What are we going to do now the ski season is over?

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

Its official, the 2011 ski season is over for adaptive skiing. I take a look back at some of the memories that are created over the past year and it warms my heart because of the people we helped. One person in particular, Lisa Marie Johnson, who suffers with cerebral palsy from birth, found the wonderful adventures of Disabled Sports of the Eastern Sierra (DSES) at Mammoth Mountain. The adaptive skiing really lit a spark that was in her heart and she's looking forward to going again next year.

Rosanna and I frequently went to the mountain to soak in some clean-air and some fresh snow. I remember many surprise trips that Rosanna put together with an unpredictable work schedule. We remember the hard work of DSES’s staff, volunteers and supporters. We skied with Zachary Ergish, a level II adaptive instructor and many volunteers over the seven or eight trips to the mountain.

Now it's time to look towards the summer activities. Having MS, it's time to be careful of extreme heat. Now, adaptive water sports get all the attention. Swimming, kayaking and white water rafting with trained professionals from Disabled Sports USA. I can't wait to get back on the river. I remember I was introduced to the sports as an able body and absolutely fell in love with them.

It's time to get wet!!

Here is a video of our laast trip:

With much adnmiration and respect,
Joseph DeVere
The Threus Foundation
Founder and President
501(c)3 Charity

Sulpher Mountain Trail Wheelchair Friendly

The day started off with a ride with my precious sister, Marie. We arrived at the location about a half hour late but, my sister said a prayer before she left to pick me up. She prayed asking that “We arrive with perfect timing”. We expected that we would have to catch up with the group, being late.

We arrived when the group encountered a problem with opening the entrance gate. We were greeted by my uncle, Lanny Kaufer, the leader of the walk. After warm greetings from Lanny and his wife Rondia we formed a consensus about carrying me over the gate that blocked my entrance in a wheelchair. The very moment I agreed to let them take me over, a car arrived, leaving the trail and opening the gate for us. Perfect timing.

Having Multiple Sclerosis, The weather was perfect. A gentle drizzle and fog that obscured to view. We began our trek with everyone introducing ourselves, taking a couple rolls; Lanny began his talk pointing out plants to avoid like poison oak.

The terrain was a firm ground covered with gravel. I found in difficult to maneuver yet doable with a little extra effort and a person like my sister to help on hills. Our group was more than willing to take a turn pushing me when I needed help.

I  was extraordinarily impressed with Lanny’s knowledge of our local plants and their uses for food and medicine. He possesses the courage to make his other “Herb Walks” accessible for the disabled  with coordination with the Threus Foundation, and taking the time for consideration of other disabled participants regarding future events. This walk is considered Threus Approved.

Nightmare on Sesame Street

I am writing this today to report my experiences during the Paralympic Sport Camp at Mammoth Mountain with Disabled Sports of the Eastern Sierra (DSES). The weather was unbelievable, spring like conditions. We got prepared by putting on my snow tires for my wheelchair, getting medications packed and selecting 5 days worth of clothing minus the cigarettes. Rosanna packed it all into our Subaru Forester and we headed out for our 6 hour drive as we had several times before.

We arrived at the Best Western around 2AM and quickly settled in for some well needed rest. While rolling into the hotel, my sweatpants ripped open and my snow-tires scraped up my thighs on both sides. I hoped it wouldn’t lead to an ulcer. We noticed a small shower chair in a standard bathtub. When we woke up, we requested a roll in shower. I went to use the bathroom and BAM!! I flipped backwards and found myself on the bathroom floor. These problems set the tone of our Valentine trip from hell. 

Thank God for Rosanna who spent all day Friday looking for a new set of tires that wouldn’t rub my thighs raw. I used nicotine lozenges to curb the cravings. I waited in the hotel room for Rosanna to return. She called several times to let me know that her one hour drive to Bishop was unsuccessful. Our Friday was toast.

DSES had a standard wheelchair handy to help solve that problem. I regretfully missed the action of skiing Saturday due to excessive stress. I did not want to flare up Multiple Sclerosis. We stayed in contact with Laurel and Maggie of DSES. I came close to cancelling my spot on Sunday as well. Between, changing rooms, new wheelchair and not smoking, my stress level was peaking.

Sunday came and Rosanna went snowboarding. After a shower and freshening up, I felt ready to hit the slopes. We headed over to DSES and at least got a few runs with the Bi-ski. I have had lessons with Rick before and was glad to see him with us. I am grateful for how all of DSES helped us with our issues. We always have a bright spot at the end of our trip. We faced some racing techniques and being on the snow was a great way to finish our trip.

"Get Stoked on Skiing" 2011

“Get Stoked on Skiing” 2011



The Threus Foundation Presents
“Get Stoked on Skiing” 3/3/2011
                Phone (805) 760-6361
www.threus.org
Schedule
    8:30-11:30 Group “A”
    11:30 - 12:00 Lunch/Group Photos
    12:30 -3 Group “B”

Reserve an adaptive ski lesson.
First-time skiers ride at no charge. Honor system. Register at www.threus.org
Others ski at normal Mountain High rates of 80$ for a half day. Group rates apply for companions.
All participants must meet Mountain High guidelines as follows:

Our students must meet the following guidelines for participation in this program:
Students must be over the age of 5.
Students must be able to "hold head upright" through jerking motions.
Students must maintain breathing on their own.
Maximum weight restrictions:
185 lbs. to participate in a "sit down" program.
195 lbs. If totally independent when self loading device as a "sit down" participant.
200 lbs. to participate as a "stand up" skier.

All students must register  at www.threus.org  by 2/22/2011