community. He chose to build picnic tables and benches for his local community pool association. In order to raise the funds needed, plan the blue prints, acquire necessary supplies and manage the project day, Nate knew he needed a force of many. He called on his friends, neighbors and family members. Old tables were demolished and removed and new tables and benches were built. When the project was finished, Nate wrote the report required to receive the approval signatures and scheduled his appointment with The Eagle Board of Review.

After all the challenges he faced, he thought a sit down meeting answering the questions of scouting officials would be one of the easiest hurdles he would face during his scouting career. After all, he had prepared by studying his book, doing practice questions with his parents and even talking to Eagle scouts for information about what to expect. He was prepared and all the true challenges were accomplished and checked off in his scout handbook.

The morning of his Board of Review, which took months to schedule, a very unexpected challenge arose. Nate had a fever of 102. Anyone with Cerebral Palsy is at a risk for seizures, especially during a fever. There was a potential for the fever to quickly be the start of a much more serious condition. Nate had good reason to call and cancel.  Certainly the team of scout executives assembled would understand. As Nate headed back to his bedroom, his parents were ready to pick up the phone to reschedule, but before they could, out came Nate in his full dress uniform ready to face yet another challenge. He didnʼt want to cancel. He had fought hard to arrive at this day, and no fever was going to stop him. So Nate, dressed in his formal uniform with a smile on his face, wiped the sweat from his fevered forehead and faced this last big challenge head on.

Nate, now 15 years old, will celebrate his Eagle Court of Honor award on August 28th, 2010. His family and friends will be there, his scoutmaster will be there and so will his therapists. His last hike will be down the aisle to have the Eagle award placed in his hand. He canʼt shake with his left hand well, as scouts are required to, but after four years of learning from Nate, his scoutmaster, the scouts in his troop, the Scouting executives and the people in the audience all will be reminded once again that doing it differently, doesn’t make it wrong.

Contribution by Deidre Schrader

What do you do when you have no arms and no legs? Your life may seem overwhelming because you may feel like you are missing out on so many things you are unable to do. Nothing is more untrue according to Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs. It is all about attitude! If you concentrate on what you do have instead of what you don’t have, you are setting yourself up to become a happy person. Be thankful for what you have; don’t be bitter for what you don’t have!

Being a C5/C6 quadriplegic, I can relate to Nick’s inspirational message quite well. It’s easy to feel sorry for yourself when you’re disabled and to blame your disability when you run into adversities. I have been there many times! And, just like Nick, I feel that having a positive attitude is the foundation for being a happy person regardless of whether you are disabled or not. I truly believe keeping a bright outlook on life after my disabling accident is what has allowed me to live a good life.

Nick certainly takes attitude and inspiration to the next level. Despite having no limbs, Nick is probably one of the most accomplished and happiest people in the world. One can only imagine the challenges he faced during his childhood years being ‘different’. But, he never gave up and instead turned his limitations into opportunities.

Now at the age of 27, Nick travels all over the world inspiring and motivating millions of people from all walks of life. He believes there is a purpose in the struggles we encounter in our lives and that our attitude towards those struggles along with our faith can be the keys to overcoming the challenges we face. Watching his humorous and inspiring introductory video will encourage you to reflect on your own situation and will very likely remind you that life offers a lot to be grateful for, whether you’re disabled or not.

Nick, you are a true inspiration and an example for all of us!