“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve
Permobil Foundation is on a mission to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by helping them achieve independence and strength. The Foundation’s “Hero Award” has been given each year since their launch in 2017. This year, I found myself nominated and selected as their 2024 recipient. A truly humbling honor… Past recipients include:
- Steve Gleason – former professional New Orleans Saints football player who was diagnosed with ALS in 2011. Gleason has been awarded a Congressional Gold Medal and the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2024 for his contributions to ALS awareness.
- Eric LeGrand – former defensive tackle for Rutgers, LeGrand was paralyzed in October 2010 during a game. He was inducted into the WWE Half of Fame as the recipient of the Warrior Award.
- Rhonda Clark – diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Clark says “advocacy has become [her] life’s passion”.
- Todd Stabelfeldt – a C4 quadriplegic, Stabelfeldt in an entrepreneur and computing technology expert regularly contributing to usability for tech companies in product development to help shape better functionality.
- Judy Heumann – the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement”, Heumann led the mainstreaming of disability rights into international development through her work in the World Bank and the State Department.
- Charlie Ray Howell – as a dirt race track winner, Howell uses racing as a platform to bring awareness to spinal cord injuries and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).
To be included in a category with these individuals is an immense privilege as they have made immeasurable contributions to the betterment of disability activism and our world.
Thank you Permobil Foundation for welcoming me with open arms into your family and bestowing me with an honor that will last a lifetime.
In Health,
Aaron Baker
I have been paralyzed from the waist down since 2013. I’ve been steadily gaining weight since then, and I’m starting to get self-conscious about it, especially since people already stare at me in my wheelchair. What are some exercises, things I can do to help me lose this extra weight?
