I woke up paralyzed from the neck down, now I live in my wheelchair accessible campervan...SOLO
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- Опубликовано: 28 апр 2023
- 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 
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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!
Ha! Thank you for the ultimate compliment!
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.
You had a significant advantage in being Canadian and being assured health care.
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.
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. 👍 😊 ♥
First of all, I'd like to say.
Inspiration.
More than that , I am a sixty one year old guy living in Australia You just showed me.I'm scared of living Play, it's safe. Thank you. Time.
For Change now excuses. If you ever choose to go back to australia , I would love to Sponsor and enjoy watching you. Inspire so many people.
It's time to get me to my fears.Thank you.
So much regards.
Craig
@@craigselby2950 yay!! I love hearing comments like this. Get out there and explore!! 🙌🙌
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.
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!
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 😊
I want to see all types of videos about vanlife and adventures
I’ve got many ideas going through my mind - time to get this going!!
You are such an inspiration to people with disabilities, I admire your courage to get out and enjoy life, you get around better than most people without disabilities,I can’t get around without a walker- bad arthritic hips, but you have given me the motivation to be more active and get back to living! Thank you
Yes 🙌 get out there and live!
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 ☺️🙌🏼
Thanks for watching! I hope you’ll follow along 😊
I subscribed after watching your interview with Glorious Life on Wheels ❤️ Thanks for sharing your experience and journey. The Lord has blessed you mightily.
❤️🤗🙏🏻👏🏻🇺🇸
Here for all of it. 😊
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
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!
I have scoliosis and never heard that 😮
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.
My hat off to you young lady! God blessed you with the spirit of a warrior! 😉
Cheers!
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.
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 :)
You got Glowbies on here ! Glad to have met your acquaintance today on Carols Channel!
Adventure content all the way! In vlog style maybe? Also, it was cool to hear some of your history
Oh there will be a good mix of vlog and adventure gopro footage!!
Whatever you want to share sounds good.
Thanks for the inspiration to do what fulfills you.
I’d love to see some accessible adventures for all kinds of disabilities.
I’ll do my best!
Thank you for sharing your story and inspiring others, even able bodied people
My absolute pleasure! So many people have help inspired me, now I can give back as well
I live outside of Ottawa, Canada. Thank you for showing me I could do this. I’m going to start camping this summer.
I am praying for you God Bless
Thx for sharing
Here from Glorious life on wheels! Love your attitude towards life! I will be praying for your health, strength and fortitude! Loved your video!
Thank you so much!
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.🥰👏👍
Thank you for tuning in!
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...
I’ll definitely be giving a thorough van tour! Thanks for watching :)
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.
Aw thanks, I love to share my travels and ideas with others in hopes itnwilo be motivating 😊
Yass get it girl🎉❤🎉❤
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 RUclips.
Thanks for tuning in! I’m in beautiful BC right now - I’m sure you’ll find a lovely spot
@@Keepinitwheel306 we will be buying around Keremeos. Can't wait for the fresh veggies and fruits!! Enjoy BC!!
Amazing I'm another one that saw ya on GLOW! Excited to see your videos!
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 !!!
Great story.
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.
You are living such an inspirational life. Thanks so much for sharing.
All of the above young lady!
You’re so demanding Dale ;)
Hi, I saw ya on GLOW! Excited to see your videos!
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 RUclips videos too.
Thanks for following along!
Watched your interview with GLOW/Carol. Very keen to watch everything about your vanlife adventures.
Right on! Happy to have you along the journey.
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.
Yeah buddyyy! Keep the surf and beach company while I’m gone 🤗
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🌹🌞
Aw thanks for the sub! Let’s get this journey started 😊
You are so bad ass, my friend. Keep on, keeping on and I'll just live vicariously through you!
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! 🙏😊🚌
glad to follow your journeys!! i am nora, and watched the livestream and interview on glorious life on wheels!!! wonderful
to meet you !!!
Lovely to meet you too!
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. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️
You’re right, the climate helps tremendously and not having to push my wheelchair through snow makes being a “snowbird” a no-brainer decision.
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!
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.
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.
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 😊
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!
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'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.
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!
Heard Lisa say that she’s Canadian, so her situation may differ from Americans.
@@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.
You are an inspiration. Amazing just amazing person.
Wow, thank you, I appreciate you stopping by!
I know this was 3 years ago but I would kill for a van tour!
There is a link to a full tour in the description 👍😁
@@Keepinitwheel306 AHH THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
I enjoyed your interview with Bob on his channel. New subscriber here. ❤😊
Welcome aboard, feel free to browse my videos and I’m sure you’ll notice the quality has gotten better lately 😂
I just saw your video on Bob’s channel. I had a spinal cord condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome. Kiddos to you for your accomplishments
Wow, thank you
I think Carol had some great ideas for your content 👍 using your go pro, cooking in your kitchen, your travels …
I have so many ideas going through my head 🤔
@@Keepinitwheel306 I see that. I wish I had your mind for my van 😊 Glad to witness what’s next ❤️🇨🇦
I had never heard of that condition. It can truly happen to any of us.
It’s very rare in the spinal cord - much more common in the brain
Wow I'm so glad you make videos and I'm glad I found it. Thank you for your story strength and wisdom inspiration. I am starting my journey solo learning how to be more athletic and in nature. I was meant to find this inspiration because of my overthinking.❤ you rock!
I’m an overthinker too but in a way it helps because I plan ahead for obstacles I may encounter. I hope it doesn’t hold you back from trying new things though. Cheers!!
Great content, just binge watched all your episodes!
Wow, cool! I hope you made popcorn haha
You are awesome girl!
@@ThePortmaccer I appreciate you commenting. Thanks!
Hey Lisa! Great video see you at SanO sooner or later. Wally
See ya November or so!
Kindred Spirits. Keep your adventure going!
Your channel is so needed! Keep it up!
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
I love it!! Stop in at the Crushed Can and you’ll find me on their wall of fame 😅
@@Keepinitwheel306 will do!! We are just heading to bed after the hot pool. We ate at Rosie's on River it was fantastic!!
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
It still stands as one of my finest memories. Nothing like a close finish in front of thousands of people 👌
I am an able body 74 yr old afraid of doing anything that maybe will harm myself ,running to your channel starting question myself what life is.
Sometimes I think I’d be better off if I had a few more fears 😂
god i needed this today - more please!
Ha!! New video coming this week and in the meantime there is a whole Vanlife playlist you can binge!
Excellent , i like vanlife videos and outdoors anywhere in North America or Canada ,, am in uk and dont quite have the same scenery here ...😵💫, thankyou ..
Glad you liked it!
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.
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!
Just found your channel ❤ very inspiring 😊
Hi Colleen! This channel is just getting rolling so I’m glad you’re here 🙌
Dang! How much awesome can you pour into one person??? You do more with your life than most able-bodied cubicle dwellers.
You’re so kind haha. Thank you.
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.
Northern winters can be brutal - I hope you get to escape for a while
I feel bad that your boyfriend broke up with you, but I assure you that you are a beautiful young woman and the RIGHT PERSON is coming for you
'Not a Wheelchair' - Introducing The Rig... Check it out maybe something you could use to get around.
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.
👍❤❤❤
No quit.... You do more then most abled body people..
Linkėjimai iš Lietuvos😊😊😊
Sveiki!
Practicalities please! ❤
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
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?
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.
Sports and places please!
I just uploaded a new video with a cool place I visited. It kinda involves sports too…aka hiking 😉
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.
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?
@@Keepinitwheel306 i will look into it. Thx
I also will watch your video on buildup my your van
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.
Yes it was the pain. And as time passed, anxiety and depression also worsened my insomnia. I hope you get some relief!!
@@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!!!
Jeffie bear has a channel on youtube. I don't know why I couldn't find you when he lost his legs
My channel is relatively new in the last few months, that’s likely why
Inspirational is an understatement! 🤙🏻
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Haha very creative! Now this old video just needs some views to help out the 👍 you suggested ;)
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.
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 😂❤️🙏🦘🐨🇦🇺
Ditto!
Haha yes I appreciate Carol helping me jumpstart this!