In spite of the summer heat and humidity, Amputees Across America (AAA) riders have completed three-quarters of the 2005 transcontinental journey. Over the past two weeks, the riders have made 10 visitations as they traveled through Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.

In St. Louis, Missouri, the newest Junior Ambassador, Kody Caton, and his twin brother joined AAA for a week. Kody, a 12-year-old, below-knee amputee, had a great time during the ride, especially in Terre Haute, Indiana, when a large number of his family and friends joined AAA for part of the ride. All of the AAA riders rely on family support during the ride. As the group entered Ashland, Kentucky, Bill Vanover’s hometown, his family and friends turned out for some biking, as did Jim Delong’s family and a gaggle of grandchildren. 

With more and more uphill rides, heat and humidity, AAA riders also encountered a few rain showers, the remnants of a couple of wayward hurricanes that headed north.  Visitations have continued to be very motivating for the riders.  The Huntington, West Virginia, VA Medical Center visitation on July 11 marked the official addition of Jim DeLong to the 2005 ride.  Jim has made an amazing recovery after a serious 2004 motorcycle accident that required numerous reconstructive surgeries.   From West Virginia, the riders continue east and have less than a month until arriving at journey’s end in Boston, Massachusetts.

You can follow AAA by checking out their travel schedule and reading their daily online journal at www.amputeesacrossamerica.com. 

AAA riders enjoy the peace and quiet of a scenic country road on their way to Terre Haute, IN.	Bill and Joe encourage a recent amputee not to give up.  The day marked only the second time this courageous patient has stood since his amputation!  Visitations like this one make the long, hot miles all worthwhile for the AAA crew.	On July 9, AAA visited the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Lexington, KY.  The hospital is designed for children, but Bill looks right at home.  By the ride’s end, AAA will have visited four of the 20 Shriners Hospitals located across the U.S. to visit with young children coping with amputations, orthopedic disorders and burns.