National Park Capable wants to help everyone of all abilities get outdoors and explore the National Parks. Each Thursday I feature someone of any ability. See below for those featured in the past!
Meet Mariah @yogaforcp
“I have Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. I love the outdoors because it brings a sense of calm, presence in the moment and grounding. The outdoors are both powerful and peaceful. I love to visit the city , state and national parks. I love to explore accessible trails and just be in nature when I can.
One of my greatest triumphs in the outdoors is participating in Give Back Yoga each month with @methodwellnessandpt. We participate each month on an outdoor deck of a city park and the outdoor deck of the Urban Ecology Center. Each give back practice is a donation based practice selecting a different charity, organization, or cause that is important to the yoga students to be the benefactor of a donation class. It is incredible to come together in nature and make a positive impact. I encourage everyone to experience nature and even better try yoga and meditation in nature! It has a powerful, positive impact.“
Meet Jaden @wonders_within_reach
“Jaden has Spina bifida. What this means for him is limited mobility. He can do short distances with his forearm crutch, and we use the wheelchair for any big adventures. We want everyone to know that the outdoors are just so good for everyone. The beauty, the fresh air, the sunshine – it does a soul and body good!
One of Jaden’s biggest triumphs has been something we’re just getting started, but Jaden managed a quarter mile INACCESSIBLE trail in Acadia with just his crutches. There was a lot of climbing and scooting, but he had a blast. One of their mottos is to always hope. Don’t let anything or anyone stop you! I actually thought we would be cut off from the outdoors because of being a wheelchair using family – nobody ever told me that thinking was wrong! Sometimes you have to find a different way, and sometimes it’s a harder way, but there almost always IS a way.“
Meet Kimberley @wildmatrescence
“I experienced a significant birth injury when my daughter was born 2 1/2 years ago. Specifically, despite an unmedicated birth center delivery, a pelvic floor muscle tore off the bone and I developed grade 2 pelvic organ prolapse. As a former professional athlete, this injury brought about changes in physical capabilities (some temporary, some forever) that were really world rocking, and coming to a place of acceptance hasn’t been quick or easy! I’ve talked pretty openly about all of this in an effort to really push back on unwarranted shame and stigma, and help improve postpartum care. I didn’t feel alone and broken when I broke bones bike racing… why did injuring my pelvic floor bringing a whole entire human into the world feel so different?
I grew up hiking, camping, mountain biking, and just about anything else you can do outside. I’ve always felt the most purely “myself” outside. The beauty, feeling of freedom, and reminders of what matters most is hard to beat! Being outside has always been and continues to be my most effective stress-management and wellness-promoting strategy and I love sharing that now with my daughter.
The biggest “triumph” I’m most proud of came after my daughter was born. Learning to BE not just DO in nature took more effort than the most physically grueling feat I’ve ever accomplished. But it’s changed me in really profound ways. I’m not thankful for birth injury, but I’m thankful for the person I became as I healed.
There are so many ways to be strong, and the outdoors is not just for the ones who can climb the highest peaks (…even though outdoor culture often has a pernicious thread of ableism woven through it that may make us believe this.) Our value is not found in our body’s capability.”
Meet Ashton @ourblindside
Ashton is an advocate for the outdoors being for all different abilities, here are a few words from his mom and him:
“Ashton was born with Septo-optic dysplasia and he is blind. His optic nerves did not develop completely so he reads in Braille and uses a white cane to get around.
He loves the outdoors because he loves exploring new places with his white cane and being outside in nature.
Some of his greatest triumphs outside have been hiking up to the delicate arch in Moab when he was 7, skiing down a mountain in park city at age 5 and mountain biking too. He also loves kayaking and swimming in lakes and reservoirs.
‘Being outside is my favorite, especially when my mom describes a new place to me when I can’t see the beautiful view. Being blind will never stop me from going on adventures and exploring outside.’”
Meet Van @theadventuredetour
“I struggle with episodic neurological and muscle issues. This causes pain and limited movement. I don’t know when I will have these issues which makes it difficult to plan activities or just participate in life sometimes. Being in the beauty of nature makes me feel that the world is so much bigger and greater than my little part of it. Nature adapts and overcomes challenges everyday and yet still is perfection. It gives me a feeling of peace to take it all in.
My greatest triumph was deciding to move into an RV so I could comfortably see more of our nation’s most special places. It was scary to make the leap, but has been so rewarding. Now even if I am stuck in bed for a bit, my bed is always in a beautiful place.
My life’s motto is, “Your greatest life lives on the other side of fear.“ Sometimes you have to push aside what the world thinks of you or how the world says you should live your life. Find the voice inside that says you are meant for more. More living, more beauty, more adventures. That voice means different things for each of us. You are valuable and deserve to live your greatest life!”
Meet Holland @jord.stokes
“ She was born with Spina Bifida. It’s a neural tube defect that effects the spine while the baby is developing. It can cause paralysis or loss of sensation in most cases. Holland is paralyzed from her thighs down. Don’t let this fool you though! She is the happiest, brightest, go getter girl you’ve ever seen! She is the prime example of hell on wheels in her chair, & she’ll out army crawl anyone!
We love spending time outdoors as a family to reset & reconnect. I never want anything to hold Holland back, & the outdoors give her so many opportunities to see that everything is capable. we may have to go about it in a different way- but that’s what makes us all bond more & appreciate the time we spend together.
“abilities outweigh disabilities” Everyone shines in their own way! & everyone deserves to be looked at that way. it doesn’t matter if you hop, walk or roll. we’re all in this together!
I really think kindness is key! there’s beauty all around us, & it’s so worth it to stop & take it in. We can all work together to make this world accessible & enjoyable for all! don’t ever let anything hold you back! “
Meet @adventuremore.togetherfamily
“Brian currently mobilizes with the help of a walker or an electric wheelchair. He had contracted MRSA infection after dislocating & shattering his hip from a car accident. We finally have his infection managed after a year-long battle and he is currently rehabbing from a prosthetic hip surgery. He is expected to walk without assistance in a few months but will always have limited mobility. This all happened a month after our daughter was born. Finding outdoor adventures that is wheelchair accessible and toddler friendly has been our main challenge.
The outdoor calms and destresses us while at the same time makes us feel alive! Nature is beautiful and I love capturing it in photos. Exploring different places also allows us to just push ourselves outside of our previous capabilities.
Some of our biggest triumphs Pre-accident, Brian was an accomplished backcountry guide who hiked a lot of the Sierra Nevadas and rock climbed various peaks. Post-accident, going apple picking in an electric wheelchair with uneven dirt paths is probably the hardest thing he’s had to do .
Pre-motherhood, I survived Walter’s wiggle of Angel’s Landing with my tight shins & calves (The climb up the spine was easier and more fun for me!). Post-motherhood, I did an outdoor stairs climb challenge with my daughter strapped to me. I took breaks but still continued going!
One of our biggest mottos is : Let’s try and see how it goes!
Parenthood & physical limitations should not prevent one from adventuring. Our adventures may look different but there’s always a way to get out there and explore. You just have to find your version of it
Meet Elizabeth @tall.adventure.fam
“I was diagnosed with leukemia when I was 12 years old. After 2.5 years of chemotherapy, I had beaten cancer, but I had lots of lasting side effects. One of the medications had killed the bone in my left hip and right elbow (called Avascular Necrosis). I had multiple failed hip surgeries and had to use a walker or wheelchair to get around through junior high and high school. I was gradually able to walk on my own, but not very far without pain. Then in my mid-20s my pain increased and they found that I had hip dysplasia as well. I have had two more hip surgeries since 2018 and I am finally able to do most of the activities that I have always dreamed of doing. I am now able to go with my family and hike, bike, SCUBA dive, stand up paddle board/kayak, and I’ll hopefully be cleared to rock climb again in a few months .
I love that you can find beauty anywhere you look in nature. I love the freedom and peace that you feel when you are out in nature.
My greatest triumph was when I hiked Ensign Peak in 2018, my first hike since I was 12 years old. I never thought that I would be able to do a hike again, and I cried happy tears when I was actually living my dream.
My motto is “It will all work out.”
I want people to know that you shouldn’t wait for tomorrow to work toward your goal. Start right now and take little steps. You never know what the future holds, so just do it now. I wish I had tried harder to get out and explore instead of not even trying because I thought that I couldn’t.”
Meet Pratik @wheelogger
“I have Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy.
Diagnosed at a young age. It’s a progressive disease. Growing up I was able to run, walk long distances and ride a bicycle. Used to play sports. Slowly and gradually with time started loosing muscle power. I’ve been using a wheelchair since the age of 19.
I grew up in Himachal Pradesh, a Himalayan state in North India and have always loved exploring the region and spending time outdoors. I now live in Canada 
I watch a lot of travel documentaries, and always enjoy travelling and learning about different geographies and cultures .
It does become difficult and tiring to travel and lately I need a lot of assistance so it does hold me back a little bit but I do try to explore as much as I could within my capabilities.
I have done a 8 km hike growing up when it was difficult to walk for me and it was a mountain hike to a lake called Seolsar in the Great Himalayan National Park. I have done a solo travel to Vancouver which I also really feel a bit proud of. And have flown solo to New York and Connecticut. Solo travel is a little bit challenging for me as it is hard for me to drag the luggage or use the washrooms on my own.
I do get this thought sometimes that I may loose a lot more muscle power and won’t be able to travel at some point in future so I try to live and do things on my wishlist whenever I get a chance.
I would like people to know that the world is built and designed mostly around “abled people”. That’s why making inclusive infrastructure is really important to help people with all kinds of disabilities to do day to day activities, make a living and travel and lead as much as a normal life as possible. We now have big companies making rockets to travel to space and but less focus to make inclusive technologies to help people with disabilities.
The world today is much more accessible than what it was say 50 years ago but alot more still needs to be done.”
Meet Nick @njr1994 ,
“ I have quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. I use a reverse walker to walk around and a wheelchair for long distance. I love being in nature! I’ve always had a passion for animals and saving wildlife. Check on Amanda’s stories to see what I’m talking about .
My greatest triumph is when I was able to swim 3 miles in a week intensive swimming workout in the summer
When you try your hardest you can accomplish anything. I want people to know that I’m a normal person despite my disability. I am extremely intelligent and capable of accomplishing my goals and dreams”
Meet Matt @dayhikedad
For over 10 years I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression. I tried to fight it myself to no avail. I lost alot in my life (especially people) because of it. But when everything was at its lowest I finally sought help. It was difficult admitting I needed help because of my mindset, and it did feel good to wallow. But after therapy, medications and physical activity, I’m now over 1 year clear of medications and major relapses.
the outdoors is my way of clearing the slate. It’s where I go to work things out. To get a release on the tensions and stresses of adulting and life. It’s where I increase my heart rate with exercise and not anxiety, and increase my serotonin levels naturally. It’s my outward inner peace.
I don’t have a major triumph as yet because to me getting out is the triumph. The ability to solo hike is a major flex as I needed to learn how to push myself. When hiking with others, I learned to listen and take in the needs of others. Hiking any trail no matter the difficult is my physical triumph as I learn to adapt my body to whatever I need of it. Moving forward with a smile, thats my biggest triumph.
My motto is simple ‘I am able’. For I am able to attempt anything. I am able to persevere. I am able to overcome. I am able to be happy.
I think the one thing that I would want people to know, is that they are not alone. You don’t need to do it alone!
Meet Robbie @accessible.adventures
We started the @accessible.adventures platform to share accessible locations as we travel and inspire others with different abilities to get outdoors. I truly believe nature is meant for everyone we just have to find creative ways to access it!
Our account is inspired by our son Robbie, he is 7 years old and suffers from intractable Epilepsy, that basically means despite medications, brain surgery and special diets he still has daily seizures which cause him to be developmentally delayed. He is also Gtube dependent and non verbal. Robbie functions at about the level of a 6-9 month old. It took him over 3 years to sit up, 4 years to crawl and 5 years to stand. He is 7 years old now and still cannot walk but we have faith with time and all of his efforts he will get there! This means when we travel we have to look for places that are either wheelchair accessible or his Dad TJ carries him on his back!
Our greatest triumph outdoors would be Paradise Cove is Guffey CO, it was not accessible at all and TJ really pushed his limits to get Robbie there! Not something we recommend for other families.
The motto we live by is “Team Work Makes The Dreamwork!” honestly we have to work as a team to make the things we want to accomplish possible.
Last year Make A Wish gifted Robbie an RV and we are now traveling part time all over the United States and sharing our journey along the way! Robbie lights up when we get outside and truly loves nature, so does the rest of our family. We invite you to follow along on our adventures!
Meet Haley @live_for_the_views
“Although I’ve always been a lover of the outdoors, I haven’t always been an avid hiker. When we moved to Colorado and began to explore the mountains, all that changed, but it wasn’t easy. The mental and physical demands of high-elevation hiking were major triggers for my anxiety. Early on, I would frequently get caught in an anxiety spiral. What if I couldn’t make it to the top? What if we encountered predatory wildlife? What if I couldn’t catch my breath? What if I needed to go to the bathroom on the trail? What if I let my husband down? What if I just couldn’t do it?
One of the reasons why I love hiking SO much (and why I firmly believe that it’s beneficial to my mental health) is that over time, that narrative quieted. I grew stronger and more confident. I became more resilient to physical and mental stress. There are still plenty of times that I feel anxious on hikes, but I don’t let that stop me from getting out on the trail each weekend.
I’ve had to learn how to work with my anxiety while still not letting it influence the adventures we choose. I research our hikes throughly beforehand so I know what to expect and can mentally prepare (elevation gain, grade, length, reported experience from others). I bring the proper equipment so that I can feel as safe as possible (bear spray, first aid kit, GPS). And I’m so fortunate to have an considerate partner who understands my struggles and how to best support me.
I live for the views. I live to experience new things, gain new perspectives, and surround myself with the beauty of the world we live in. “
Meet Greg @fatmanlittletrail
“While technically my injury is in my shoulder (4 surgeries and counting!) What I needed to overcome was my obesity and low confidence.
I started going to the outdoors to lose weight but found it amazing for my mental and physical health. I never feel better than after spending time outdoors.
I hiked to Ooh Aah point in the Grand Canyon. Just knowing where I had started and then hiking a quarter of the way down in the canyon was astonishing
My motto is definitely “Screw it, I’m Trying”. It is my most popular blog and my was my saying “just give it a try”
I think what people need to know is that nature is for everyone. Don’t feel like you can’t go to it because you are heavy, it is there to be enjoyed by all.“
Meet Marae @bravefamilytravel ,
Since birth I’ve dealt with diastasis recti and a pretty consistent lower back pain which I later on found out was my pelvis. This was pretty hard because I love hiking and being active but I was in consistent pain for months. Finally after seeing a therapist, a chiropractor and months of work, I was able to start being active again. I’ve been doing yoga daily since end of December and I will never take that for granted again.
I love the outdoors because of the connection it allows me to have with nature and myself. I also love it because I come from a country where being outdoors is not really encouraged and in some cases not allowed.
My greatest triumphs have been walking 160 miles from Portugal to Spain on the Camino De Santiago and Snowboarding down from Lone Peak, Big sky at 11,000 feet.
What I live by is the belief that we only have now and therefore we should make the best of it, now, because we don’t know if we have tomorrow.
Meet Ben
“ I have a condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis which is an arthritic condition of the spine and other joints. 8 years ago I fractured and dislocated L5 vertebrae. Doctors went in through my stomach and put L5 back in place over S1 with a spacer and cadaver bone. Then went in my back and used two metal rods to fuse L5 to S1. This caused severe scar tissue to squeeze the nerves so a spinal cord stimulator was implanted. After a year it malfunctioned and burned me inside. So it was replaced and a morphine pump was implanted in my stomach to pump morphine straight into my spine. I just had knee surgery #9 and already I’ve torn more ligaments and tendons so it will be completely replaced or amputated soon. I currently use a wheelchair most of the time to get around.
the outdoors mean so much to me. It is freedom from being trapped in a body I hate. Listening to the birds and seeing wildlife are awesome. Being outdoors greatly helps my mental health. I’ve always been an outdoorsman and don’t know how I could handle not ever being out in the middle of a National Forrest.
my favorite trail that I have successfully climbed was the tri-state peak trail in the Cumberland Gap National Park. At the top you can see Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia where they meet.
My motto is probably Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength
I want others to know that just because you’re disabled or injured that the world hasn’t ended for you. Get outside and enjoy this wonderful world anyway that you can”
Meet Zac @zwolfe01
I have a C5-C6 Spinal Cord Injury. I was injured when I was 19 on July 3rd 2011 in an automobile accident.
The outdoors gives me freedom. When I am out doing what I love in nature, all my worries just disappear.
I am a huge offroad enthusiasts (Jeeping/rock crawling) , riding my utv, Handcycling, going on rolls with my wife (Brittney) and our dog (otto).
My motto is Adapt, Overcome, and EXPLORE!
What I would like people to know is.
You can do whatever you put your mind to. I am a firm believer of that. Try different things and DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL. It’s all part of learning!
Meet Autumn @_adventures.with.autumn_
@justthatdisabledgirl on Tik Tok
“Hello everyone! I’m Autumn and I love to draw, read books, and of course, find parks with accessible trails so I can hangout with my best friend!
I have a form of Muscular Dystrophy called SMA type 2. SMA impacts every muscle in my body except my brain. SMA is a progressive neuromuscular disease that cause a disability meaning all our muscles too get weaker and weaker overtime. SMA has made me a stronger advocate for me and others with disabilities.
I love the outdoors because it’s refreshing to get a breath of air. I love the sunshine, having fun, enjoying nature and being able to explore. My greatest triumph would be finding wheelchair accessible lunch tables at a park we like to hangout together.
There are 2 quotes I live by. “Making the world a little less inaccessible and a little more inclusive”-Me
“My wheelchair is my freedom, my mobility, and my legs.”
What I wish other people would know is that my wheelchair isn’t confining, in fact It gives me freedom to go to these parks”
Meet Amy @disabledinthewild7
“I have always had a deep love for the outdoors. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, I lived for fishing trips to the nearby forest preserve and visits to see our family in the woods of Wisconsin. I decided I wanted to move to Montana when I was 12 years old, and I made that dream come true four days after I turned 18. I’ll never forget those first few mountain hikes: the breathtaking views, the smell of the cool mountain air, and the feeling of strength in my body.
Fourteen years later, my love for the outdoors remains the same, though my “trekking poles” may look a bit different. I am learning how to explore nature within my body’s new limitations and support needs. It takes me about an hour to walk a mile, and I can walk about two miles in one day. Three miles is my record! Depending on the activity, I have to take a lot of breaks, but I’m learning to appreciate the opportunity to really take in the view while I rest. The recovery afterwards can be rough, but it’s almost always worth it to me. Almost.
People aren’t quite sure what to think when they see me crutching around in the wild. I used to feel extremely self-conscious about the crutches and the way my legs move, but now I actually want to be seen. My mere existence in the outdoors challenges most non-disabled people’s perspectives of what disability means, and normalizing disabled people in outdoor spaces is a step toward getting access for all people with varying abilities.
When people see me outdoors, I want them to know: disability does not mean inability. Just like some non-disabled people want to explore the outdoors, some disabled people want to explore the outdoors too! It doesn’t matter if your limitations are 20 miles in a day, or two miles, or if your body’s support needs are comfortable hiking shoes, or forearm crutches: we all belong outdoors, and we all deserve access to outdoor spaces.”
Meet Sophia @cloudystravel
“Hi! My name is Sophia and I am 23 years old. At the age of 3, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This mostly affected me in my knees. Growing up I wasn’t very physically active due to the pain and swelling that it caused. Through out my life I’ve been very grateful for all the things I have been able to do as I know rheumatoid arthritis can affect people much more severely. I currently manage my disease with daily medication, steroid injections, and movement! While my disease is currently mostly managed and I am able to do most things, I still get flare ups which make it difficult to do things such as walk, hike, or bike.
I have always loved the outdoors! Growing up I spent a lot of time outside and my family would go on road trips to different parts of the western United States and national parks! The outdoors has always brought me joy because it calms me down and takes me out of my everyday life.
I was lucky enough to work a seasonal job outside Glacier National Park in 2021. Prior to the season I had only ever done a handful of hikes in my life. But through out the season I was able to challenge myself doing longer and harder hikes. My biggest was doing a 12 mile hike! I would have never guessed I would be able to hike 10+ miles. This gave me the confidence to continue challenging myself and to take more advantage of the outdoors.
I want people to know that they should always try new things and get out of their comfort zone! You never know what might resonate with you until you try it.”
Meet Geoff @geoffallenphoto
I was born with a deformed right ankle/foot. When I was young, it just meant I wore a lift on my right shoe. As I’ve gotten older (I’m in my upper 50s now), it’s become more of an issue, and I now wear an ankle-foot orthotic (AFO), which most people would simply call a “brace.” I like to call it my exoskeleton, which makes up for deficiencies in my real skeleton.
The main impact is that it limits my range. I can only comfortably walk a mile or two in it. Steep grades are also challenging, as the AFO doesn’t flex at all, and I have to sidestep to get up or down.
I have a love/hate relationship with my AFO. On the one hand, it’s uncomfortable, doesn’t work perfectly, and can be painful. On the other hand, it’s why I can walk/hike places at all, so I’m thankful for it.
Growing up, my family spent a lot of time camping and hiking in the outdoors. I’ve continued to love it as an adult. And I live in Idaho, which is 70% public land.
My primary focus is photography, and I love capturing photos that give the feel of a place. You don’t always have to travel far to do that. It’s all about going to the right places, and then looking in the right places
A quote I really love is “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t — you’re right.” — Henry Ford
It takes a lot less physical ability than you might think to get out and enjoy nature. You can even be alone in a busy place like Yellowstone relatively easily. Whatever you can do is great for both physical and mental health.
Meet Shannon @alpine_diva
“After sustaining a TBI and broken clavicle, it took 6+ months of PT and two surgeries before I could walk long distances again. It was over a year before I could run again. The tension headaches, and some cognitive abilities (like world retrieval) improved, but never fully went away. I’ve had to relearn how to do life in many ways. Spending time outside was a huge contributing factor to my healing process.
The outdoors allows you to slow down and enjoy what’s in front of you. It challenges you, physically and mentally. It heals you. The outdoors offers something for everyone
Say yes more, and don’t wait until it’s perfect- just jump in if it’s messy, you’ll find growth through the experience. If it’s perfect, you’ll always have a moment in time to remember 
Being “outdoorsy” is the desire to spend a LOT of time outside: not how far, or how fast you went, or how heavy your pack was, or that you were the best at it.”
Meet Rayven @rollingrayven
“I am a C5C6 quadriplegic, I was involved in a diving incident. I am 28 years old. I’ve only been injured for seven months so every day is a learning experience for me right now.
I’ve always been adventurous I’ve traveled all over the United States and South America I was currently living in Hawaii when my accident happened then I came back to the states to be with family while I’m healing. I love the outdoors and I’m excited to see what gnu capabilities and obstacles I can’t over come to enjoy them still.
Before the accident I have climbed mountains in Colorado, surfed in Hawaii, backpacked through South America. And now I am working on trying to get new adaptive equipment so I can continue doing those things that I love.
“One day you will tell your story about what you overcame and went through and it’ll be someone elses survival guide”
I just want anyone who is newly injured to know that it’s still possible to live a fulfilling life after all !”
Meet Felicia
“Our son, Grayson, had the ideal birth story and perfect apgar scores. He progressed like other abled children until around six months when I suspected he may have a gross motor delay and started having focused discussions with the pediatrician. It took our consistent advocacy to finally reach a confirmation of diagnosis of Infantile Tay-Sachs Disease when he was 15 months old. Terminal illness. Between diagnosis and his passing at the age of five in December 2019, he gradually lost every ability, including the ability to swallow, laugh, or see.
There were two things we always knew Grayson loved, despite his never having the ability to speak – being around his family, and being with his family in the outdoors. It’s as if he was teaching us to stay focused on what we could control and would help keep all of us calm – fresh air, sunlight, and time together. He never walked, so we wore him or found accessible trails to push him along in a stroller or wheelchair.
Our greatest triumph in the outdoors was his Make A Wish Hiking Road Trip through Oregon when he was still well enough to be carried on trail. While his body required daily treatments and tube feeding, we were able to time his body’s needs around family-friendly trails throughout the state, providing his older brother to grow his hiking abilities and the four of us (this was pre-sister joining the family) to bond as we explored the beauty of the state.
Complications of Tay-Sachs ended Grayson’s life, but we refused to let the disease take any more.
What we want people to know about Tay-Sachs disease is, although rare, one in 34 people are a carrier. If each parent is a carrier, there’s a 25% chance each pregnancy will result in a child with Tay-Sachs disease. There is no cure. We put on a fundraiser every year (@takeahiketaysachs) to help @curetaysachsfoundation support research. Finally, when you see a child that looks like they need a nap or may seem a bit big to be carried, please don’t make parenting assumptions”
Meet @daisyyy_8a
My son has cerebral palsy. He has had it since birth. It affects his movement; he is unable to walk and we use manual wheelchair to get him around. He also is not able to verbally talk and uses a communication device that he operates using his eyes. He also has chronic lung disease and requires respiratory medication. He also has a feeding tube that we use to provide him nourishment since he is unable to safely swallow food.
The beauty out in nature has a calming effect on me. It brings me peace. It helps me clear my mind. For my son, he feels joy exploring and discovering different places out in nature. He also loves to see the many different animals we have seen out in the beautiful outdoors.
For us it is to have been to four national parks; Yosemite, Sequoia, Zion and the Grand Canyon. We took a paved trail in Yosemite to the bridalveil fall. It was quite a triumph for us since it was the first waterfall trail we were able to get my son to since most are not accessible with a wheelchair.
My favorite motto to live by :
YOLO JK! I live by the quote of “ Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
Meet @our.next.adventure
Meet Sophie! Our sweet 4 year old with a brain malformation called holoprosencephaly, along with secondary diagnoses of cerebral palsy and apraxia of speech.
Our family loves to travel anywhere and everywhere, whether exploring cities in Europe or trekking through National Parks. We thought when Sophie was born that might end, but it turns out, she’s quite the little globetrotter!
We love traveling and getting outdoors because it pulls us out of our routines, allows us to connect in a whole new way, and pushes us to work together to do hard things. Although Sophie’s nonverbal, we see how engaged and curious she is when exploring new places.
One of our best travel memories was hiking through Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, with both Sophie and her sister Evelyn on our backs! The natural beauty is something you have to see in real life to believe.
We’ve learned over the years that life is full of uncertainty and each day is a gift. We put this energy into everything we do, always pushing ourselves to try new things and share as much of the world as we can with Sophie!
To any families who want to travel with their disabled child, but are afraid it’ll be too difficult, I encourage you to give it a try. Start small, invest in a hiking pack, and just go! You may find it’s not nearly as bad as you think!
Meet @niki.and.jimmy
Jimmy is Blind with physical and mental disadvantages. With this comes his struggles with walking anywhere long distances. Jimmy needs assistance in all aspects of his life.
We both love the outdoors. For me, it’s relaxing, and I find it calming, and it’s my peace. I believe Jimmy loves it for the same reasons and the sounds he would hear that I don’t with his heightened sense of hearing from having no sight.
We have had many triumphs in the outdoors but the first time I piggybacked Jimmy up a mountain made me realise we can do anything with training and practice. Jimmy does get nervous when we climb anything uneven, but he always knows and is so happy whenever we reach the finish. Other outdoors achievements were when we went to the snow and Jimmy felt it the first time, and then went on a sit-ski. Watching him come down the mountain and then when he got to me, and I took his helmet off, the smile and excitement on his face was the best thing I have ever seen.
I live by many life mottos.
If you don’t try, you’ll always be wondering, what if
Life isn’t set in stone, and you have the choice every day to make it exactly how you want it to be, and the best life is where you allow yourself to live in the moment. Sometimes our biggest struggles can lead us to our most beautiful experiences. My life with Jimmy isn’t always a big adventure; we spend much time at home saving for the fun stuff. In summer, we are up early to catch the sunrise. I’ll piggyback Jimmy down to the beach, and he will sit on a towel with a smile on his face listening to the sound of the waves rolling in and birds chirping their morning song. In these moments, I realise sometimes our most incredible achievements are not those where we climbed the highest mountain and went to some fancy place but sat quietly at the moment in time enjoying the peace that the outdoors gives us.
Meet Laura @wyudaho
“ I was diagnosed with Addison’s Disease twelve years ago. Addison’s is an autoimmune disease where your white blood cells attack your adrenal glands. Because of this, I no longer create cortisol- which your body needs in order to live. Luckily there is medication to replace cortisol, and while it’s not a perfect solution, it does work.
One of the hardest things about this disease, is that it severely limits the things I can do. You most likely won’t find me on any long strenuous hikes. My body just can’t handle the physical stress. Because of this, most of the hikes we do are easy 1-3 mile hikes. The other hard thing about this disease, is that I do not retain salt. Which means I don’t do well in hot weather. I do take another medication to help with this, but you still won’t find me outdoors on a really hot day. Because of that we usually plan our Southern Trips from October – May and then head North during the summer months.
I absolutely love the outdoors. The funny thing is, I only discovered this a couple years ago, but since then, I get out and explore the outdoors as much as I can! There is something about being in nature, that heals my soul, and I can’t get enough of it. Plus I love to photograph and make videos of all the beautiful places we travel.
My motto is, “You only live once”. I almost died 12 years ago, and I am constantly reminded that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so live a life you love with no regrets.”
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