June 2024
by the Fergusons
Team Gleason was able to help Bruce and his family road trip across multiple national parks on a dream trip! On his application, Bruce wrote:
“[This Adventure is about] creating memories my family will cherish forever while we can. This is a trip my family has always wanted to take. My doctors say we should travel now and not wait. This is an expensive trip that normally we could not take on and honestly probably shouldn’t take it on now, but if Team Gleason is willing to help out with the expense, then, we think we should do it while we can as it may be our last opportunity to do so.”
What was your favorite part of the Adventure?
All the site seeing. The Bear Tooth Parkway was his absolute favorite drive. We saw grizzly bears, moose, big horn sheep as well as antelope, elk and deer. It was just an amazing adventure from beginning to end. We traveled through Zion National Park, Teton National Park as well as Yellowstone National Park. From beginning to end it was an amazing adventure with the most beautiful scenery. I am just in awe of how amazing and beautiful these places truly are. Every day was a new adventure with something new to see and do.
What was the most memorable part of the Adventure?
It’s a toss-up between our boat tour across Jenny Lake where we saw a bear and a moose meet up, all while about 100 people were on the trail waiting for a ferry. The moose charged at the people when the bear approached. It was amazing to watch. (Everyone was safe – the bear and moose finally moved away from the people, but it was so interesting to watch it all play out). Our UTV rental in the Tetons with all the snow. Both days were just amazing and enjoyable. Nature is truly medicine for the soul!
Did you face any challenges? How were you able to overcome them?
Cooke City, MT was not handicap accessible where we had accommodation so at the last minute, we had to find other accommodation and drive an additional 3 plus hours to West Yellowstone – but we made the best out of it and were able to find accommodation. It just made for a very long day of travel.
What did this trip mean to you?
It was a wonderful trip that we were able to take with my family. It was a week where we could get away from all things ALS and just focus on having a great time and great adventure. Memories were made that will never be forgotten.
How was the accessibility on your adventure?
Everything was wonderful with the exception of our issues in Cooke City, MT.
The hotel there was amazing to work with though and was very understanding of our needs and refunded the hotel since they couldn’t accommodate us.
What advice would you have for someone else going on a similar adventure.
Just do it! You won’t regret it.
With the portable wheelchair, shower chair, voice banking and this amazing adventure Team Gleason has made one of the worst times of our lives so much more manageable and memorable. There just aren’t enough words for how much Team Gleason means to us! Thank you, Team Gleason, as well as Steve & Michel, you truly are making a difference in the lives of those with ALS. You will always hold a special place in our hearts!
Adventure Details:
LODGING:
Hampton Inn & Suites
8 Cody, WY 82414
The Lexington at Jackson Hole
Jackson, WY 83001
The Rockwell Inn
Jackson, WY 83001
Delaware North at Yellowstone
West Yellowstone, MT 59758
