In 2000 I went through a life changing event. I suffered a spinal cord injury after diving into shallow water. I broke my neck at the C5/C6 level leaving me a quadriplegic. The outdoor activities that I took for granted were now no longer accessible for me.
I first heard about David’s Chair after I saw a story on the local news. I was excited about the opportunity to try one these chairs out in mother nature. I reached out to the organization and was contacted by CEO Steve Furst. A short time later I was able to meet with Steve and David. During that meeting I got to hear their vision for David’s chair I instantly knew it was something I wanted to get involved and share with others that are living with mobility challenges. At this time I had been working At the local hospitals doing peer mentoring with people with recent spinal cord injuries. I was so stoked to be able to share David’s Chair with all the families I’ve met along the way.
The first time that I was able to take a track chair out on a test drive I felt free from the prison of the asphalt and concrete jungle I’ve been confined to in my normal power chair. I remember that day so vividly. You see I met my wife Michelle after my diving accident so I was always confined to a chair. We drove up to Union Creek in Prospect Oregon and that’s the day she saw me stand for the very first time in David’s Chair. There was over a foot of snow on the ground and I was able to trek through it sitting and standing. It was so beautiful cruising around the Rogue Gorge in the snow with almost no limitations. I was sold on David’s Chair Outdoor Mobility Systems and I knew I wanted to be a part of this amazing organization. That was only the first time I used David’s Chair. The second time I went home to Brookings Oregon and lead a group of amazing people onto beautiful Harris Beach. It was the first time being on any beach for me since I was 20 years old and such an amazing moment to feel the ocean mist in my face with my son on my lap. Strolling along the beach with my family and friends is one of the most amazing feelings since I had lost all hope of it ever happening.
Hope is the reason why I believe in David’s Chair. I am now a board member of the organization that changed my life and gave me independence and freedom in the great outdoors. Every time I get in David’s Chair an overwhelming feeling of empowerment comes over me and it is hard to describe, but trust me when I say that David’s Chair has changed me and my families life and given many others hope. The most amazing thing is that there is no cost to use the chairs.
Casey Moore
