Ken Patterson's Journey from Orlando to DC
Ken Patterson’s ALS Journey - I don’t know of any other congressional district in the United States that has a constituent as great as Ken Patterson. Ken was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2006. He was a former Florida State Fire Fighter and was working at Kennedy Space Center when he was diagnosed with ALS. Below is a brief story of his visits to Washington DC.
Like most tourists, Ken and Glenda Patterson decided to visit Washington DC by plane in the spring of 2007. After meeting with our staff, and taking a Staff-Led Capitol Tour, I didn’t think that Ken wanted to leave Washington. Reluctantly, Ken flew home to Titusville. We kept in touch over the next year emailing back and forth. We even had breakfast during a trip I made to Florida. Shortly after our breakfast I got an email from Ken stating that his next trip to DC would be in the spring of 2008. I was thrilled! He was a pleasure to have in the office, and the whole staff would be delighted to see him again. Then he hit me with the “ken-ism” as I like to call them. This year, he wouldn’t be traveling by plane, but by wheelchair. I had to read the email twice. Who would “roll” from Florida to Washington DC in a wheelchair? Ken would, and he did.
He traveled from Florida to Washington DC taking back roads, and state highways covering over 900 miles in 21 days. They were escorted by police part of the way, and ushered off the road as well. Jamming on his iPod and XM radio so he didn’t miss a Red Sox’s game, Ken arrived in Washington with his maroon van covered in donation ribbons. Prior to the roll up to Washington, Ken petitioned friends, co workers and his community to donate money by purchasing a magnetic ribbon to cover his van with.
After his arrival in Washington, and hearing all of his stories, I can say that they hit a few speed bumps but they made it up here in one piece. Ken rolled up for the ALSA Advocacy Days. His kids flew up from Titusville this year to join in the festivities. Representative Feeney assisted Ken in securing time to present a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. It was great for Ken to be able to lay that on behalf of all of those fighting ALS. They met with Representative Feeney and staff, took another Capitol Tour and toured the White House. After the White House tour he returned to our office grinning from ear to ear. Apparently, the White House elevator was broken so Ken was escorted upstairs on the President’s “personal” elevator.
In case you are entertaining the thought of traveling to Washington by wheel chair; here is a list of a few things you might want to bring that helped Ken along his way…
Two motorized wheel chairs. You will need a back-up when one battery dies.
Three iPod’s loaded with all your favorite music (Thank you Tabitha and Kenny Jr for donated yours for this trip).
A wife who is willing to drive behind you at eight miles per hour for 21 days. Cruise control doesn’t work at low speeds.
The drive and determination to raise awareness for something you believe you can change.
Thank you Ken, Glenda, Tabitha, Kenny Jr and Samuel for letting the Feeney office take part in what you are doing to fight ALS.
http://www.kensjourney.com/24.html
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