Community Heroes

By Molly D’Angelo I’d guess that every parent these days is aware of the phenomenon known as “mom shaming.” Social media gives us unprecedented access to other families’ daily lives. I’ve been a mom for 18 years and judgement over other moms’ choices to breastfeed or formula feed, work or stay at home, and using…

By Lew Shomer Our Cherub Angel has now transitioned to become our Guardian Angel, as we observe the passing of our dear friend, Auti Angel. We cannot use words to describe our grief but can only relay the impact that Auti has had on the lives of so many. So many, that only experiences can…

By Sarah Best, Abilities Expo Ambassador Hi there! My name is Sarah and the 4-legged furry guy that you see? His name is Edison and he is my service dog. Together, he and I are on a mission. We are rolling 7 miles by the end of this week as part of the Falmouth Road…

If you ever attended a California Abilities Expo, you probably had the pleasure of meeting Angela Madsen. The small army of rowing machines alongside RowOfLife, the boat that saw Angela through more than one ocean row, were tough to miss. She and her wife, Debra Bogan Madsen, were always warm and welcoming to the countless…

By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical With more than 3 million YouTube views in less than 3 weeks, Wheels2Walking’s founder Richard Corbett literally can’t sit still. He’s on a mission to make sure you don’t either, by encouraging viewers to explore their own world on wheels through his adventures on film! He says, “Nine years ago, my…

By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical For many who attend, the Abilities Expo is a life-changing experience in terms of opening up a new world of resources and relationships for people who have disabilities. A vital component of the disability community, the Expo has changed thousands of lives for the better in every city that the event…

By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical If New York native Andrea Dalzell looks familiar to you, you’re not alone. The latest issue of New Mobility magazine spotlights Andrea as the first registered nurse in New York City who uses a wheelchair, while sharing her educational journey and struggle for equal opportunity as a healthcare professional in the…

By Lisa Wells, Cure Medical Chicago Abilities Expo attendees and social media fans nationwide have not one but two amazing opportunities to connect with the Rolling Sisterhood being built by the Rollettes dance team. Read on to find out how YOU could win a free trip to the Rollettes Experience International Camp 2018 happening this August in Los Angeles. Be sure…

Oregonian Paul Smith was an artist. His medium: typewriter ink. While severe cerebral palsy may have put the traditional tools of an artist’s trade out of Paul’s grasp, his creativity and artistic prowess were unleashed in a surprising fashion—through the strategic placement of the ! @ # $ % ^ & * ( ) symbol…

By Eric LeGrand, former Rutgers defensive tackle and motivational speaker Some say you never know what you can do until you do it. I say you never know what you can do until you believe you can do it. This philosophy guided me through childhood, my studies at Rutgers University and after the football injury that shifted my…

By Sarah Best, Abilities Expo New York Metro Ambassador Have you ever received a gift that changed your life? That’s what it felt like for me when I received my service dog, Edison, from the National Education for Assistance Dog Services (NEADS). He has given me the gift of independence! Having him by my side is…

By Greg Smith, Sr., The Strength Coach I’ve reached a milestone. I have achieved a victory over an enemy that has dominated me and limited me for as long as I can remember. And as I stand over this monster with my foot on its neck, it feels so good! I Can’t Believe I Am…