Monday, May 12, 2014

Debbie Niemann


Kellisa's Path started out as a means to share Kellisa's adventures with friends and family. The blog has grown beyond it's intended purposes over the years as many strangers are interested in "Kellisa" and following her latest activities. In the last few years, we've even added an intrepid little sister, Laurel to our adventures. However, as things change, some unfortunately remain the same. It can feel like we are alone when out in the world because we still have only seen one other disabled child on a trail (we've hiked well over a 1,000 miles) and even though we've only been a part of a few organized races, Kellisa has been the only "wheelchair" competitor each time.  

One nice thing about the Internet, we've realized that we are NOT alone. There are other children that are very similar to Kellisa who have parents that support them and allow them to enjoy the outdoor environment. Although, I still believe it's an extremely low percentage. I've always said it's sad that these kids are trapped in their bodies, but lets not also trap them in the inside world because it's the easy thing to do. They deserve to be outside like any other kid and I've always known that Kellisa can't be the only one who actually thrives when outside "doing" something fun.

It's been our pleasure to get to know an amazing girl from Kansas who shares many similarities with Kellisa. I'd like to point out one obvious similarity: huge smiles that are worth more than a 1,000 words and one less obvious: their outright refusal to pass entirely through the Gates of Heaven! Cecilia is also fortunate to have a determined mother that includes her in some crazy activities for a child in a wheelchair and we love their story! Eventually a light bulb went off and the idea of posting an interview with someone on a similar path was conceived.

With that, we'd like to introduce Cecilia and her mother, Debbie as they share their story with Kellisa's Path. 



Monday, April 28, 2014

Fort Gates Ferry

April 2014
 
 
 
 
 
A few more pictures of the girls enjoying the oldest operating ferry in Florida can be found (here).

Friday, April 25, 2014

Grand Island National Recreation Area

Michigan
August 2013



Kellisa and I enjoyed 3 days and 2 nights on Grand Island...our little piece of heaven on earth. Many pictures, details of my bear encounter and the story of unexpected friendship can be found (here).  

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

It's Only A Mountain

Dick and Rick Hoyt, Men of Iron
By Sam Nall


I've been thinking about recommending books on this website for awhile. Since the disabled world owes so much to the Hoyt family and yesterday was Dick and Rick's last Boston Marathon together, I thought this was the obvious choice as the first book to recommend. 

Team Hoytas the father and son are known really opened up competitive running to the disabled community. They made their name by officially completing the Boston Marathon after several "unofficial" completions in the world famous event. Not content with finishing the world famous marathon, the Hoyt's set their sight on completing an Ironman Triathlon. The Hoyt's would eventually complete Ironman Hawaii.

Most road races today have wheelchair participants. Some even complete the races using their own power while others are pushed along the course. "Dad, when I'm running it feels like I'm not even handicapped." Rick's own words motivate his father to accomplish truly amazing feats.

Many know the father and son story, but few probably realize how much Dick's wife, Judy accomplished for the disabled community, with special emphasis on "inclusion" for the disabled in everyday life, including in school.

This remarkable family started blazing the trail in the 60's and 70's when so many children like Rick and Kellisa were sent to an institution to live out their days and were forgotten about by their families. While a lot of work still remains to be completed for the disabled, there is a lot less to do thanks to the Hoyt family.



Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Brazos Bend State Park

Texas
 
March 2014
 
 
 
 

  
While in Texas for our cousin Matt's wedding, we completed our 12th state hike completed in 2014. We were joined by my sister Courtney and her husband Rob. (More Pictures)

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

White Sands National Monument

New Mexico
 
March 2014
 
 
 
We spent an afternoon hiking and sledding at White Sands National Monument. Both girls had a ball, just as they did when they first visited the park back in March 2011.     
 

Monday, March 17, 2014

Julington-Durbin Preserve

St. Johns River Management District
Jacksonville, FL

March 15, 2014
 
 
Lisa was at the library and Laurel was with her friend, so Kellisa and I headed to our favorite local trail to try our new Hippocampe. We were very happy with the performance on the sandy trails. We ended up hiking 9.45 miles under beautiful Florida skies.




Monday, March 10, 2014

Hippocampe

March 9, 2014




Kellisa loves her new chair and of course it comes with a few pictures and stories that can be found (here). 





Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Julington-Durbin Preserve

St. Johns River Management District
Jacksonville, FL

February 2014




Kellisa's might have a hiking future without her father behind the wheels. 

Monday, March 3, 2014

Hemlock Cliffs

Hoosier National Forest
Indiana
 
January 2014
 
 
 
 
I don't think either girl cared that it was in the low 20s for our hike and snow play in southern Indiana. (More pictures and a video)

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