Urinary Tract Infection

                                                          May 28, 2014

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Kellisa's doctor called this afternoon to report that Kellisa has a urinary tract infection. We were so relieved with the diagnosis! (Click here to read why we were so relieved)                                                                                                                                     

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Rush University Medical Center

 

Chicago, IL

May 26, 2014

 

 

 

 

We flew up to Chicago so Lisa and the girls could attend a baby shower. Unfortunately, Kellisa was battling a fever and spent most of the weekend sleeping. On our way to the airport for our return flight, we made the last minute decision to visit the NICU where Kellisa spent the first 113 days of her life. It was a very emotional, but positive experience.

 

The full story with pictures from 1999 and 2014 can be found here.

No Limits Recreation

"No Limits Recreation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, based in Flagstaff, Arizona. The goal of No Limits is to provide whatever assistance is necessary to enable individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities the opportunity to participate in outdoor adventures. At this time, No Limits is focused on extended day hiking and multi-night backpacking trips. Group size for each trip is kept small in order to preserve the intimacy and simplicity of the wilderness experience, as well as limit our impact on the environment. No Limits believes in the importance of re-connecting with the natural world and feels that everyone, regardless of ability, disability or financial status, deserves to have the chance to get out and experience the world in a more natural way".

No Limits Recreation Website

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. 

Debbie Niemann Interview

Fort Gates Ferry

April 2014

 

 

 

 

 

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

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).  

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 Hoyt, as 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.

Amazon: It's Only A Mountain 

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)

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.     

 

(More pictures & video of Kellisa sledding)

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.



Hippocampe

"Freedom to GO- Anywhere"

March 9, 2014

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



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. 

(More pictures and a video)

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)

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (KY)

Kentucky

January 2014

 

 

Another cold and windy hike. (More pictures)

 



Towosahgy State Historic Site

Missouri

January 2014

 

 

It was cold (26F) and windy as we arrived after Towosahgy State Historic Site closed for the day. The gate to the park was still open and the park was unstaffed. The sun was setting fast and I was worried about getting stranded overnight because the gas light was already on in the rental SUV and we were in the middle of absolutely nowhere. But we had a state hike to accomplish, so I left the car outside of the gates in case a ranger came to close the park and we quickly started our hike around an ancient site of Mississipian people. Although short and a little scary, this was a very enjoyable hike. We were alone for our entire visit and I had just over 30 miles to worry about the gas situation when we came upon a gas station out of the 1950s. The lady was smoking and explained that they didn't take credit cards. I barely had enough cash to buy two gallons of gas, but it was enough to get us back to modern civilization.

 

(More pictures)