Perspective

This one made an impression on me. #followcamfriday reminding you to live life to the fullest, appreciate what you have and surround yourself with good people. 

My friend Daniel Soller sustained a spinal cord injury seven months ago while doing what he loves most in life. If you are reading this, chances are that you also live for riding. Just like Dan. To have everything you know change in the blink of an eye is difficult to quantify or comprehend. One thing is certain however, Dan is making the best of an unfathomable situation. 

,As mountain bikers, we all take risk. The sense of adventure is what is attractive about the sport. The rush, the feel, the connection with nature, and friends to share the experience with. This sport is dangerous. In my mind, most things worth doing involve some sort of risk and commitment. Getting out of your comfort zone is mandatory for growth. If I am being honest, I should probably have died long ago. I am very thankful that I have not been seriously injured or killed along the way. Broken bones are easy, and I've had my share. 

The worst injury I have sustained has been a broken ankle. I was non-weight bearing for three months. At the time, the thought of not walking or driving for a few months was hard on me mentally. When I compare that injury to the doctor telling Dan that he will probably never walk again, it seems pretty insignificant. I can't even imagine hearing those words. The mental strength that Danimal has, to keep a positive attitude in light of this situation is inspiring. Legend. 

Dan is stoked. I have raced and ridden with him for many years and he has always lived for bikes. Dan raced a klunker at the GJ Offroad last year. Yeah, no suspension, some of the roughest trails in the country, that is how much Dan loves bikes. Danimal is crazy. That is why we love Dan. And ultimately, why I sincerely believe, he will walk again. Until that day, he is going to stay positive and make lemons out of lemonade. Perhaps with some tequila mixed in. I haven't heard Dan complain once. Next time you complain about your wheel size, or the weather, or your morning coffee that wasn't perfectly prepared to your discriminating standards, think about Dan. Dan's legs don't move. Your first-world problems don't seem so important now, do they? Perspective on what actually matters in life. I am very fortunate. 

This is heavy shit. Riding with Dan, making this video, processing all of the emotion. I've been crying a bit. Heavy. I truly am thankful for my health and my friends. Dan is very fortunate to be surrounded by amazing people that help him do this sort of thing and help him to feel normal every day. Without that support structure, things would be very different. Without my friends, I would be nothing. My entire current situation is because I have surrounded myself with amazing people. I am very fortunate. 

When I asked Danimal if he wanted to shoot a FCF episode, I had the idea to do a fundraiser to help him with the unforeseen costs associated with this sort of thing. When I mentioned this to Dan, he basically told me that his financial needs were sorted and that we should donate to the organizations that helped him get through this, and be able to help others. This is a testament to Dan's character. Dan can't walk, and all he wants to do is help others that are struggling with similar injuries. Inspiring. 

So, here is the deal. Craig Hospital and the High Fives Foundation have helped Dan get through this injury and basically make it possible for people with spinal injuries to get back to "normal" life and give them the tools and support to succeed. If you are interested in making a donation, the links are below. If Dan can inspire anyone with a spinal injury to get back out there and live life to the fullest, it would mean the world to him. And to me. 

High Fives Foundation
Craig Hospital

​