WHEEL WORLD NEWS
February 2018
17
I am treasurer of the Chandler Harley Davidson Owners Group (HOG) and participate in many charity events and rides with fellow Harley Owners. I enjoy the local sports, especially the Diamondbacks. My leisure time involves sipping a nice bourbon on the rocks with a cigar in my own backyard while my smoker is cooking up some ribs.
At United Access we modify vehicles for people with disabilities for ease of access and for driving. This has been the most rewarding work of my professional career. I came to this industry after a career in health care including a surgical tech in the US Navy (Hospital Corpsmen), after college, a career in pharmaceuticals.
Giving individuals their freedom to drive a car and get of the house has been very gratifying. I never take driving for granted anymore. I am inspired by the work and mission of United Access and the people who work there.
I am continuously amazed of the ingenuity and creativity of spinal injury individuals to overcome obstacles and live life. Never complaining, just a “get it done” attitude. As a surgical technician in the Operating Room, I witnessed many traumatic injuries and assisted in many surgery’s knowing these individuals would never return to normalcy they once knew. I never saw these individuals again. Now I meet them after their recoveries and believe and feel that I am giving back to these individuals by assisting them to regain their independence.
I feel like a missionary. I use lots of tissues in my office. This job is a calling for me personally. I am able to assist others in their quest for independence, mobility, and normalcy in their lives, despite their disability. I like to approach my clients with the attitude of “tell me what you can do, what are your Abilities” then I can take it from there. I value our partners, the Driving Rehabilitation Specialists that we work with and develop a comprehensive plan for the disabled individual.
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