The Christopher & Dana Reeve foundation and Life Rolls On celebrated the Americans w/Disabilities Act (ADA) 20yr anniversary by setting a Guinness World record for the most moving wheelchairs in a line at the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium yesterday. 193 people; young and old, big and small came to make history and my baby niece Maile was apart of it. Can I get a “WOOT WOOT”
. Maile was born with spina bifida and has taught me so much about life, courage, strength and love in the short 3 years she has been in my life. She is such a blessing and it was so great to be there to cheer her on in the record breaking moving line!
My day started very early at 6:45am. Yes, SIX FORTY FIVE…AM. I don’t even remember the last time I got up before 7am on a Sunday. In fact, last Saturday I didn’t even go to bed until 8am! LOL. Anyway, when I arrived at the Los Angeles Dodger Stadium, I came with camera in tow to capture this special day since we would be making history. I was amongst some incredibly amazing people who really gave me such a profound appreciation for what so many of us take for granted. WALKING.
Once Maile checked in, she was given a Superman – go forward dog tag. It was so symbolic, not just because Christopher Reeve was the original Superman, but all of these individuals are in fact heros. Of course big sister Malia was there to support Maile and to get in on all the action.
They had a few giveaways, motivational speeches and even a group of wheelchair dancers called CHAIRLES ANGELS. Yes, you read right…dancers. These girls were professional dancers, all of whom had an accident of some sort years ago. They never knew each other before being wheelchair bound, but came together over the years and decided that nothing was going to stop them from dancing. They got up on stage and did a little routine for us…danced and showed us that life is really what you make of it. One of the girls sang a song, “I’m Alive” and it really makes you appreciate the small things in life. They were very inspirational and my little niece Maile looked on with such hope and joy, it really put a smile on my heart. So, the next time you are having a bad day or are stressed about something, remember, it could always be worse and be thankful for all the good you do have in your life. Don’t sweat the small stuff people, live life.
It was a rather short event, so quickly after the speeches and raffles, they wanted to get an aerial shot of all wheelchairs spelling out ADA (American with Disabilities Act). Maile was getting a little tired and was off to the side, but I wanted to make sure she was included in that historical photo, so I whisked her to the front row and placed her at the very end, so it would be easy to spot her when that photo is printed. She remained there until the photographer on the boom had 2 people move up to her row, so instead of being the tip, she is two chairs in. Still easily identifiable though. Psshh, photographers can be so demanding and bossy at times! LOL. Anyway, the sun started to blare over the mountains and beam strongly into the sea of wheelchairs, so Maile had her cool shades, a safari hat and her dee-dee. Then it was all good.
After the group shot, they quickly lined everyone up to get the count of wheelchairs (which was 193, breaking the old record of 106). But, remember…the record wasn’t just to count them in a line, it was for all wheelchairs in a moving line, so the clock didn’t start until each one was in motion. This took a little longer than anticipated, but once they got rolling, the clock started ticking and Maile wheeled her way into history. Once we broke the record, she was given a certificate and then notified we all had 15 minutes to get out of the stadium since there was an LA Dodger game starting soon. Then it was time to celebrate, so I insisted we go get some awesome cupcakes from Sprinkles in Beverly Hills. Wooo-hooo. Awesome day!
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