Mike’s Wheelchair Hand Cycle Fitness

My name is Michael Walthall and I am 31 years old. On March 3rd, 2016 my life changed and I was the victim of a violent crime. I was in my car waiting for the traffic light to turn green when a car with unknown individuals drove next to me and began to shoot at my car. There was no motivation or provocation; just a random senseless act. I drove off to avoid being killed and in the process I drove down a ditch. I ran out the car and collapsed. When I was taken to hospital I was informed that I had been shot multiple times and sustained injuries to my lungs. Worst of all the T4 and T5 vertebrae of my spine had been damaged leaving me paralyzed. Here is the news story detailing more about what I survived: https://abc7chicago.com/morgan-park-shooting-chicago-115th-and-ashland-driver-shot/1229067/ I was at my junior year of undergrad at DeVry University with a Business Administration major and I had just obtained a job with United Airlines when I was shot. My life was coming together and then this senseless act put everything to a halt. This changed not just my life, but the life of my family and friends. My family has sacrificed a lot to help me deal with the physical, emotional and psychological trauma. Post injury, I decided to return to school to complete my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and am officially an alumni of DeVry University as of August 4th, 2019. I am currently an employee at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab which is the number one rehabilitation hospital in the country. This is also the same hospital I completed my rehabilitation at after my injury. I have been working there for the past three years. I am also a member with their adaptive sports program such as the Chicago SkyHawks basketball team and the Chicago White Sox’s wheelchair softball team. I am an ambassador for the Chicago SkyHawks as well. The next sport that I would love to get involved with is wheelchair handcycling through the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. Handcycling allows individuals to use their upper extremities in order to propel a bike forward. It provides a comfortable seat and supports for individuals who do not have movement in their lower extremities. I am asking for donations to assist me with obtaining my own handcycle which will be custom fit to my body and ability level. The name of the bike I am interested in is the Batec Hybrid. This is a handcyle that attaches to a wheelchair to create a three-wheeled vehicle. This handcycle is unique because it also has a battery attached; giving you the option of a power assisted handcycle journey. The Batec Hybrid is attractive, practical and useful in every-day situations by increasing independence and autonomy. It is also great for doing recreational activities and sports. Here is a link to learn more about the handcycle: https://batec-mobility.com/en/ Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I appreciate any donation (no matter how big or small) in order to continue accomplishing my goals and dreams I have set for myself!