I woke up paralyzed from the neck down, now I live in my wheelchair accessible campervan...SOLO
Спорт
This is the story of how I became paralyzed, and what led me to build a wheelchair accessible campervan. Oh, and I broke a few world records and did some cool things along the way.
My Instagram : keepinitwheel306
See my entire van tour : • Paralympic Athlete in ...
Shop for my Vanlife products :
amzn.to/3nSDxdo
#vanlife #wheelchair #homeonwheels #disability #disabledtravel #solofemalevanlife #solofemaletraveler #travel #wheelchairtravel #accessibility #accessibletravel #adaptivesports #sports #adventure #adventures #snowbird #offgrid
Пікірлер: 133
Damn, you do way more outdoor sports and modes of movement than me or most able-bodied people do. Forget being inspiring "with a disability", you're inspiring period!
@Keepinitwheel306
10 ай бұрын
Ha! Thank you for the ultimate compliment!
@annahopp
9 күн бұрын
I couldn't say it any better. I need to get my able-bodied ass in gear!
Before getting old I led an active life, I could walk and rode my motorcycle for 33 years. Around the age of 60, my back got bad, and my legs stopped working. I was never in a car or motorcycle accident. My spine has a bulging disk and my sciatic nerve became pinched. I live in Ohio, where the weather is only good about 5 months of the year. I already lived my life. I was a professional exhibiting artist. Old age has robbed me of everything. I have hand tremor and I can't make art anymore. I struggle not to spill my coffee when I take my cup to my table. I knew I was only good at making art. I knew I would never earn much money and that is exactly how it went. I got by. During my active years as an artist I was successful. I exhibited my art, sold most of it too. I won grants and an art scholarship, that paid for my schooling. I hold two degrees, one is a masters degree. I worked in art galleries, I always found work in the arts. But the money I made couldn't compete with cost of living.
First off,....I love you for sharing your life's story. I am an old man at age 70, and I have become increasingly more crippled,....I have a bulging spine disk and a pinched sciatic nerve, recently I have had to rely on a walker to assist me getting around. This all began slowly and has only gotten worse. Also I am poor and living in the USA,.....( relatively poor) in the sense I can't afford to have all the medical care to help me get better, or an entourage of friends & helpers, to help me. I am a solo individual. At age 70,....more than half of my friends have already died. Some people are lucky to have a crew of friends to tend to them. I can't afford to pay strangers to help me. I stopped going out, I can barely manage getting my groceries,...I can't afford to live in a nursing home. I own a house, but it is not set up well enough for being partially crippled. A charitable organization installed railings, and improved my entry steps, at no cost to me. Their care givers were not acceptable to me, nor was their house keeper. They sent me people in worse shape than myself. Anyway,...thank you for showing me there may be hope for me, if I can't find no-cost helpers.
You had a significant advantage in being Canadian and being assured health care.
Thank you. You give me hopes and dreams I I was in the nursing home for five years got out of the nursing home been homebound for the last five years with nobody around but my service animals because of a compromised immune system because I had gotten the worst case of Gillian Barret ever seen in my parts and of course, with the compromised immune system I cannot even go out in public, but all I dream about is having my own camper band
Hi Lisa, I just saw you on Glorious Life On Wheels and I was so impressed. You are a remarkable young lady and so smart. I cant wait to see what you'll be doing next. 👍 😊 ♥
Wow holy crap you do a lot of stuff. I’ve been in a wheelchair for 7 years, mine is from an accident that I jumped off balcony and broke my heel bone in 2 places, 9 surgery’s and now live with CRPS and no weight bearing on my left leg completely, it’s now going into my right leg. So outside of my house I’m able to walk and fall threw my 3 stories of a house. I’m 58 but I want to start going back camping, I have same chair as you. I can never ever be out of the pain, 24/7. Good and bad days. Maybe I can do it.
Hello Lisa, I discovered your channel today and subscribed 🤗. Im looking into getting a wheelchair accessible van to live in myself, been in a wheelchair since I was 10 years old. I love being outdoors/camping too.
You got Glowbies on here ! Glad to have met your acquaintance today on Carols Channel!
I subscribed after watching your interview with Glorious Life on Wheels ❤️ Thanks for sharing your experience and journey. The Lord has blessed you mightily. ❤️🤗🙏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸
That's so cool! No is not in your vocabulary. I was moving while watching your race and was so impressed when I saw those who caught you on the ground while paragliding(?). Can't wait to see more adventures.
@Keepinitwheel306
5 ай бұрын
Aw thanks! The people who caught me were skilled, I had complete trust :) Another video is coming right away so make sure your notifications are on :)
Here for all of it. 😊
I want to see all types of videos about vanlife and adventures
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
I’ve got many ideas going through my mind - time to get this going!!
I watch all types of YT content but yours will be different from any that I've watched. Share as much of your life that you're comfortable with sharing. You are awesome and I so appreciate your courage and determination to do the things that make you happy!
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
You’re absolutely right it will be something different. #vanlife with a twist! And of course shedding some light on accessibility and challenges that I encounter. Thanks for tuning in 😊
You are living your best life. Your an amazing young woman. I have scoliosis and have been told that I will be in a wheelchair some day by more than one Dr. I walk funny but not in a wheel chair yet. My joy is also being outside and hiking the woods in Minnesota. I carry a small light weight chair in a backpack, when the hiking gets to be too much. Sit for a bit and move on. I think most anything you want to show us in terms of having a disability what you use, and the fun your having will give many of us inspiration. Good blessings to you and stay safe!
@NothingDoing24
4 ай бұрын
I have scoliosis and never heard that 😮
I live outside of Ottawa, Canada. Thank you for showing me I could do this. I’m going to start camping this summer.
Adventure content all the way! In vlog style maybe? Also, it was cool to hear some of your history
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Oh there will be a good mix of vlog and adventure gopro footage!!
I love all your genius mechanical work arounds shown in your van tour with Carol …. inspiration for another Saskatchewan woman with different abilities …. planning nature adventures in a small car. Really appreciate your beautiful spirit of adventure!! Thanks for sharing with us ☺️🙌🏼
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! I hope you’ll follow along 😊
I’d love to see some accessible adventures for all kinds of disabilities.
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
I’ll do my best!
So inspired by you today.! Just what I needed to kick me in the ass and give me an attitude adjustment. I am an able bodied 60 yr old, recently retired and my wife and I have just sold our house in Manitoba and are moving to BC. I have been bummed out lately feeling my age and the limitations our finances will have on the kinds of properties we can purchase etc. Your video shook me right out of that to go for it with what I CAN do and to continue to dream and adapt and grow. I also love being in nature so hope to end up in a beautiful spot in BC. I will be following your channel and maybe we will bump into you one day. Looking forward to going to your hometown tomorrow and spending a couple of days at the mineral spa.. Thanks for putting yourself out there on KZread.
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for tuning in! I’m in beautiful BC right now - I’m sure you’ll find a lovely spot
@kb9847
Жыл бұрын
@@Keepinitwheel306 we will be buying around Keremeos. Can't wait for the fresh veggies and fruits!! Enjoy BC!!
Whatever you want to share sounds good. Thanks for the inspiration to do what fulfills you.
I am praying for you God Bless
Thx for sharing
Would like to find out more how your bed system works...Love your van and your attitude....you do have a lot to share, as a disabled person myself, it's good to see how you do things different and nothing stops you...
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
I’ll definitely be giving a thorough van tour! Thanks for watching :)
Southern Californian here, I hope we have treated you well while you visit our state. I have fibromyalgia, and living in a milder climate helps with the flare-ups, so I understand why very cold environments can be difficult for some. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️
@Keepinitwheel306
4 ай бұрын
You’re right, the climate helps tremendously and not having to push my wheelchair through snow makes being a “snowbird” a no-brainer decision.
Great story.
Here from Glorious life on wheels! Love your attitude towards life! I will be praying for your health, strength and fortitude! Loved your video!
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
Hi, I saw ya on GLOW! Excited to see your videos!
Hi Lisa, I saw you on Glorious Life on Wheels channel, your're very smart and full of energy and life🥰I sub your insta channel too.😍Have a good day from Italy🌹🌞
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Aw thanks for the sub! Let’s get this journey started 😊
Hey, I am a army veteran with PTSD and T.B.I - traumatic brain injury. Having been injured in active service. I am 40% Disabled and was diagnosed with a Neurological disorder (MS) back in 2010. It's scary when you can't walk and have to rebuild your life! All over again! I lost my ability to walk back in 2010. Took 5 years of rehabilitation before I was walking without aid. Now many years later I am in a similar situation only this, time with my heart. I am declining in my mobility but pushing forwards to being able to ride a bike again! I am still having tests done as nobody seems to know the exact cause on why my heart is not working properly. I've just been told I am borderline (VT)-Heart. So basically the blood is not getting pumped around my body properly. But the doctors seem to think that there has been some kind of Neurological fler up! Anyway. Keep moving forwards no matter what your video will inspire many people with disabilities. Thanks for sharing 🙏 your story xx
Amazing I'm another one that saw ya on GLOW! Excited to see your videos!
All of the above young lady!
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
You’re so demanding Dale ;)
I’m into van life videos, car, trailer whatever. I think you’ve got a great set up in your van. I’m impressed with all that you do. I’ll be watching.
glad to follow your journeys!! i am nora, and watched the livestream and interview on glorious life on wheels!!! wonderful to meet you !!!
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Lovely to meet you too!
Wow !!! What an inspiration you are !! Thanks for sharing your story !! To be able to accept and be so positive and active is amazing !! I am a high school friend and basketball teammate of Terry and also played competitive softball with him !! I am from Ontario but we still keep in touch !!!
I'm disabled in a number of ways (not needing to use a wheelchair yet, though) and my interest in vanlife comes from low disability income and high housing costs (and less accessible housing available to begin with) making it so that may be my only way to survive and not end up on the street. You ask what content we'd like to see - I would love to see frank disability-informed vanlife and cycling content. Not a false positive or a false negative, but just a sort of candor about challenges, joys, opportunities, and disappointments.
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
You’ll absolutely be getting content that isn’t sugar coated or false positive - it all goes back to my channel name - I like to keep things real / wheel!
@sunshine3914
Жыл бұрын
Heard Lisa say that she’s Canadian, so her situation may differ from Americans.
@spidrawebster
Жыл бұрын
@@sunshine3914 To clarify, I know she's Canadian. She asked what we were interested in seeing and I mentioned my own situation as context for where my interest in vanlife comes from, and then went on to say what I'd like to see.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us Lisa. You're a great inspiration to all of us with your "can do" attitude. So glad you started your channel and look forward to seeing more videos be it travel, sports or just day to day living in a van.🥰👏👍
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for tuning in!
so psyched to have met you in SC. Your energy and light are incredible. I look forward to seeing you again down there and following your adventures.
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Yeah buddyyy! Keep the surf and beach company while I’m gone 🤗
Wow, you are a dynamo!! I don't have an adventurous bone in my body so I'll have to live vicariously through your channel. Safe travels & thanks for sharing your adventures with us! 🙏😊🚌
Thank you for sharing your story! I, and I believe others, would like to see content in all of the areas you listed. You are a strong, brave woman with so many cool adventures already under your belt. Safe, happy adventure traveling. I'm looking forward to seeing more of it.
@Keepinitwheel306
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! This channel is just getting rolling 😏 but I’ve got some great videos coming out shortly. Stay tuned and thanks again for following along 😊
You are so bad ass, my friend. Keep on, keeping on and I'll just live vicariously through you!
I just happened to your channel and I'm totally binge watching it. I love how you've accomplished so much and it motivates me to want to get more out of life.
@Keepinitwheel306
2 ай бұрын
Aw thanks, I love to share my travels and ideas with others in hopes itnwilo be motivating 😊
So glad to see your channel! My husband has used a chair for decades (post-polio), lots of wheelchair sports. Our 2023 Transit is supposed to be built in mid-June (waited two years for it) and by some miracle we just snagged a used Superarm 124 off Craigslist. Campervan conversion imminent. Your van design is brilliant, would love to see videos of accessibility details -- such as the construction of the column lift that gets you into bed. That's pretty niche content, I suppose, but it would be so useful. Thank you for what you're doing, hope we'll meet on the road someday.
You are living such an inspirational life. Thanks so much for sharing.
Landed here after watching a Tiny Home Tours piece on you and your van. I look forward to following you on Instagram and checking out your KZread videos too.
@Keepinitwheel306
10 ай бұрын
Thanks for following along!
Watched your interview with GLOW/Carol. Very keen to watch everything about your vanlife adventures.
@Keepinitwheel306
10 ай бұрын
Right on! Happy to have you along the journey.
I was hoping you could add your winch to your Amazon store...i need one to roll my mobility scooter into the back door of my 94' Roadtrek. Giving up my Queen size bed to add it to my "completely independent" arsenal!
@Keepinitwheel306
6 ай бұрын
Hi there! I just uploaded a video that shows how I load it and the link to the winch is in the description. A scooter might be too heavy for that specific winch but this one might work: www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Electric-Factories-Warehouses-Construction/dp/B09LYG11QF/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?crid=21DM8V6WAR1B6&keywords=electric%2Bwinch%2B20%2Blbs&qid=1701156001&sprefix=electric%2Bwinch%2B20%2Blbs%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-15&th=1&psc=1
I had never heard of that condition. It can truly happen to any of us.
@Keepinitwheel306
4 ай бұрын
It’s very rare in the spinal cord - much more common in the brain
Love it! Love you! You are so gorgeous and tough as nails! I actually wish i could do the van life thing. You're setup looks comfy and awesome. I spent my teens living in a little trailer I hought at 14 deep in the woods so i appreciate little spaces. You're awesome and am spending the rest of my night watching yiur vids and learning about you. Cheers!
I think Carol had some great ideas for your content 👍 using your go pro, cooking in your kitchen, your travels …
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
I have so many ideas going through my head 🤔
@shirleyfrederickson4794
Жыл бұрын
@@Keepinitwheel306 I see that. I wish I had your mind for my van 😊 Glad to witness what’s next ❤️🇨🇦
I know this was 3 years ago but I would kill for a van tour!
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
There is a link to a full tour in the description 👍😁
@hanahc3525
Жыл бұрын
@@Keepinitwheel306 AHH THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
CONGRATULATIONS on starting the channel again. You will have a faithful sub here. My husband, who watched with me and will also sub on his YT. We are just retired and have moved away from Manitoba and going to live in British Columbia. (We used to live there) We are travelling there right now. We are going to Moose Jaw tomorrow!! haha We will be at the Spa for 2 days. We are looking forward to watching your adventures! Loved looking at all your activities, many, actually most, I would never do!! haha
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
I love it!! Stop in at the Crushed Can and you’ll find me on their wall of fame 😅
@kb9847
Жыл бұрын
@@Keepinitwheel306 will do!! We are just heading to bed after the hot pool. We ate at Rosie's on River it was fantastic!!
Dang! How much awesome can you pour into one person??? You do more with your life than most able-bodied cubicle dwellers.
@Keepinitwheel306
9 күн бұрын
You’re so kind haha. Thank you.
Hey Lisa! Great video see you at SanO sooner or later. Wally
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
See ya November or so!
enjoy watching your videos, Lisa-as another Canadian paraplegic, I would love to escape the cold in the winter and your van looks fantastic. You're an inspiration to the rest of us keep it up.
@Keepinitwheel306
10 ай бұрын
Northern winters can be brutal - I hope you get to escape for a while
No quit.... You do more then most abled body people..
Wow that was a great race in the first clip you showed. You were side by side and then you just pulled away. Awesome endurance! You are too cool and too strong! Haha cheers
@Keepinitwheel306
2 ай бұрын
It still stands as one of my finest memories. Nothing like a close finish in front of thousands of people 👌
You are an inspiration. Amazing just amazing person.
@Keepinitwheel306
4 ай бұрын
Wow, thank you, I appreciate you stopping by!
'Not a Wheelchair' - Introducing The Rig... Check it out maybe something you could use to get around.
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion. I believe the mountain bike I travel with is far superior to what he has built. Check out the Bowhead Reach, it’s been life changing.
I keep finding Canadian van lifer ladies all are so inspiring and just great people. You are in good company or maybe they are in good company. I live in Michigan and my best friends are Canadians. I have been talking about moving to Canada for along time but still have not. Just a bit too comfortable here I guess. So the next thing is to sub on to your channel. Look forward to your content.
@Keepinitwheel306
5 ай бұрын
Haha thanks, they must build us differently in Canada ;) Being comfortable isn’t always a bad thing, but I’m sure Canada would welcome you with open arms if you do make the move. Thanks for following along!
Kindred Spirits. Keep your adventure going!
@Keepinitwheel306
4 ай бұрын
Your channel is so needed! Keep it up!
god i needed this today - more please!
@Keepinitwheel306
Ай бұрын
Ha!! New video coming this week and in the meantime there is a whole Vanlife playlist you can binge!
Practicalities please! ❤
👍❤❤❤
Just found your channel ❤ very inspiring 😊
@Keepinitwheel306
Ай бұрын
Hi Colleen! This channel is just getting rolling so I’m glad you’re here 🙌
Hi! As a thirty-seven-year-old wheelchair user myself, I would be very interested in your van Life and Adventures. I will be looking to start doing some long weekend camping trips with my minivan and hopefully work my way up from there! I currently live in Ontario, Canada, and I would love the chance to travel Coast to Coast of this beautiful country! How do you manage getting around camp sites and other areas with your manual wheelchair?
@Keepinitwheel306
10 ай бұрын
I have a front wheel attachment called a Free Wheel that gets the front castors off the ground. And I also have something called AccessTrax that I lay around my campground if it’s soft sand or gravel.
I seen you cross a bridge on your bike and was amazed. But all I could think about was how to make that better. So now I know you're a mechanical engineer what are your thoughts on improving handicap accessibility in the outdoor activities
Linkėjimai iš Lietuvos😊😊😊
@Keepinitwheel306
3 ай бұрын
Sveiki!
Jeffie bear has a channel on youtube. I don't know why I couldn't find you when he lost his legs
@Keepinitwheel306
4 ай бұрын
My channel is relatively new in the last few months, that’s likely why
WOW - awesome story....would you mind if I asked if it was the pain that kept you awake? I'm dealing with excruciating shoulder pain now (arthritis and rotator cuff) and it's literally driving me mad, it's so bad.
@Keepinitwheel306
Ай бұрын
Yes it was the pain. And as time passed, anxiety and depression also worsened my insomnia. I hope you get some relief!!
@youdontwanttoknow5203
Ай бұрын
@@Keepinitwheel306 I can't imagine going through it that long - pain alone can drive a person nuts - going without sleep will too....thanks for your well wishes - in desperate need of relief right now... So glad you found a way to win over yours 🥰💖 You are truly amazing!!!
I currently am living in my handicap mini van. I am interested in getting a full size van. I use a power chair. Funds have been an obstacle.
@Keepinitwheel306
4 ай бұрын
I hear you, my latest video is all about the cost to make my van accessible. Depending on where you live, there might be some grants available? Have you looked into it?
@PismoKam1
4 ай бұрын
@@Keepinitwheel306 i will look into it. Thx
@PismoKam1
4 ай бұрын
I also will watch your video on buildup my your van
Do you travel the east portion of the US and Canada? I have a son with CP and finding accessible places is very hard. Sorry for trying to use you as a resource.
@Keepinitwheel306
9 күн бұрын
I haven’t made it East yet - I’ve barely scratched the surface of what to explore out West!
😭🐵😭
❤
Carol from glowbies sent me over so blame her 😂❤️🙏🦘🐨🇦🇺
@kirstenstrobel4387
Жыл бұрын
Ditto!
@Keepinitwheel306
Жыл бұрын
Haha yes I appreciate Carol helping me jumpstart this!