Airports Visited - 2023 Update

Kellisa - October 2018

 All-time list of airports visited: 

Chris- 126
Kellisa- 60
Lisa- 48
Egypt - 42

* March 6, 2023 *

In 2022, Egypt added LAX and Chris added Palm Springs, CA and Kodiak, AK. In early 2023, Lisa added Long Beach, CA, Washington Reagan, and LaGuardia, NY. 

We all flew to St. Louis in January 2023, but no one added a new airport. This was Kellisa's first flight since February 2020, by far the longest stretch of her life.  

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This is usually one of my favorite posts because I get to reflect on the new places we visited during the year. Kellisa, Egypt, and Lisa didn't fly to or through any new airports in 2021. The girls didn't fly at all due to COVID. In fact, this was the first full calendar year for either girl without a single flight. 

Lisa had one trip and it was back to Chicago.

I had another busy travel year for work,  including 5 trips to Alaska, but I only added 2 new airports- Bozeman, MT and Fairbanks, AK.

I'm hoping we can all add at least 1 new airport in 2022!

Meet Kellisa

Kellisa was born on May 23, 1999 

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL

Birth Weight: 2 pounds, 1ounce

25 Week Micro Preemie

Primary Diagnoses: Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Developmental Delays

Surgeries: Shunt (10), Gastrostomy Tube (4), Hips (4), Eyes (2), Breast (1), Heart (1), Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy (1)

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• Kellisa enjoys watching and listening to The Wiggles and Hannah Montana.
• Kellisa likes observing and learning about bugs, bats, snakes, and alligators.
• Kellisa loves all forms of travel and all outdoor activities.
• Kellisa has spent time in 31 national parks.
• Kellisa has visited and hiked all 50 United States at least twice. 

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Kellisa lives in Roseville, CA with her sister (Egypt), mom (Lisa), and dad (Chris)

Book Blurbs

Jennifer Pharr Davis

Author, speaker, record setting hiker

National Geographic Adventurer of the Year

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Chris and Kellisa are two of my heroes - and some of the best hikers I know. The trail doesn't care how far or fast you go. Hiking is all about getting out there, making the most of the experience, and taking all the lessons, memories, and friendships back home. In Rugged Access for All, Chris and Kellisa prove that the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life. Hike on!

Ian Mackay

Executive Director of Ian's Ride

Guinness World Record Holder

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Part guidebook, park chicken soup for the soul. Adventurous, heartwarming, and informative. If this book doesn't make you want to explore the outdoors, nothing will.   

Christina Adams

Author, speaker

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Gain a whole new view into the wonders of nature through the eyes of Kellisa and Christopher Kain, an intrepid father-daughter hiking team who tackled all 50 states-twice-by 'pushiking' with a mobility chair. The Kains'  uncertainties and delights, from predictable struggles with signage and parking to dealing with snakes, deep sand, and people's varying attitudes, enable the reader to be surprised alongside them. From prudent notes on trail sections to packing tips for a person with extra needs, readers will find what they need to do  the same. But it's Christopher's offhand lines about tube-feeding a daughter in a dark tent, tethering himself to her stroller to keep them attached in case of a fall, and treating her seizures beside a road before a dinner for two that add depth and sparkle to this guide. He says Kellisa's social skills and language benefit from hiking, and it's easy to see why as we follow their stimulating paths. Rugged Access for All is useful and inspirational for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities.  

Terri Weeks

Author and owner of Big Rock Travel

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I have been following and admiring Chris on social media for several years. Chris's drive to enrich Kellisa's life through pushiking will inspire you to persevere through life's challenges. This book will encourage you to explore and appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty our country offers, while forging a lifelong bond with your loved ones. It also includes lots of practical advice and recommended trails for would be pushikers.

Dr. Kay Tasso

Professor| Spalding University

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An inspiring story of a father who kept his first promise to his daughter. Kain documents their tender moments while using wheeled mobility to explore trails throughout America and provides guidance for others interested in doing the same. 

Karen Kain

Author and advocate

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I have met a handful of people in life who inspire everyone they come into contact with. these people have one thing in common - they are always kind, happy, and smiling. They do things that others only dream of, and of course make it look effortless. Christopher Kain is one of those people. This book gives you permission to push your boundaries, and experience life to the fullest no matter your abilities.

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Testimonials

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“I’ve been wondering about traveling the world with my Micro Preemie. It took me a long time to feel OK about taking her outside of our little bubble. It felt like a huge deal to be on a plane together and going across the country. Your story is giving me hope that travel is possible, and we should keep trying to get out there! I promised my daughter that if she survived, I would show her the world. I don’t think that means being trapped inside a building day after day. I think it means what you guys are doing. This is inspiring!”  Cheryl Silinskas (Micro Preemie Mother)

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"All your posts inspire me to get out and do all the hiking and exploring I've always wanted to do! I can't wait to live a life full of adventure like you've created." Jenny Sloan

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"So much power and love for you Kellisa, you are one courageous person. You actually did stuff that even a non disabled person would be scared to do. Best of luck."  Anonymous

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"I love the paternal love, the optimism and the courage that shines through your blog postings. It brought a big lump to my throat.

My almost 4 year old son has severe developmental delays, and there are days I feel helpless and hopeless, days when I want to throw in the towel and hide under a rock. 

Reading your blog made me feel ashamed of myself. Thank you for letting me realize that we are bigger than ANYTHING that can happen to our children.

God bless your family and your beautiful little girl." Gail

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"I'm so glad I found this site today. My wife was injured in car accident (C5 Spinal cord) but we still love to go out and go hiking. We are always searching for accessible trails and this is a great resource!" Anonymous

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"This is absolutely awesome on so many levels! Words really can't begin to describe it. A father's strength ... and a daughter's strength ... to not let a disability keep you both from dreaming big and doing big! Big Bend was a beautiful park and the race was a terrific opportunity to visit it. I'm glad you both got to tour the park as participants in the race. So awesome!" Anonymous

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"This touched my heart. So much love for you all, everywhere you go. Kellisa is amazing and so are her folks." Ellen Jo

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"I love this so much. It's amazing what our kids teach us. I've been reading your posts for awhile now. I don't normally comment but I just wanted my support to be known." Anonymous 

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Vampire Bat Face Kellisa

 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Florida

October 2007

15 years ago - While all the little girls were getting butterflies, mermaids, and glittery princesses painted on their faces, Kellisa wanted a vampire bat with blood dripping from one of her fangs.