She may need more later, but for now, those handicapped RV retrofits are still relatively simple and quick for Al to implement. The extent of the mods depends on one’s mobility needs both now and in the future.įor example, Sharon is ambulatory but still requires mobility devices to get around inside and outside the RV. But a few simple interior modifications are necessary to make life on the road safer and more comfortable. These couples’ travels prove that RVing with disabilities is possible. Through their blog and YouTube channel, she and Patrick find purpose in showing others that travel dreams can still happen when a disability strikes. We love getting out and it reminds me that we need to be seen,” writes Colleen. “We have a lot of fun doing the things we do. Driving days aren’t always smooth or easy, but despite the challenges, both feel happy with the decision to full-time over two years ago. Along the way, they discovered the impact of the lifestyle on their mental and physical health. They quickly flew their comfortable suburban nest, and like any new RVers, Colleen and Patrick had to learn the ropes of full-timing. We do it now or we don’t do it,” Patrick recalls. “We knew we had a limited amount of time to do what we’re doing. Undaunted by whatever the future held and tired of the grinding workday lifestyle that drained their energy, this couple went full speed ahead to kick off a full-time RVing dream. The prognosis was grim, but they refused to let life come to a screeching halt. Colleen was diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), a progressive, degenerative, and often fatal genetic disease that would slowly steal her ability to speak and walk. Patrick and Colleen Lang (SKPS #151470) lived in Madison, Wisconsin, when they got the bad news. “You take what you can get and should be happy with it.” But then, you don’t get everything you want in life,” she explains. I don’t go on the hikes anymore, that is a frustration. And yes, it hurts, and I have problems moving. Yes, I have arthritis from the top of my head to the bottom of my toes. “No! There’s no real reason for me to feel that way. When asked if she’s ever considered her impairments inconvenient enough to give up the nomadic lifestyle, Sharon gasps. They now have a home base in Texas, but the intrepid travelers still spend much of the year on the move in their handicapped-accessible motorhome with a mobility scooter in tow. Her health issues began around 2006 when Al retired from IBM and they started full-time RVing. Two kids and a half-century later, they’re still roaming despite Sharon’s debilitating osteoarthritis and neuropathy, conditions that pose accessibility challenges on the road. Like many former tent campers, they got hooked on RVing and never looked back. “We could go just about anywhere we decided to go,” says Sharon. Rugged and equipped for adventure in that old SUV, they kicked off a lifetime of exploring North America. Instead, they packed up their four-wheel-drive Suburban with camping gear and headed to Big Bend National Park. Fifty-two years ago, when Al and Sharon (SKPs #86865) picked their honeymoon destination, they weren’t interested in typical newlywed getaways like Mexico or Hawaii.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |