Amputees Across America 2003

By Meredy Fullen Bios by Joseph Sapere

(From left), Joe Sapere, trip organizer; Mark Farrell; Bruce HIbbett; Jim DeLong A group of guys who called themselves the "Three J's" approached Ohio Willow Wood in late 2001 for sponsorship. They had an ambitious mission in mind of riding bicycles across the United States, beginning in Newport Beach, California, and ending in Jamestown, Virginia. When we read the sponsorship request and trip proposal, we did not realize that all three of the riders were wearing our Pathfinder" foot. Only after speaking to the trip organizer did we make the connection.

Many of you followed the ride by Internet last year. In fact, www.amputeesacrossamerica.com has received well over 10,000 hits since launching last year's ride. We also published a couple of articles in Perpetual Motion and a couple of the industry magazines picked up the story as well. The main indicator that the mission was well received was the response of the general public, let alone the targeted audience, during last year's ride. People turned out by the tens and sometimes hundreds to greet the Three J's as they pedaled their miles each day. Through the generosity of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals, AAA was able to host formal visitations with amputees and their loved ones or caregivers. It was a very rewarding event.

Because of the success of last year's trip, Joe Sapere has planned for the mission of Amputees Across America to continue. After a careful analysis of last year's effort, he charted a new course, made improvements where necessary, implemented a new plan of action, and proposed the ride to Ohio Willow Wood for 2003. We are happy to announce our Gold Level Sponsorship of Amputees Across America 2003.

Although Ret. Col. Joe Sapere will be the official organizer, webmaster, support vehicle driver, and navigator of AAA '03, he will not be an official "rider" this year. As a matter of sharing the experience and establishing a network of amputees who can serve as ATTITUDE Ambassadors, Joe and the others passed the baton to three new riders this year: Jim DeLong, Mark Farrell, and Bruce Hibbett.

Jim DeLong is a 52-year-old left below-knee amputee. Born in Pedro, Ohio, Jim graduated from high school in Pedro and then joined the United States army. While serving in Vietnam, Jim stepped on a landmine in 1971, which exploded and caused the loss of his limb. Retiring from active duty, Jim attended business school and after working for the state of Ohio, went into the building contracting business. He later retired to his farm in Pedro. Jim travels extensively in his motor home and is a passionate Harley rider. Horseback riding, hunting, and backpacking are also activities that hold his interest. He is the father of three boys and granddad for six girls, two boys, and one more on the way. Jim has not let his amputation stop him from living life to its fullest. He recently underwent an Ertl revision and was be fitted with Alpha® Liners and the Pathfinder following his recovery. His wife Trisha, who will join the adventure as the other support driver, has already been forewarned about bringing an extra atlas.

Pictured from left are Joe Sapere, Bruce Hibbett, Jim DeLong, and Mark Farrell. Mark Farrell is a director in National Decision Systems, a consulting company located in the New York City area. He is a below-knee amputee since April 2001. In a summer job after his first year at the University of New Mexico (1976), Mark crushed his right leg in an accident on an oilrig. There was significant permanent damage to his leg. In the years following his original injury, Mark returned to college and graduated in 1984 from Texas Tech University. He married, had two children, and-determined not to consider himself disabled-began bicycling, studied aikido for several years, and exercised regularly until he was unable to do so because of pain.

In spite of 20 surgeries to correct various problems, increasing pain and functional limitations caused him to choose amputation 25 years after the initial accident. After his amputation, Mark took both skiing and snowboarding lessons, has been ice-skating and rollerblading, and tries to exercise regularly, primarily by walking with his dogs and children.

A user of Alpha Liners and the Pathfinder foot since May 2002, Mark has recently begun experimenting with running, which he has been unable to do for 26 years. He also plans over the next two years to try skydiving, paragliding, and more snowboarding. None of this was possible with the state of his foot and ankle before the amputation. Wearing the Pathfinder, Mark feels he has no such limits.

Bruce Hibbett is 51 years old and became a left below-knee amputee in January 2001 as a result of a climbing accident in the Wyoming Grand Teton Mountain range. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Bruce graduated from Webster University in 1973 and received a masters degree in social work from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 1985. He lives in Jefferson City with his wife Cheryl and 20-year-old daughter Elizabeth, who is currently attending college in St. Louis.

Bruce works in the Missouri state government with the Division of Family Services, and has worked in various positions involving child welfare programs for the last 25 years. Currently, Bruce is working on a degree to become a physical therapist assistant (PTA) through Linn State Technical College in Linn, Missouri. His plans include finishing his PTA degree and using this knowledge, combined with his own experiences, to help other amputees through rehabilitation. Bruce is most interested in helping other amputees see their potential, and feels that with proper support from friends and family, good medical care and access to trained rehabilitation specialists, amputees can continue to live a happy and productive lifestyle.

Bruce was fitted with a Pathfinder foot in June 2001 and believes this leg has contributed greatly to his ability to return to the things he enjoys doing, mainly being active outdoors. He has used the leg hiking, climbing, canoeing, all without problems or breakdowns, even on extended hiking trips in Wyoming.

After four strategic planning sessions at Ohio Willow Wood, the team is finally ready to kick off their ride on May 31, 2003. Judging by their personalities and having already witnessed several of their shenanigans, this trip is likely to be livelier than last year. Check their travel dates and route of over 4,400 miles on www.amputeesacrossamerica.com . If you are interested in being a host facility for a visitation of AAA '03 for your patients, please call Meredy Fullen at 800.553.3445, ext. 106.

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