Kenny and Carol are two long-time SPLORE participants. Both Kenny and Carol have Cerebral Palsy, a muscle condition which impacts mobility and muscle control. Here is their SPLORE story…
Kenny became involved with SPLORE in 1998. He always wanted to be involved with SPLORE, but it wasn’t until he started working full-time and learned that one of his co-workers was on the SPLORE Board of Trustees. Kenny had no more excuses to not check-out SPLORE as his co-worker pointed him in the right direction.
Kenny later met Carol and they were married in 2004. Less than a year later, Carol went on her first SPLORE trip in May of 2005. “I had so much fun!” she said.
One of Kenny’s best SPLORE memories is from a multi day trip on Cataract Canyon:
“We went clear down to Lake Powell. We camped right where the Green River dumps into the Colorado River. We went for a two hour hike that turned into a four or five hour hike because I don’t move as fast as everyone else, but to do it on my own two feet was amazing. The SPLORE staff members and volunteers were there to support me. They did not rush me up or down. And that is the magic of SPLORE.”
Kenny also loves the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors. “There’s a lot of beauty that Mother Nature has,” says Kenny.
He also enjoys the social aspect of SPLORE activities. He says he just likes, “sitting down and visiting with people.”
Carol echoes the importance of community on SPLORE trips, “It amazes me that when we get on a SPLORE trip, no one knows anyone. But when say goodbye, we’re crying because we’ve gotten to know one another and we don’t want to go home. We bond with people every time.”
Kenny and Carol both say that there are things in their life they thought they would never do because of their disabilities. Kenny said he never thought he would be able to buy his own house. Carol says she never thought she would be married. However, the two will celebrate their three-year anniversary in the home Kenny bought; it is clear that their dreams have come true.
Kenny’s message to the world, “Do not give up on your dreams, no matter what they are. They will always come true!”
And if your dreams have to do with outdoor adventure trips, then SPLORE is the organization for you!
“When you’re on a trip with SPLORE, Mother Nature cradles you, it makes you expand your thinking and your abilities,” Kenny said.
What else do Kenny and Carol have planned with SPLORE? Carol would like to try snow skiing. Kenny admits that he is, “a wimp when it comes to the cold,” but concedes that he might try a Yurt trip. Whatever is next for Kenny and Carol, it is clear that it will involve many more SPLORE adventures. Why? According to Kenny it is because, “You are family the first time you step foot on a trip with SPLORE. SPLORE pulls out the best in you!”
Kenny later met Carol and they were married in 2004. Less than a year later, Carol went on her first SPLORE trip in May of 2005. “I had so much fun!” she said.
One of Kenny’s best SPLORE memories is from a multi day trip on Cataract Canyon:
“We went clear down to Lake Powell. We camped right where the Green River dumps into the Colorado River. We went for a two hour hike that turned into a four or five hour hike because I don’t move as fast as everyone else, but to do it on my own two feet was amazing. The SPLORE staff members and volunteers were there to support me. They did not rush me up or down. And that is the magic of SPLORE.”
Kenny also loves the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors. “There’s a lot of beauty that Mother Nature has,” says Kenny.
He also enjoys the social aspect of SPLORE activities. He says he just likes, “sitting down and visiting with people.”
Carol echoes the importance of community on SPLORE trips, “It amazes me that when we get on a SPLORE trip, no one knows anyone. But when say goodbye, we’re crying because we’ve gotten to know one another and we don’t want to go home. We bond with people every time.”
Kenny and Carol both say that there are things in their life they thought they would never do because of their disabilities. Kenny said he never thought he would be able to buy his own house. Carol says she never thought she would be married. However, the two will celebrate their three-year anniversary in the home Kenny bought; it is clear that their dreams have come true.
Kenny’s message to the world, “Do not give up on your dreams, no matter what they are. They will always come true!”And if your dreams have to do with outdoor adventure trips, then SPLORE is the organization for you!
“When you’re on a trip with SPLORE, Mother Nature cradles you, it makes you expand your thinking and your abilities,” Kenny said.
What else do Kenny and Carol have planned with SPLORE? Carol would like to try snow skiing. Kenny admits that he is, “a wimp when it comes to the cold,” but concedes that he might try a Yurt trip. Whatever is next for Kenny and Carol, it is clear that it will involve many more SPLORE adventures. Why? According to Kenny it is because, “You are family the first time you step foot on a trip with SPLORE. SPLORE pulls out the best in you!”
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