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Marc from Prince George wrote: Rick Hansen from British Columbia has shown the true strength of which a human being is capable.
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| Rick Hansen was paralyzed in 1973. In his wheelchair, he traveled 24,901 miles through 34 countries and 4 continents. |
ANGEL HERO:
RICK HANSEN
by Travis from Yorkton
 Rick Hansen is not only my hero, but the hero of all disabled people around the world. On March 21, 1985, Hansen left Vancouver to wheel around the world in order to raise money for spinal cord research. He also had another purpose--to prove that just because you're disabled doesn't mean you can't achieve your dreams.
On September 30th, Rick and his physiotherapist told the world of their plans to be married. On April 2, 1987, thousands of people stood along the highway leading to William's Lake B.C. to welcome their hometown boy. Lastly, on May 23rd before national television and with 60,000 people watching, Rick was honored for his incredible accomplishment of wheeling around the world and raising $10,000,000 for spinal cord research. Rick Hansen is truly a hero because wheeling around the world is a great accomplishment. Helping the disabled believe they can do anything they set their mind to sets Rick Hansen apart from all the rest.
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Written by
Travis from Yorkton
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The Rick Hansen Institute was created by Hansen and the University of British Columbia to research and treat spinal cord injuries. |
RECOMMENDED
READING | |
 Going the Distance: 7 Steps to Personal Change by Rick Hansen |
 Rick Hansen: Man in Motion by Rick Hansen and Jim Taylor |
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| Abdul Sattar Edhi founded Edhi International Foundation to help millions of Pakistanis. | Adi Roche founded an oranization that helps orphans of nuclear disaster. | Alicia O'Brien was the inspiration for Cherie Bennett's novel, Zink. | Ann Armstrong-Dailey founded Children's Hospice International. |
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| Audrey Hepburn was an actress, dancer and notable Ambassador for UNICEF | Austin Gutwein founded Hoops of Hope. | Clara Barton was known as the 'Angel of the Battlefield.' | Clara Hale was foster mother and founder of the Hale House. |
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| Connie O'Connell was a hero and inspiration to her family. | Daphna Ziman founded Children Uniting Nations. | Dr. Andrew Wade saved a child's life and she thanks him here. | Elizabeth Glaser created the Pediatric AIDS Foundation. |
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| Florence Kelley was an outspoken leader against child labor. | Jeni Stepanek is an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy who continues to spread her son Mattie's message of peace. | Kelly Perkins climbs mountains to raise support for organ donation. | Lisa Ford was a courageous cancer victim who inspired her friend, Claire. |
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| Maria del Carmen Rojas Sanchez is a beloved mother and teacher. | Mary N. Sanchez is a nurse manager and renowned advocate for veterans’ care and service. | Melinda Rose Hathaway used the Internet to encourage other children with cancer, too. | Mother Teresa gained international prominence as a modern-day saint. |
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| Nkosi Johnson , an orphan infected by HIV who spoke out on behalf of children with AIDS. | Oseola McCarty donated her life savings so others could go to college. | Papa Lloyd did not let his blindness keep him from serving his community. | Paul Hewson (Bono) is a musician, family man and humanitarian. |
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| Princess Diana campaigned passionately for various causes. | Rick Hansen traveled 24,901 miles in his wheelchair. | Ryuichi Hirokawa photographer who illuminates the needs of children in crisis. | Sadako Sasaki inspired an international peace movement. |
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| SAUR MARLINA MANURUNG provides educational opportunities in a remote Indonesian village. | Suzan Mathebule and Joanna Jordan - two mothers, two lives, two continents. | Terry Fox lifted a nation through his courage and tenacity. | The Heroes Among Us were everywhere on September 11 and after. |
Last changed on:5/19/2004 2:07:12 PM
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