LIVE QUICKIE BLOG

If you ask me about my journey of being a person with a disability, I will tell you that it's not always been easy, but I am going further emotionally, spiritually, and physically than I ever thought possible. Having the courage to face my fears and keep pushing forward, has led me to some of the most amazing experiences and the fulfillment of my wildest dreams.

I've been a physical therapist for nearly 17 years, with the first seven years of my career providing direct patient care as a licensed physical therapist. I went to work for Sunrise Medical as a sales representative in the Los Angeles area in early 2008, and shortly thereafter I transitioned to become a clinical rehab manager with Sunrise Medical. Although I was in the field working with end-users, the one-on-one nature of my role had changed dramatically.

Spencer West is a household name in our community largely due to his motivational speaking for WE, his role as ambassador, and his humanitarian efforts. Some of these efforts include Spencer's amazing journey on June 13, 2012 when he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise funds to provide clean water to over 12,500 people. His 187-mile (300 km) journey from Edmonton to Calgary on his hands and in his wheelchair continues to redefine what's possible.

Between checking bags, clearing security, getting to your gate on time, and trying to get that seat you want, traveling can be stressful. But what about traveling with a service dog? While service dogs can be of tremendous help to their owners, on top of all the normal stresses of traveling, the owner also has to worry about their service dog. Among the many questions you may ask yourself before traveling with your furry service companion, you may wonder: What if my dog has to use the bathroom after we've gone through security?

While flying is the quickest way to travel, it comes with the stress of long lines, the dreaded airport security pat-down, and sometimes even lengthy delays. Another stressor is wheelchairs frequently get damaged when flying, so this adds a whole new set of things to consider and plan for when heading to the airport. However, as a frequent flyer who loves earning those miles, I've learned much throughout my expeditions. Therefore, I've compiled a list of the top tips and tricks to help your wheelchair arrive unscathed and ready for your next adventure!