Profile: Harley Thomas

I had the privilege of meeting Harley Thomas last April, at the BMC SCI Gala in Boston.

In Memoriam

The National Spinal Cord Injury Association (NSCIA) awarded the first ever Harley L. Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award to the man who inspired the award and after whom it is named, Harley L. Thomas this week in conjunction with the 2007 Spinal Cord Injury Hall of Fame. Immediate past president of NSCIA's Board of Directors and long-time disability activist, Harley Thomas, passed away on September 4, 2007.


Born and raised in Utah, Harley joined the U.S. Marine Corps at a very young age, earning a discharge at age 19. He then served 18 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1976 as a chief petty officer. In the service, he was attached to the Defense Communications Agency, and was deployed to Colorado, Hawaii, Japan, Vietnam, San Diego, and Norfolk and Reston, VA. He was an early expert in large mainframe computers, and continued in the information technology industry in California after leaving the Navy. He earned a business degree from the University of Virginia while in the service.


While stationed in Japan, Thomas became active in motorcycle racing and continued racing for many years. He acquired a spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident in Mexico in 1982, using a wheelchair since that event. These circumstances led him to new frontiers as an advocate for veterans and other people with disabilities. He co-founded Colorado Sports for the Physically Challenged, Inc. (CSPC), a sports camp for children and youth with disabilities, in 1985, and was executive director of the Mountain States Chapter of PVA.


In 1997, Thomas moved to Washington, DC to become the associate director of Paralyzed Veterans' Legislation Program. He skillfully coordinated The Independent Budget annually with three other veterans service organizations, testified before Congress, and represented Paralyzed Veterans nationwide at meetings and conferences. He chaired the VA's Volunteer Service Advisory Committee and served on the board of the Paralyzed Veterans Education Foundation.


Thomas helped to identify disability-friendly communities as a judge for the Accessible America Award for the National Organization on Disability. He is immediate past president of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association and had served on the board of the ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia.

Congratulations Paralympians!

Congratulations to my friend Maureen McKinnon-Tucker and her team on winning the Paralympic Trials! In 297 days they will be at the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Paralympics. They clinched the win in the Paralympic Trials by the 14th race. The Race Committee gave an extra long toot of the horn as they crossed the finish line first, to clinch the win. Yes, that means that Maureen is now a member of the US Paralympic Team representing the SKUD 18 class, and she's going to Beijing!

Congratulations to the 2008 US Paralympic Sailing Team: Bill Donohue, Tim Angle, Charlie Leighton (US Sailing Director) Maureen McKinnon-Tucker, John Ruf, Rick Doerr, and Nick Scandone.

Let's hope they return from Beijing with a Gold Medal, the ultimate goal of this journey!

Profile: Sheryl Rosa, Partnership Program Director

Sheryl Rosa is the Director of the Partnership Program at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy. In addition to that, she is also a certified trainer and a teaching instructor. Not only is she great at what she does, she puts her heart and soul into her work...the program wouldn't be the same without her.

Thanks Sheryl!

Profile: Travis Roy

Travis Roy first put on ice skates at just 20 months old. As years passed, his love for the game of hockey quickly became a passion. In the fall of 1995 Roy accomplished one of his dream goals by earning a hockey scholarship to Boston University. At twenty-years of age he entered into his first collegiate hockey game. Eleven seconds into his first shift, his life changed forever as he crashed into the boards and cracked his fourth and fifth cervical vertebra, paralyzing him from the neck down.

Despite this ill twist of fate, Roy has continued to persevere and defy the odds. With an intense rehabilitation regime, he has regained some movement in his right arm. While coming to grips with his life as a quadriplegic, he returned to Boston University less than a year after his accident. Four years later, he graduated with a degree in public relations from Boston University's prestigious College of Communication. In the storied history of BU Terriers hockey,

Roy's #24 is the only jersey to have been retired.

In 1997 Roy wrote his autobiography with Sports Illustrated’s E.M. Swift titled Eleven Seconds which chronicles his accident, rehabilitation, and perseverance through personal tragedy. Eleven Seconds was recently updated with an 'Afterword' chapter and is currently in its sixth printing.

An articulate advocate for individuals living with spinal cord injuries, Roy is a frequent speaker on the hope research carries and the need for increased funding, including testifying before a US Senate Committee hearing for The National Institute of Health in Washington, DC, addressing the Massachusetts state legislature and providing testimony to the Maine state legislature. In 1997, he founded the Travis Roy Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit that focuses on finding a cure for spinal cord injuries and provides grants to spinal cord injury survivors in financial need to help them purchase costly adaptive equipment necessary to live more active and independent lives.

Actively involved in the activities of the Foundation that bears his name, Roy is a popular motivational speaker and has also worked as a color commentator for college hockey games on ESPN and WMTW-TV8 in Maine. A Boston, MA resident, he spends his summers with his family on Lake Champlain in Vermont. Roy can also be found supporting his Terriers at Boston University hockey games, or with a paint brush in his mouth working on his latest work of art.

Christopher Reeve - In Memorium

Christopher Reeve passed away on October 10, 2004. At only 52 years old, it was far too soon. The world mourned his death, and we all reflected on the memories he left behind for each of us. And as we approach the anniversary of his passing, we all agree: No one epitomized a true hero better than Christopher Reeve. Never before has there been so much hope and optimism that cures and treatments for SCI will be found. Christopher's legacy is that we continue his journey on behalf of millions of people worldwide living with paralysis.

Christopher Reeve was born on September 25, 1952 in New York City. While the world knew him for his incredible role as Superman, those who knew him personally remember him to be so much more than just an exquisite actor. Christopher Reeve was an extraordinary father, a loving husband, a human rights advocate, an avid adventurer, an environmentalist, an author, a director, and an accomplished pianist. He was also a pilot who had made two solo trips across the Atlantic, a outdoor enthusiast who skied, sailed, scuba dived, played tennis, and canoed alone into the wilderness.

In 1985, at the age of 33, Christopher began horseback riding and by 1989 was competing in events, which included cross-country jumping. On May 27, 1995, Christopher Reeve was thrown from a horse and suffered a spinal cord injury so severe, that he became completely paralyzed from the neck down.

Christopher initiated a sea of change. Through his leadership, the Christopher Reeve Foundation (CRF) was born and grew exponentially re-shaping the world of spinal repair research. Under his guidance, CRF’s research programs have tripled and today spans from very basic science (molecular and cellular research) to clinical application (testing and delivering promising therapies to patients). Research dollars can hardly keep up with the momentum that he has ignited.

Christopher fought to increase research funding and attention at a federal level by appearing in front of Congress as a patient advocate. And while ardent research continued, Dana Reeve established the Quality of Life Grants Program to aid organizations working to enhance the quality of life for those living through the day-to-day challenges of disability. In order to address individual quality of life needs, Christopher and Dana co-founded the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center. A first of its kind, the Paralysis Resource Center provides information to people around the world desperate to learn about everything related to paralysis, such as updates on leading research efforts, sources for equipment and support groups, answers for a myriad inquiries on insurance and governmental bureaucracies. Never had there been a team like Christopher and Dana Reeve – so revered and loved for their partnership, both professionally and personally.

Christopher’s legacy through the Christopher Reeve Foundation is strong and enduring. It is humbling to comprehend how one man, who for the last decade of his life was a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic, could change the world.

Profile: My Parents

Above: My parents, Jack and Dolores Donoghue

Next week, on October 9, my parents will celebrate their 42nd wedding anniversary! They are devoted parents, loving grandparents and loyal friends. They are a wonderful example of patience and kindness, as described in the following wedding prayer:


LOVE IS PATIENT
Corinthians 1:13

Love is patient, love is kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends...So faith , hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.


Happy Anniversary mom and dad!!!

Profile: Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2007, Jackie Bartels

Jackie Bartels was born and raised in rural Nebraska. At age 13 she was helping her grandparents fix a broken windmill at their family farm when she fell about 20 feet sustaining a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down. From the onset of her disability, Jackie has remained active, nothing has gotten in her way. In high school she tried out and made the cheerleading squad. Doing the hand movements from her chair and even serving as the base for stunts, she later became captain of the squad.

Jackie came to Texas to attend college at UTArlington on a full-ride wheelchair tennis scholarship. She is also active in adaptive snow and water skiing and wheelchair basketball. Jackie recently received a bachelor’s degree from UTArlington in Graphic Design. She would like to pursue graduate studies in rehabilitation counseling for children and adults living with disabilities. Jackie truly believes that “where there is a will, there is a way.”

As Ms. Wheelchair Texas 2007, Jackie attends events throughout the state of Texas and the United States promoting disability awareness and serving as a spokeswoman for people with disabilities. Her platform focuses on promoting the importance of attitude; to help not just those with disabilities, but people of all abilities to be aware that although they may have some obvious differences on the outside, they also have a lot in common and that given the right attitude anything is possible. Jackie wants to focus on children with disabilities, to help them become socially and physically active people; living independent lives. Her goal is to advocate attitudinal and architectural barriers and promote courage to help adapt and overcome adversity. Jackie is currently a part of a non-profit organization called RISE Adventures. R-recovery, I-inspiration, S-success, E-empowerment. The organization is dedicated “To help persons with physical challenges gain independence through a learning experience in adaptive outdoor adventures and sporting programs.” In July Jackie traveled to Maryland to compete in the 2007 Ms.Wheelchair America Pageant, where she placed 3rd runner up, and was voted Ms. Congeniality.

Profile: Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2007, Sigrid Laegreid

Meet Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2007, Sigrid Laegreid!



Sigrid Laegreid sustained a permanent spinal cord injury in 1991, but that has not let it slow her down, in fact she describes herself as adventurous, generous and goal oriented. Sigrid simply states, “In life, I always strive to do my best and not complain. I try to focus on my blessings and not worry about my limitations.”

Sigrid has worked for Nordstrom’s since 1987 and received the “All Star” award in 1998 and again in 2004. She was also honored by Antioch University with a humanitarian award for her years of service at Teen Hope, as a founding Board Member and Fundraiser.

Sigrid’s community achievements include her involvement with a National Injury Prevention program called Think First. She has given presentations to students of all ages about the importance of making “good choices, so they don’t get hurt,” with an emphasis on the importance of reducing underage drinking.

As Ms. Wheelchair Washington 2007, Sigrid will focus on promoting healthy lifestyles for people with disabilities through education within the community. She titles her platform, “Wheels 2 Fitness-Access for better health through exercise.” She also hopes to increase awareness to exercise facilities throughout Washington State to provide equal access to wheelchair users.

Check out Sigrid's blog at: www.mswheelchairwashington2007.blogspot.com!

Profile: Ms. Wheelchair America 2005, Kristen Connors

Kristen Connors was born in Providence, Rhode Island and now resides in Cranston, Rhode Island. She graduated from East Greenwich High School and attended Rhode Island College where she studied political science. Kristen is currently a constituent caseworker for US Congressman James Langevin. As such, Kristen handles issues regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, Veterans and Military concerns, and issues related to Education and Housing. In addition, she represents the Congressman on several boards and commissions, including PARI Independent Living Center, TechAccess, the Rhode Island Home Choice Coalition, Rhodes to Independence Housing Work Group, and the Youth Leadership Forum. She also represents the Congressman at special events when his Congressional duties keep him in Washington, D.C.

Kristen was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a form of Muscular Dystrophy, at 15 months. She has used a wheelchair for mobility since elementary school. Her parents, Pat and Jerry, decided early on that they would not think about the things Kristen was unable to do, but rather concentrate on what she could do. Each year her parents would speak to her teachers and made it a point to instruct them that Kristen was not to be treated special because of her disability but should be treated like all the other children.

Kristen’s hobbies include watching movies, singing, and traveling. She recently began to bi-ski. She volunteers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at fundraisers throughout the year and received the MDA Rhode Island State Personal Achievement Award for 2005. In addition, she is a member of the Young Democrats of Rhode Island and has served as a State Democratic Committee Member and a Rhode Island Democratic Convention Delegate. Kristen has volunteered on many local and state political campaigns. She also teaches confirmation classes at her church, Holy Apostles. Kristen enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two nephews Connor and Christopher, and her dog, Emmy.

Kristen has combined her employment and leadership knowledge and her advocacy work to pursue her platform of “Breaking down attitudinal barriers for people with disabilities in the workforce”. Individuals with disabilities face many barriers every day- from physical obstacles in buildings to systemic barriers in employment. Yet, often, the most difficult barriers to overcome are the negative attitudes that people with disabilities can encounter in the workplace. Kristen’s philosophy is that we are the only ones who can set limits for ourselves and our potential; no one else can. Kristen’s personal life in the workforce reflects this belief. She started working summer jobs when she was 14 and has never let barriers hold her back. In Kristen’s own words, “If I had allowed other people to set limits for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. As far as I am concerned, there are no limits and I hope this holds true for you as well.”

Profile: Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2007, Buddy Hayes

Ms. Wheelchair VA 2007-2008
Buddy Hayes & Ellie (service dog)

Buddy Hayes, CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist ) of Chesapeake was crowned Ms. Wheelchair Virginia 2007-2008. Buddy uses a wheelchair due to MS, she is an American Veteran, an accomplished wheelchair athlete, and a national motivational speaker. Buddy's platform is "Sports and recreation for everyBODY" and her motto is "Desire to Inspire". She travels with her service dog, Ellie.

Congratulations to Buddy on receiving the Tony Mullins Courage Award for her speech at the 2008 Ms. Wheelchair America pageant on July 28, 2007!

For more info on Buddy, visit www.mswheelchairva.com.

Profile: Ms. Wheelchair America 2005, Juliette Rizzo

Last week at the national competition, we had the privilege of meeting with a former Ms Wheelchair America to discuss issues ranging from women's health to relationships to PCA care. She was a wonderful source of support!

Juliette Rizzo of Rockville, Maryland, was crowned as Ms. Wheelchair America 2005. Rizzo spent her year-long reign traveling the country to speak and advocate on behalf of the more than 50-million Americans with disabilities.

The mission of the Ms. Wheelchair America program is to improve public awareness of the achievements and abilities of women with disabilities and reduce the architectural and attitudinal barriers that impede the quality of life for all people with disabilities. As Ms. Wheelchair America, Rizzo traveled the country meeting with civic, government, church, and school groups and leaders to advance her platform and the Ms. Wheelchair America mission. In addition, she worked to help start Ms. Wheelchair programs in the states that do not currently have state-level competitions.

Rizzo contracted a systemic infection which resulted in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and fibromyalgia at the age of 3. She has a B.A. from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Journalism with a minor in Rehabilitation Studies from the University of North Texas. Currently she is the Director of Communication & Media for the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Office of Special Education & Rehabilitative Services. She serves on the Arthritis Foundation – Metropolitan Washington Chapter Board, was appointed Commissioner of the Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities, and serves on the Women’s Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra. Her hobbies include a new-found fitness regime, accessible container gardening, and traveling. Rizzo’s platform was power through participation.

Many of the women at this year's pageant expressed an interest in working with Juliette on putting together a national conference for women with disabilities. Stay tuned for updates.

Meet Ms. Wheelchair America 2008, Alana Wallace

Alana Wallace of Chicago, Illinois, was crowned Ms Wheelchair America 2008 last Saturday night in Washington, DC.

Alana founded Dance>Detour in 1995 to develop and promote artistic collaborations between artists with and without disabilities working together to explore dance movement as equals. She works to expand the concept of what dance is and who can be involved. Wallace, an African-American woman who contracted polio at the age of five, has always believed she was born to perform. She has found that the wheelchair is a beautiful accessory that affords her a unique opportunity to embrace and express dance.

Alana has been featured in collaborative dance pieces with renowned companies such as Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Bryant Ballet, The Chicago Moving Company and MOMENTA. In 1998, she was featured in the Emmy Award-Winning PBS television documentary “Dance From the Heart” hosted by Ben Vereen. She conducts movement workshops with ArtsConnect, and lectures and performs nationwide. Thus, Alana proudly displays her artistry in dance, (as well as in singing, and acting) – as a testament to the talents and abilities of performers with disabilities. Adding to her creative endeavors, Wallace has recently launched CRIPmark Cards –- a glittering greeting card line that showcases images of people with disabilities that are positive and beautiful!

We wish Alana a wonderful year!

Profile: "The Aunts"

My mother is one of five girls, and in my family we always refer to her sisters as "the aunts." They are pictured above, along with my sister-in-law and cousin. (from left to right: my mother Dolores, Aunt Gerry, Aunt Gina, Aunt Mary, and Aunt Bunny. My sister-in-law Kristine is in the back right, and cousin Alicia is in the front left.)

My aunts have always been super-supportive of me my whole life. In fact, a couple of them are coming to Washington DC next week with my mother for the big competition.

I consider myself very lucky that I come from a family of such strong women.

Profile: My Aunt Joan

One of my favorite people in the whole world is my Aunt Joan. She is my godmother as well as my aunt, and she is the unofficial keeper of the Donoghue clan history on my father's side of the family. She always has a funny story or interesting anecdote about one of my distant Donoghue or MacKay relatives that she loves to share. She is also famous for sending letters written on a classic type-writer.

The best thing about my Aunt Joan is that I always know I'm on her mind and in her heart, wherever I go....

Thanks for everything, Aunt Joan, including your donation to my campaign!

Profile: My Special PCA, Brenna

I have known Brenna for more than 5 years, as a PCA as well as a friend. She is a woman of many talents, from her organizational skills to her caring nature. She is currently busy studying to be a nurse at Laboure College and planning her wedding for next March.

Brenna, like many PCAs, is much more than just a worker - she is like a member of the family. I see her and/or talk to her every single day, and I wouldn't know what to do without her!

Thanks for all your TLC, Brenna!

Profile: My Girlfriends

Above (from left to right): Kathy, Ronna, Cal, Susan & KMC

I have four close girlfriends whom I grew up with and still see on a regular basis. We get together every month for "club" so we can catch up and do something fun.

The girls and I all grew up in the same neighborhood, went to school together and worked together (at various points in our lives), and now we are all married and/or have kids. We make it a priority to see each other even though we're all really busy.

My four friends were all with me when I had my accident and have stuck with me through thick and thin. We've been friends for over 30 years, and I couldn't have made it without them!

Profile: The Gimpy Girls

The Gimpy Girls Club was founded by Maureen McKinnon-Tucker in 2003 as a means for women with SCI disabilities to meet and network. The Gimpy Girls get together every few months for a potluck meal. It’s not a support group in the clinical sense, but a place for Gimpy Girls to kick back and kvetch.

I hooked up with this group several years ago and they've all become great friends! We had a fun Gimpy Girls weekend at my Cape house last fall and I'm looking forward to having them down again soon...

See you soon Caitlin, Pam, Betsy, Jackie, Donna, Cindy, Mary, Erika, and all the other cool gals!

Happy Father's Day!!!

This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.

-T.S. Elliot, The Hollow Men


Today is a day when we pay tribute to our fathers, and honor their role in our lives. My father is many things to many people, including: a devoted husband of 41 years, a grandfather, teacher, guidance counselor, novelist, entrepreneur, and avid sports fan. Known as "Jack" by family and friends, my father is a man of few words, so when he says something to me I try to listen...


Ten gifts I have received from my father:

10. An undying devotion to all of Boston's sports teams
9. Wonderful childhood memories of Craigville Beach and Cape Cod
8. An addiction to Brigham's chocolate frappes
7. An entrepenerial spirit
6. The importance of unheralded generosity
5. Respect for life
4. An aspiration to higher education
3. A Herculean work ethic
2. The gift of faith
1. Leading by example

Thanks for all of your love, guidance and support dad. Happy father's day!

Profile: Congressman Jim Langevin, (D) Rhode Island

Born April 22, 1964, Representative Jim Langevin is the first quadriplegic to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

At the age of 16, Langevin was injured while working with the Warwick Police Department in the Boy Scout Explorer program. A gun accidentally discharged and a bullet struck Langevin, leaving him paralyzed with a spinal cord injury (SCI). The tremendous outpouring of support from his community inspired Langevin to give something back, and he entered public service.

Langevin resides in Warwick, Rhode Island, and serves on a number of boards, including PARI Independent Living, Tech Access, The Rhode Island Shelter, the Hope Alzheimer’s Center and the Big Brothers of RI. Langevin is also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club and Save the Bay. He graduated from Rhode Island College and earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Congressman Langevin is a wonderful role model for people with disabilities.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

To the world you might just be one person,

but to one person you might just be the world.

-Author Unknown



Today is a day when we pay tribute to our mothers, and honor their role in our lives. My mother is many things to many people, including a devoted wife of 41 years, a grandmother, a teacher, a writer, a hard worker, a caretaker, and an angel. She is my best friend and biggest fan! I wouldn't be where I am today without her love and guidance.

Ten Gifts I Have Received From My Mother:

10. A Great Love and Appreciation of Literature
9. The Ability to Laugh at Almost Anything
8. The Courage to Persevere
7. The Importance of Responsibility & Committment
6. The Need to Forgive
5. The Value of Strength & Fortitude
4. Understanding, Compassion, and Kindness
3. Seemingly Limitless Patience
2. The Gift of Faith
1. Leading By Example

Thanks for always being there for me. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!