AdaptAbility Adults, Making a Difference…
Meet George Cardona
George Capella is a single father, passionate about sports. His love for cycling kept him in Prospect Park for hours. He was teamster truck driver working on several big jobs, (The new Yankee Stadium, 2nd Avenue 7 train and the World Trade Center and more), until 10 years ago when he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.
“I have slowed down since and only because of the gradual decrease in my mobility…today I don’t do any of the things I used to do. I use a walker and I wonder what the future holds for me. I believe… I will return to my old self, I refuse to accept being stuck in a wheelchair. I am not living in denial I like to think I am fighting to the end… George said.
Thanks to AdaptAbility (donating a handcycle) and his strong Faith, George has change his life. He is back at the gym four days a week, Physical Therapy, two days a week and MS Support Group, once a week. Life is a gift and we should live it the best way we can, always including mobility…George said.
Meet Michael Cairl
Michael Clair is a Brooklyn native an has lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn since 1993. He has worked on the design and introduction to service of transit systems in NY, Newark, Norfolk, Kansa City, Salt Lake City, Phoenix and Seattle.
Michael is a lifelong cyclist; He completed The Boston-NY Aids Ride and had done The Five Borough Tour more than 15 times.
In November 2018, Michael had a n ischemic (clot) stoke that affected his left arm and left leg. Michael had to learn how to walk all over and continues to get occupational and physical therapy.
In May 2019, AdaptAbility gave Michael, free of charge an Adaptive Bicycle rental (Hand-Pedal Tricycle). Michael is being using his adaptive bicycle at least 4 times a week ( you can see him at Prospect Park). The use of the Adaptive Bicycle had contribute to gain mobility on his legs and in his hand (slowly) and his attitude about life had inspire a lot of people.
Raul Cancela.
Raul is a stroke survivor who is now battling cancer. He was a former physical therapist before the stroke on 12/12/96. His wife Kathy is a physical therapist too and know the benefits of riding a bicycle for therapy and/or exercise.
Adapt Ability built foot platforms with braces and a leg separator so Mr. Raul can continue using his bicycle.