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So you Think YOU Have Challenges? A Day of Inspiration in La Jolla, California

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

Imagine missing one leg, or both.

Or an arm, or both.

How about both arms and legs?

What if you were confined to a wheelchair, partially paralyzed?

Can you imagine what life might be like?

A day of inspiration in La Jolla with the Challenges Athletes FoundationThere are lots of folks who DO know what it's like. And they don't let it stop them from enjoying life and being active. Some are incredible athletes. I saw some of them today in La Jolla.

La Jolla was the site of the Tour de Cove and the San Diego Triathlon Challenge to benefit the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF).

 And many of the folks I saw participating in the events or just hanging out have been the recipients of prosthetic arms and legs and wheelchairs to enable them to live more active lives and participate in fitness and athletic competition.

I saw a 10-year kid with both legs amputated above the knees. I saw a teen, perhaps 16, who had both arms amputated at the elbow and who had two prosthetic legs, sitting and talking on his cell phone.

So you think You have challenges?

READ: Tour de Cove in La Jolla

I spent several hours in La Jolla today, taking videos, photos, and Twittering a bit. It was a gorgeous day in a beautiful setting, and one filled with inspiring scenes as runners, bike riders and swimmers completed all or portions of the half-Ironman. There were also about 100 folks participating in the Spin-a-thon over a 4.5 hour period, also to benefit the CAF.

Nuff said. Enjoy the photos of a terrific, heartwarming event in a gorgeous location.

 

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All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Thesa Chambers
West + Main - Bend, OR
Principal Broker - Licensed in Oregon

how inspiring - you are right - we should remember how fortunate we are - there is aways someone with a larger struggle -thanks for the reality check

Oct 26, 2008 01:52 PM
Ginger S
Wilkinson & Associates, Wilmington NC - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation~

Jeff, Nothing is more inspirational to me than seeing folks overcoming obstacles like these athetes have done. Nice tribute & beautiful photos!

Oct 26, 2008 01:53 PM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

Have you ever seen the videos of the guy who was born with no arms or legs? He gives motivationals speeches all over the world, lives on his own and is almost completely self-sufficient. I with I could remember his name! The guy is unbelievable.

Oct 26, 2008 02:05 PM
Brian Lee Burke
Kenna Real Estate - Lone Tree, CO
Broker & Advising Expert-Kenna Luxury Real Estate

Very inspirational indeed. On another note, now I need to start packing and move out there - the slide show is amazing. ~Rita

Oct 26, 2008 02:08 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thesa - Yes, and I was SOOOO reminded of that today.

Jeff

Oct 26, 2008 02:53 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thank you Ginger. It was an amazing event to be at. Most of us just have no idea.

Jeff

Oct 26, 2008 02:54 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Lisa - I haven't but I know who you are talking about. Unbelievable. So many folks just have so much to be thankful for.

Jeff

Oct 26, 2008 02:56 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Rita - thanks for the compliment.

Sure, come on out, We'd love to have you. Just in time to escape the Colorado winters. :)

Jeff

Oct 26, 2008 02:57 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Jeff, Wonderful presentation and a great post. I can't speak for those that have had to re-think there entire lives and make adjustments that most of can not fully comprehend. Totally amazing what the human spirit and mind can do when put to the challenge. A wonderful post Jeff.

Oct 26, 2008 03:06 PM
Lisa Heindel
Crescent City Living LLC - New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Real Estate Broker

What an inspirational group of athletes, Jeff.  I can't even begin to imagine the challenges they have had to overcome to live "normal" lives and my hat is off to anyone who can participate in a triathalon.

Oct 26, 2008 04:32 PM
Susie Blackmon
Ocala, FL
Ocala, Horses, Western Wear, Horse Farms, Marketing

Yes, Jeff, you nailed inspirational... and also perspective.

Oct 26, 2008 08:38 PM
Neal Bloom
Brokered by eXp Realty LLC - Weston, FL
Realtor CRS-Weston FL Real Estate

Jeff,

That's just amazing how they can still function normally...sometimes better than others that don't have that loss...I have lots of respect for people who go through this and wouldn't know if I could handle that....amazing.

Oct 27, 2008 12:08 AM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate

Jeff, amazing photos and event. What a great way to spend the day. I have to visit your city you're making me fall in love with it. Puts things in perspective, doesn't it?

Oct 27, 2008 01:06 AM
Anonymous
Kay (the wife)

Jeff - great post.  So what's MY excuse for not getting to the gym?   Hmmm.... you are right.  Inspirational.  xo Kay

Oct 27, 2008 02:01 AM
#14
Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio
Real Living HER, Powell Ohio - Powell, OH

Your photos of your scenery is always so welcome! As we Realtors are whining about our industry, this really puts our lives in perspective. Good to remind us of everything we have that is REALLY important! Thanks!

Oct 27, 2008 02:01 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Wow, Jeff!   This post makes me feel positively whiny! 

Oct 27, 2008 05:55 AM
Northern Virginia Real Estate Photography - Bryant Payden
B. Payden Photography, LLC - Manassas, VA
Northern Virginia Real Estate Photography

Jeff-

Thank you for the inspirational story and La Jolla is certainly a beautiful place. I have recently posted a few blogs on La Jolla from my Photography Trip there this past summer.

Oct 27, 2008 10:28 AM
Linda Scanlan
A Consumer's View - Burleson, TX

Jeff, what a wonderful post! Takes away any reason we may have to complain, doesn't it. Wow..these people are just amazing!

Oct 27, 2008 10:37 AM
Anonymous
danny c.

Great views of the most inspirational day in so. cal. each year. I got my frisbee buddy out there for his first exposure to all these heroes on Sunday. He just lost his dominant arm this year. Good to see people thriving despite circumstances. BTW, Lisa check out lifewithoutlimbs.org to see Nick Vujicic inspire.

Oct 27, 2008 06:27 PM
#20
Gabrielle Kamahele Rhind
KGC Properties LLC, Tucson Property Management & Real Estate - Tucson, AZ
Broker/Owner

WOW!  WOW! WOW!  I do a few events here in Tucson and everytime I go there and gripe about something - I quickly get in check when I see the hand-cyclist getting ready to ride 109-miles, or the swimmer with no legs getting ready to compete - both of which can blow me out of the water any day!  Very very cool post!  -- Gabrielle

Oct 28, 2008 08:01 AM