Winning Wheels

In our continuing efforts to provide meaningful and empowering experiences for residents of Winning Wheels, we have teamed up with a program called "Moving Mountains". Moving Mountains is an outdoor adventure program created specifically for people with disabilities, their families and friends, and the health care professionals and others who support them in their rehabilitation and in getting about the business of life. Program co-founder Pat Maher, who has a spinal cord injury, said the goal for participants is to prove to themselves that they are able to triumph over adversity. This leads to increased confidence and self-worth, which is critical to the rehabilitation process. Originating in 1995, Moving Mountains has had nearly 300 participants. The program is conducted by volunteers and is presented in partnership with the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Illinois.

Winning Wheels experienced first-hand the benefits of this unique program last fall when several residents took part in a rock climbing adventure at Mississippi Palisades State Park in Savanna, Illinois. Following a short training session, the residents established goals on how high they wanted to climb. Then, using adapted climbing gear, they pushed themselves mentally and physically to reach their goal. Through teamwork and sheer determination, each resident exceeded his goals for that day, which left a lasting impression that no injury could ever take away.

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