Dick made a choice years ago... and that choice was to say no to the doctors who advised him to place Rick in an institution. Rick has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy. While their dreams for the life their son would live were smashed, they refused to put Rick in an institute and devoted themselves to providing him with a life of opportunity and inclusion.
When Rick was fifteen years old, he learned the local track and lacrosse player had suffered serious injuries in an accident. Jimmy Banacos had been paralysed, and Rick wanted to raise funds to help Jimmy. Rick is non-verbal. He cannot walk and uses a wheelchair. Rick understood the struggles Jimmy would be facing, and wanted to help.
But, when you really watch and learn to listen in a new way, you can understand.
Rick watched and listened to the spastic movements of Rick's arms, the nodding of his head and the specific glances. (We do this with Dexter.)
Rick and his father started using a modified computer, which they called the Hope Machine.
(read more)
Finally, Rick could use the computer to communicate!
And, what were his first words?
He cheered for a sporting team!
Rick was able to make a request through the computer... He wanted to have a charity run, to support others with special needs.
And so, it happened. A charity run was arranged, and Rick was pushed in a wheelchair by his father, Dick.
That night, Rick told his father, "Dad, when I'm running, it feels like I'm not handicapped."
They became known as Team Hoyt and the two men found a way to further strengthen their bond.
Today, the two men have participated in 1003 races, including 248 triathlons, 22 duathlons, 70 marathons, 94 half marathons, 216 10-kilometer sprints, 157 5-milers, and 152 5-kilometer races.
In 1992, the two men ran and biked across the US.
**When competing in swim legs, Dick tows Rick behind him, in a raft. During cycling legs, they race on a modified bike and Dick is pushed in a racing wheelchair when running is required.
Rick was once asked, if he could give his father one thing, what would it be? Rick responded, "The thing I'd most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once."
Dick is now 73. Rick is 51... and still, they race.
What incredible men!
Watch their story here:
(watch Rick's face during the race... feel that determination and love)
Rick has a book "One Letter at a Time", co-written by Todd Civin. Rick used his modified computer to write this."Devoted — The Story of a Father's Love For His Son" is Dick's book.
"Rick's Story: The Story of Rick Hoyt", written by Sherrie Ninteau tells the story of Rick's life.
Read more at their Team Hoyt website.
We're been sharing stories of people with cerebral palsy this month, to raise awareness of cerebral palsy.
#nolimits
#nevergiveup
#raiseexpectations
Dexter's Darkest Days
Teeth to Brush
Modified Houses
Touching Base
Dexter's cerebral palsy pages
My sister Knows (I have cerebral palsy)
The Good Pain (Therapy and exercise)
My cerebral palsy OT gear
My Staring Sign
My Staring Shirts
Cerebral Palsy - Blah!
CP Doesn't Stop Me Understanding 'Stuff'
My CP and Feeding
CP Awareness Day - 2013
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