The Best Mom on Wheels

Christopher Reeve Foundation has announced the 10 finalists for the 2012 Best Mom on Wheels competition. All women are so very deserving of this award. Please take a moment to view the finalists and VOTE for the story that inspires you the most.

For me, my vote goes to my mom, Jan Allmon, a finalist in the competition!! Way to go mom. You are the BEST!!! (Watch a video about my mom).

Accessible Sailing Season Begins

Last weekend, my mom participated in the first Accessible Saturday of the season at the Downtown Sailing Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Accessible Saturdays at the DSC is a volunteer-run program that allows individuals with disabilities to learn to sail in non-capsizable access dinghies.
With the assistance of DSC staff, returning volunteers (Brian – below) and a few awesome physical therapist volunteers (my sister, Jen, smiling in the picture above), my mother was safe and secure as she transferred into the boat using a manual hoyer lift.

With Peter as my mom's experienced sailing buddy, my mom and her new teacher set sail. (watch the video on Youtube). All participants enjoyed a windy Saturday learning the ins-and-outs of sailing!

My sister jumped in the powerboat with Pat and Julia to take pictures of my mom and Peter sailing, me learning to become a sailing buddy, and the other participants enjoying their adventure. She claimed she was the paparazzi!!

After an amazing day, my mother and sister and I headed to the Historic Savage Mill for a great lunch to cheers my mom's accomplishment!

Last weekend, was truly a great start to what will be an awesome season! I would like to thank Lynn and all of those who work or volunteer at the DSC for helping to make this such a spectacular experience for my mother, and my family!

Volunteer with the DSC

Volunteers allow the DSC to offer the joy of sailing at little or no cost to sailors of all ages with disabilities. You do not need to know how to sail to volunteer. Contact Lynn Handy at 410.727.0722 if you would like to get involved.

Donate to the DSC

"The Downtown Sailing Center provides quality education and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing. The Downtown Sailing Center is committed to promoting an environment of inclusiveness and accessibility, especially to youth, persons with disabilities, and those with limited opportunity." 

Your donations make a difference! Donate Now.

Accessible Sailing Season Begins This Saturday!

This weekend is the first weekend that my mom will set sail for a day of adventure on the water as part of the Accessible Sailing program at the Downtown Sailing Center in Baltimore, MD.

I couldn't be more excited to be there right by her side, as an accessibility volunteer! The following are  photos from the Downtown Sailing Center Transfer Training Day in March. I'll be posting photos this weekend too so check back to see how it all goes!

Pass a National Transverse Myelitis Awareness Day

Hello Friends,
It has been one year since Jan's onset of transverse myelitis.  While there has been no change in her condition,  she is in good spirits.  She is designing and painting scarves, swimming, exercising on an Easy Stand Glider (thanks to generous donations) and enjoying our grand kids.

There is a movement to raise awareness of transverse myelitis at the national level. Supporting this petition is the first step in directing resources to understand it and to assist those who are living with TM and those who will face TM in the future. By signing the petition you will be supporting Jan!

Thanks for all your love and support.
Jim Allmon

55 more signatures to go!~

We Love You and We Wear Blue!

This weekend marks one year since the onset of transverse myelitis. Our entire family and all of my family's friends have been such an incredible support system for my mother, and each of us. I'd like to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone for their encouragement and generosity.

To my amazing mother- the Griswolds said it best,

We admire your strength throughout the past year. We are all here for you & continue to keep you in our prayers. We Love You & We Wear Blue!



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