#53 – RICK HANSEN

The Adventure: Medal Bearer for Rick Hansen’s Man in Motion 25th Anniversary

Rick Hansen Man In Motion Medal Bearer Patricia Taylor

Hugs from Rick Hansen

Twenty five years ago, Rick Hansen began his Man in Motion World Tour in his wheelchair – going over 40,000 kms and travelling through 34 countries – in order to raise awareness for persons with disabilities.

Twenty five years later, Rick travelled across Canada, traversing 12,000 kms for his Anniversary Relay – and lucky me, I was randomly selected to run with this incredible HERO on his last day of his journey, here in Vancouver, BC.

Unbeknownst to myself, not only was I present in the company of an amazing man – but apparently, was also surrounded by two other well-known men – one a news paper reporter named, Brent Shearer, and the other, an ex-football player named Lui Passaglia.

Rick Hanson Lui Passaglia Patricia Taylor Man in Motion

Me & Lui Passaglia

Even though I had no idea who they were – in my defence, I don’t watch the news or any sort of sports.

And of course, I shouldn’t have been too surprised to discover that I was filmed from a helicopter while running with Rick and Brent…which likely was due to the fact that, when the reporter handed over the medallion to me, he decided to run with both Rick and myself while a helicopter hovered overtop.

The energy was amazing and exciting, and everyone was caught up in the moment.

Brent Shearer putting the medallion around my neck.

After the excitement of hanging out with these men wore away, I walked to the Terry Fox memorial downtown where Rick ended his journey.

Along the way, I met the main sponsors of Rick’s Man in Montion tour – Joel Yashinsky, the Vice President of Brand & Marketing at McDonald’s, and his boss, the Canadian CEO. I forget his name.

If it wasn’t for my good friend Debra, who has MS and is in a wheelchair, I would never have been in this amazing situation.

CLICK TO DONATE TO THE RICK HANSEN FOUNDATION AND TRANFORM LIVES BY FUNDING SPINAL CORD INJURY RESEARCH, ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES, AND QUALITY OF LIFE GRANTS ==>> HERE

Rick Hanson Medal Bearer Patricia Taylor

Medal Bearer for Rick Hanson