More than 10 years after her ALS diagnosis, Linda was able to have an action packed Florida with her family and amazing support team. Team Gleason was thrilled to support Linda as she spent a week in Orlando visiting the happiest place on earth, and another two weeks soaking up the sun on Marco Island.
“Before my diagnosis, I was an avid adventurer that enjoyed snorkeling, sailing the ocean and spending time with my family,” wrote Linda. “It’s been a long time since I have been able to share new experiences and quality time with my daughters.”
For the Orlando portion of the trip, Team Gleason was thrilled to rent a beach wheelchair for Linda. This chair is equipped with the necessary wheels and equipment to allow Linda to roll right onto the beach and see the water. Beach Wheelchairs can be an amazing resource for individuals with ALS. There are many different types, including ones that roll into the water like Linda Used, and motorized chairs that can take on the loose sand. While there are many rental companies across the coast, some cities and national parks offer free beach wheelchairs.
“My favorite part of the entire trip was being able to have one last vacation with my daughters. It was a gift from God and I would love to thank Team Gleason for that opportunity. I truly believe this trip saved my life. I had so much fun on this trip and got to go to the beach one last time in my life. I greatly appreciate everything Team Gleason did for me.”
Her daughter was also quick to let us know that it was great to be with her mom, “It was a trip of a lifetime. It was great to go to Florida with my Mom again. Something that I never thought was possible. Thank you so much Team Gleason!”
During her stay in Marco Island, Linda and her family take a boat tour through the nearby estuary with Rising Tide Explorers. The pontoon boat they sailed on, named Dino Days, was actually modified by Mike Donahue who also had ALS. Mike fully customized his boat to include large, comfortable seats, full length Bimini shade and wheelchair accessibility, which make this vessel the perfect way to enjoy a day in the estuary. After his passing, his family donated the boat to honor his legacy and to empower others living with disabilities to enjoy the water.
“My favorite part of the entire trip was being able to have one last vacation with my daughters. It was a gift from God and I would love to thank Team Gleason for that opportunity. I truly believe this trip saved my life. I had so much fun on this trip and got to go to the beach one last time in my life. I greatly appreciate everything Team Gleason did for me.”
Her daughter was also quick to let us know that it was great to be with her mom, “It was a trip of a lifetime. It was great to go to Florida with my Mom again. Something that I never thought was possible. Thank you so much Team Gleason!”
During her stay in Marco Island, Linda and her family take a boat tour through the nearby estuary with Rising Tide Explorers. The pontoon boat they sailed on, named Dino Days, was actually modified by Mike Donahue, who had ALS. Mike fully customized his boat to include large, comfortable seats, full length Bimini shade and wheelchair accessibility, which make this vessel the perfect way to enjoy a day in the estuary. After his passing, his family donated the boat to honor his legacy and to empower others living with disabilities to enjoy the water.
The trip was not without its challenges “At the first house, the bathroom chair would not fit in the bathroom,” explained Linda. “The bathroom chair also did not fit in the second house’s bathroom either, so I showered outside the whole time.”
Finding fully accessible hotel rooms and short-term vacation rentals can still be difficult despite ADA regulations. Making calls or checking online for information about door measurements, ramps, shower door entry width, and other accessibility features can help catch issues before they arise. It’s important to note that there are some great fully accessible short term rentals, but they can be difficult to find. While hotels do tend to be more accessible because of stricter regulations, it’s always a good idea to call ahead and double check.
“Despite being a resilient person, I have a lot of days where I doubt I can keep going like this…this opportunity has given me the strength to keep pushing past what seems like insurmountable odds,” wrote Linda.
“This trip has allowed me to experience some of the things that used to bring me joy before I became completely disabled.”
