Firefighters go beyond serving
Sunday, June 21 2009
By PATRICK OLDENDORF (poldendorf@pjstar.com)
OF THE JOURNAL STAR
Posted Jun 21, 2009 @ 02:56 PM
Last update Jun 21, 2009 @ 06:43 PM
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PEORIA —
These firefighters were in a rush, but not to a fire.
The group of about 20 was running in the Steamboat Classic, pushing Tammy Bryan in her wheelchair.
Tammy, 36, has Down syndrome, and she has become something of a fixture at races.
"Her dad and I started running, and she would wait at the finish line with whoever wasn't running in the race and cheer for all the runners," said Tammy's mother, Bonnie. "We decided she'd done enough cheering and she needed to be cheered for."
So about 10 years ago, Bonnie and her husband, Wayne, started pushing Tammy through the races in her wheelchair.
"We started with a 1-mile race, and now we do 5Ks, 10Ks and half-marathons," Bonnie said. "She doesn't let me push her, though. She thinks I'm too slow."
Last year the family started taking part in Team Steam. Another participant in the Illinois Valley Striders' training program is a firefighter who asked if he could push Tammy in the race Saturday. She couldn't have been happier.
"Everything went great," said Gary Norbom, a captain with the fire department. "Tammy did the whole four miles and had a blast, and the crowd was cheering for her, and she had a pretty good day."
"(She) had a T-shirt that (matched) the firefighters'," Bonnie said. "She also has red suspenders, fireman's pants and a Peoria Fire Department hat. She'll be decked out just like the firefighters."
A group of firefighters has run in the race since 2002 in memory of the firefighters who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001.
"The first year, we ran it in full gear and carried flags in memory of the firefighters who were killed on 9-11," Norbom said. "We only meant to do it one time, but then the race community and pretty much everybody involved didn't want to see it go away, so we've been doing it in some variation every year since."
The firefighters don't run the race in full gear every year but did in 2006 to mark their fifth year of participation and plan to do it in 2011 for their 10th.
Running with the fire department wasn't the only treat Saturday for the Bryan family.
They were presented with a check for $2,000 that will purchase a new wheelchair designed for racing.
The money was raised by Peoria firefighters in conjunction with Local 50 of the firefighters' union in a 72-hour period before the race.
"We came together to get her a custom wheelchair so she can do these races more safely," Norbom said. "I was pushing her down Hamilton, and my hands were pretty sweaty, so I can see the need for a new (wheelchair)."
Adam White, co-owner of Running Central, helped get the process rolling.
"Talk about serving and protecting," he said. "That's service on a bended knee. We should be very grateful for having a group so dedicated to the community."
White also described Tammy as a "cornerstone for people who have become involved in (Illinois Valley Striders) programs.
"I think when the community sees Tammy and her parents, who endure and persevere to do what they do, I can only imagine that it invokes an emotional response inside people."
He also said Tammy is something of a beacon of light to runners of all ability levels.
"Whether (Wayne or Bonnie are) pushing Tammy or she's on the sidelines yelling, 'Pick it up,' you can't help but pick it up," White said. "I think that can only help motivate and inspire the people who are around her."
Patrick Oldendorf can be reached at 686-3196 or poldendorf@pjstar.com.
New Axiom 1
Tuesday, June 09 2009
June 9, 2009
The Axiom 1 Indoor/Outdoor Mobility Pushchair is being redesigned. An available date is yet to be determined.
We are sorry for any inconvenience the launch of our new Axiom 1 may cause you, the staff at Adaptive Star is more than happy to assist you in determining if a different size may work for you.
New Axiom Size 1.5
Tuesday, May 12 2009
Adaptive Star has added a new size to our Axiom Indoor/Outdoor Mobility Push Chair line.
The Axiom 1.5 is now the newest member of the Axiom family.
Please refer to the products page for more details on the Axiom 1.5.
Rylee's Rally
Saturday, April 18 2009
SIMPLY AMAZING!
Their are simply no words to truly explain the experience I and many others had at Rylee's Rally on April 18, 2009.
I arrived Friday afternoon at the Memorial Fieldhouse to be greeted by a sweet weepy eyed mom who of course was none other than Debra Davis Rylee's amazing mom. Our connection was immediate and will last our life time and that of our children.
Rylee's Rally is a labor of love for 3 mom's who all have special needs children, or as they refer to the kiddo's as gifts from god. The rally is to raise awareness for those with a special needs family member to learn about what is available to help them care for and improve the life of their loved ones.
I have attended many abilities expos over the years and let me tell you they could learn a thing or 2 from these amazing mom's. The atmosphere was infectious, everyone was having a good time from attendees, to vendors and event staff.
The entire Marshall football team attended the Rally, these young men reached out to everyone at the Rally from kids to adults. They showed everyone what community support is all about.
I could go on and on about the Rally. The bottom line is Debra, Stephanie and Shelly are the perfect example of
Going Out & Making A Difference for their own children and for many other families.
Adaptive Star is already committed to attending Rylee's Rally in 2010. We are going to make it an annual family event.
I will be posting a few pictures soon.
Adaptive Star is on the move
Wednesday, March 11 2009
With the acquisition of the Dreamer Design Axiom product line, Adaptive Star needs more room.
We are doing our very best to make the move a seamless transition, but I am sure we will experience some challenges. You know what they say about “The best laid plans”
Your patience is greatly appreciated during our move from March 1 thru March 15, 2009.
Adaptive Star will be open during our regular business hours. If you are not able to reach us during our regular business hours that means our communications system move is not going as smooth as planned. Please leave us a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible.
At Adaptive Star we believe in Going Out & Making A Difference, we hope you will join us on our journey