Joe Team Rider
Riding The Tour in	Pennsylvania
Riding out of	Philadelphia, PA
Motivation for joining The Tour	On June 27th, 1999, I was coming home from my morning bike ride to make a pancake breakfast for my two girls who were 1 1/2 and 4 years old. I was pedaling about 20–25 miles per hour when a car turned left in front of me going 30 mph. I went head first through the windshield. The announcement seeking riders for the Health Awareness Tour 2007 was almost eight years to the day of my accident. I applied to ride because I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and show my girls that anything is possible if you work hard enough at it, and in my mind, use the tour to finalize my rehabilitation. I loved long–distance cycling. Although I have been riding on my stationary bike in the garage (this will be my first time riding in traffic on a bike in 8 years) and will give me an opportunity to complete my longest ride ever and on a ride that I have wanted to do for a long time.
Reasons for adopting an active lifestyle	After the accident, I was believed to be brain injured and was paralyzed from the shoulders down. The doctors told me that I would be lucky to even be able to write my name again. My only goal was to be able to color with my girls one day. However, as the swelling receded, I was able to begin moving. My first move was reaching out for a cup of water (with some effort) while sitting and talking with my parents. Within a month I was able to walk out the door of the hospital on crutches, 6 months later I was back to work, and a year and a half later I felt like I was "normal" again. The doctors said the "luck" and speed of my recovery was because I was so fit at the time of the accident and was accustomed to constantly pushing myself through my exercise routines. (I know it was my night nurses who let and helped me exercise in the evenings as well and gave me "tough love" on occasion.) Today, in addition to riding my Spinningtm bike (no cars around), I lift weights, exercise on a Nordic Trac and elliptical trainer, and do Yoga. It helps manage the residual effects of the accident such as stabbing back pains and stiffness, only having 70% of the feeling on my right side, slowness in moving my left–hand fingers and toes and spasms on the my left side of my body.
Why a healthy lifestyle is important	It gave me the opportunity to have a typical life after my accident.
One piece of advice to help others live a healthier life	Maintaining a healthy lifestyle pays huge dividends (sooner AND later), and well worth the investment. Even if an event does happen to your health or well–being, and you are healthy to begin with, you will rebound faster and maximize everyday of your life. And always wear a helmet!