Meet Mark ~ My Surfer Friend…and a Quadriplegic

Mark has a twinkle in his eye as soon as you meet him. It is not a Santa Clause twinkle. It is a “better keep your eye on him” twinkle. It draws you in though and you are anxious to hear every story behind those eyes. Then again, maybe you don’t want to hear every story! His premature white hair, his big grin and his unbelievable ability to push his manual chair with zero finger control, appeal to your curiosity about this fun-loving and ornery guy!

I met Mark at my spinal cord support group meeting and we made friends. We were at Myrtle Beach together where I did adaptive surfing for the first time. Not Mark. That guy is a fish! He made me nervous, but he felt no fear. I kept thinking he was going to drown out there on that surf board, but he didn’t. Instead, he was my cheerleader as I went out myself with a bundle of nerves. I think Mark stayed in the water all day long. His love for adaptive sports and activities keeps us busy trying to keep up with him.

Mark is a great friend and I want you to meet him. I want you to hear his story. He has been in a chair a long time. He went to college, and now lives alone and takes care of himself. I don’t want to steal his thunder. He will tell you all about it.

My friend Mark:

Please sign this petition to help my friend Mark and others like us to keep our complex rehab equipment! Click here to sign.