Michael Clark’s life on Dec. 4, 2009 changed significantly.
He was riding home on his motorcycle to his wife and kids when a driver in a station wagon pulled out in front of him. As the driver proceeded to make a left turn, he saw Clark coming and froze.
Clark slammed the side of the station wagon going 45 mph.
He was rushed to Miami Valley Hospital, where the surgeons worked for 30 hours trying to save his leg. Despite doctor’s efforts, Clark had to lose his left leg above the knee.
Two months later, Clark was able to defy his doctors by being able to walk after his surgery. He now has three prosthetic legs that are designed to give him the ability to run, walk and ride his bicycle.
To test his perseverance and determination, from May 21 to June 1, Clark embarked on a nine-day READY ride. READY stands for Riding to Empower Amputee Determined Youth.
Clark along with four other amputees and four bicyclists rode 750 miles. The group started in Clarksville, Ohio and ended in Kansas City, MO.
“Together we decided to do something powerful for kids. We put together this 750 ride just to raise awareness for amputees,” Clark said. “But what I got out of the ride was more than expected. I was able to prove to myself that I could push myself farther.”
During the ride, he was able to meet a lot of people that listened to his story, supported the group and was there to help the group overcome any obstacles they faced.
The Obstacles
On day one of the ride, Clark got stuck on a hill and due to his prosthesis was unable to get his bike going again. To get him to the top of the hill, several riders pushed him.
“It was pretty amazing how our friends supported us and really pushed us along the whole trail,” he said.
But the obstacles didn’t stop there. The group faced major wind storms, heavy rains and extreme exhaustion.
Then Clark’s left leg swelled. With a swollen leg, Clark was unable to put his leg in his prosthesis. He had to ride without his prosthesis until the swelling went down.
But despite the circumstances and obstacles, Clark said the experience was worthwhile. The group was able to raise more than $20,000 for the Paddy Rossbach Amputee Camp and help spread awareness for amputees.
All money raised will give 10 kids the ability to attend the Paddy Rossbach Amputee camp.
“I would definitely do the READY ride again, but I don’t want to spend that much time away from my wife and kids, Clark said. “I’m interested in doing something more local this time around.”
The Future
To start helping amputees in the area, Clark and four other amputees have started a local non-profit organization called AMPED. AMPED stands for Amputees Making Progress Every Day.
Clark’s vision for the non-profit organization is to continue to work toward spreading awareness about amputees. By continuing his outreach and raising awareness, Clark said he hopes to help kids inside and outside of the country.
But he knows that to accomplish his vision his work is not yet done.
“The ride really made me think that I can accomplish anything and that having a disability is like having more ability,” Clark said. “I am a lot stronger than I thought I was due to this experience.”
To donate to the READY ride or to the Paddy Rossbach Camp, visit any US Bank and ask to donate to the I’m READY ride account.