Orlando to D.C. ... by Wheelchair

Last Edited: Sunday, 18 May 2008, 11:13 PM EDT
Created: Sunday, 18 May 2008, 11:13 PM EDT


kens video
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By Steve Gehlbach
FOX 35 News

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) -- A trip of a lifetime is over for a local man living with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Ken Patterson set off from Orlando and rode more than 900 miles to Washington D.C. as part of the "Rolling Over ALS" tour. The journey took twenty-one days and three electric wheelchairs.

Ken and his wife, who drove behind in a van the entire way, say the trip was a lot tougher than expected.

Somewhere in Geogia, Ken retreated to the van for a mile or so because deputies pulled him over twice for holding up traffic. "People were just very angry, and we were called names we didn't know exsisted. It was bad," Ken said.

After returning this weekend to their home in Titusville, they say the mission to raise awareness was accomplished. "You have to live every day, like it's your last," said Ken.

Ken was joined by other ALS patients for the final three miles through the nation's capitol. The trip ended with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.

For more information about Ken Patterson's journey, you can visit Ken's website at: kensjourney.com

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