Ramesh Ferris

Cycle to Walk aims to raise funds and awareness to forward the global eradication of polio, to educate about the continuing need for immunization against polio and to support the rehabilitation of polio survivors in poor countries.

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Day 32 - Edmonton, Alberta - Non-Cycling Day

by Ramesh Ferris, posted in Road Updates - Tue, May 13, 2008

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I don’t know where I would be in my life if I didn’t have a strong, determined, positive attitude. I recall going to Easter Seal Camps in Squamish, BC when I was younger and chatting with other people who had limited mobility. Some felt sorry for themselves and didn’t focus on their abilities. I always tried to demonstrate to people the things that I could do rather than focus on what I couldn’t do.

Going through rehabilitation myself, I know first hand that it is an extreme test on one’s patience, body, and ego. There were times in my life where I cried and I just wanted to give up, but I knew in reality that it wasn’t what I wanted to do.  I have challenging times in my life, just like everyone else.  The trick is to keep pushing forward.

Today Cycle to Walk had an opportunity to spread its message of polio eradication, education, and rehabilitation to participants and staff at the University of Alberta’s Steadward Centre for Personal and Physical Acievement. Thank-you to Karen for giving the team such a great tour of your facility and programs, as well the generous donations from staff and participants totaling over $250! It means so much, and will go such a long way.

For the participants in rehabilitation at the Steadward Centre please do not lose hope, patience, or determination: you can and you will achieve all you set out to do.

Thank-you to the Rotary Club of Edmonton Strathcona for providing Cycle to Walk an opportunity to share its message, as well as for the financial contribution.  President Peter and everyone at lunch was just wonderful.  I particularly enjoyed the slide show depicting China’s rapid change from a rural to an urban society. 

Lastly, a big thank-you to all the students and staff at Prince Charles and Inglewood Elementary Schools for welcoming the team into your school to share the messages of Cycle to Walk with you this afternoon.

We have now been in Edmonton for 5 days, and Cycle to Walk’s message is spreading.  Thanks to everyone for all your support. If you have not done so already, please donate or sponsor today.

The hand-cycle is fixed, my body now feels rested. Thank-you Edmonton it’s now time to find the Yellowhead and head east!

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