Motivational Monday: Giving Back

By Dave Denniston

CARLSBAD, California. May 8. THIS weekend, on Saturday the 13th at 9 am, will be the second-annual Dave Denniston Relay Across America. This year it will be extremely special and an amazing event because it isn't all about me. Many of the people that I draw these Motivational Monday pieces from will be on hand and even in the water. In turn, the fundraiser will help them continue to progress in their own therapy at Project Walk.
This Motivational Monday is more of a quick overview of the people that have inspired me for the past year.

Cecilia Villaruel
Cecilia embodies quiet determination. She was in a car accident in college that has left her paralyzed from the kneck down. She has a lot of movement and mobility and I get the privilege of seeing her walk on a regular basis. Cecilia was the first person I saw at Project Walk who showed me that all the therapy actually does work. Her mother has spent nearly all she has on this therapy, and is an amazing cook. You will be able to find some Tamale's at the fundraiser from Cecilia's mother.

Patrick Ivison
This kid does not stop. When he was only 14 months old a car backed out of a driveway without looking and ran over Patrick. Since then, Patrick has taken up basketball, quad-rugby, cycling, skiing, surfing and who knows what else. Not to mention he is an honor student in school and mature well beyond eleven years. Patrick plans to take up swimming and swim at the event.

Nate Remmert
In a total freak accident, Nate jumped into a pool feet first and somehow ended up paralyzed from the neck down. He works extremely hard and finds a way to balance rehab and school. Both of which cost a bundle. I don't know if we'll be able to convince Nate to get back into the pool, but I do know he'll be on hand to share his story.

Dave Denniston
Most of you have shared in my journey through this point. All of you have given me so much support, it is time for me to find a way to give back. By supporting these people, you are supporting me. I will not only be swimming on a relay with my family at the Dave Denniston Relay Across America, but I will also be WALKING! Most of the staff from Project Walk will be on hand to answer questions and make people laugh with their swimming skills.

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