I began volunteering for Adaptive Adventures more than a year ago, after I set out in search of a local nonprofit to which I could volunteer my time and talents. It turned out the organization needed someone to help writing and editing its newsletters, as well as local, state, and federal grant proposals and submissions to Adaptive magazines - right up my alley. No matter how beat I am after a day's work, I'm never too busy or too tired to help write an article or edit a grant; it couldn't be for a better cause or a more appreciative group of people.

Adaptive volunteers also help out with the year-round activities, including weekend ski trips, cycling races, overnight kayak outings, and water skiing events. I sometimes wonder who has more fun - the volunteers or the participants! I continue to be blown away with the physical and mental strength members of this group have - they refuse to allow a disability dampen their spirits or their sense of adventure. So many people will never understand the challenges each individual faces....everyday. Still fewer will have the opportunity to see the ear-to-ear smile that skiing down a Colorado slope can bring to a young child with a disability. But it's a smile you would never forget, and as a volunteer I get to see it firsthand.

For one article, I had the privilege of talking with soldiers left paralyzed fighting in Iraq. Despite the life-altering effects the War had on them, I could see the sheer enthusiasm and energy present when they spoke about their Adaptive Adventures experiences. I remember one soldier telling me the group gave him something to look forward at a time when he felt he had nothing, and for that he would be forever indebted. I think that's probably why I volunteer - the satisfaction I receive knowing I am part of a group making such a positive difference in the lives of others.