June 2024
by Allison Yeager

Our trip started with a nonstop flight from Austin to New York JFK, and thankfully, Delta took good care of my chair this time! We stayed at the DoubleTree in Times Square and unknowingly arrived during the last weekend of Pride, which was a delightful surprise with all the vibrant outfits and festivities. 

Prior to our trip, I was approved for NYC Access, the accessible public transportation service, which was fantastic and affordable. We explored Times Square, enjoyed lots of pizza, and took the subway to the Museum of Natural History. Just a heads up: there’s no handicap-accessible exit from the subway to the museum, so we had to walk from the beginning of Central Park. The museum was amazing, especially the geology exhibit. 

We also enjoyed a spectacular Broadway play, “The Great Gatsby,” which exceeded all our expectations. Our visit to the Bronx Zoo was equally wonderful, and we even took a nap under a tree near the lions. The highlight of our trip was on the Fourth of July, flying in a helicopter and cherishing the unforgettable views of New York City, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn, The Site of 9/11 (The Twin Towers), as well as the Empire State Building.  

Although there was so much more we wanted to do, like visiting Chinatown and Fifth Avenue, we also took time to relax and enjoy our vacation and honeymoon together. Thank you again to everyone who contributed to making this dream come true. Your efforts and dedication mean the world to us. I hope this message conveys our gratitude and appreciation to all who helped make it possible. 

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this trip possible. A special thanks to Emily, my coordinator, who did a fantastic job and went out of her way to ensure everything worked for us. I also want to express my gratitude to Steve Gleason, an incredible individual who has not only powered through ALS but has also made a significant difference in many people’s lives. His selflessness and dedication are deeply appreciated.