After leaving UMH, JC and I went to see our friends at Shake A Leg Miami, a not for profit water sports center for people with disabilities, as well as the general community. I had done an internship at the organization and helped out in the PR department and the truth was that I wanted to say hi to my former coworkers as well as my boss.

As I walked into Shake A Leg, I felt at home. As always, the building was buzzing with activity. A fishing tournament had just taken place and Harry Horgan, the CEO of the organization, was sitting in the hanger surveying the pickup duty after the activity. Harry was pleased to see us both and we chatted briefly with him and Susi, his wife about how the organization was doing and ways in which I could maybe help improve their marketing strategy.

Its interesting to me how I grow so attached to an organization that even though I have moved on to new professional horizons, I always want to find the time to volunteer at SALM because it is an organization that changed my life forever. With that thought in mind, I headed up stairs to speak with SALM’s marketing manager, Colin and Kerry, Chairman at Shake A Leg Miami and we have promised to chat and analyze how we can revamp SALM’s social media strategy. Hopefully, I can lend a helping hand in that department and see SALM integrate itself in the social media world more effectively.

When I finished my impromptu meeting with Colin and Kerry, night was falling on the majestic Miami landscape. Also, symbolically, the carpeting at Shake A Leg was being replaced because it had been severely damaged due to flooding. Perhaps, the replacing of the carpet and nightfall coming at the time of my departure from Shake A Leg that day, was an omen welcoming the change to come at Shake A Leg Miami. A change that I hope will happen with the help of the new and innovative staff and the help of cutting- edge technology. In fact, a change that I hope to help make happen, with the little professional expertise that I may be able to offer.

My flight was practically empty, probably because of the recent Boston Marathon Bombing. I was headed to Miami for my quarterly Botox Injection to treat my spasticity that is so common for those of us that have Cerebral Palsy. It was a bright and sunny day when my family and I departed Costa Rica. The flight was smooth and we were able to land in Miami International Airport quickly and safely.

JC was waiting for me at the airport. After going through immigration and baggage claim, I met up with him in the ground transportation area. To me, the airport seemed desolate, as if doubt and fear were still lurking in the air after the terrorist attacks. After exchanging a few quick comments about my trip, we headed outside to wait for STS, our special transportation provider, which was contracted to take us wherever we needed to go during all of my stay in Miami because neither JC nor I drive. It was the first time that I personally used STS; overall the drivers were friendly and helpful, but like any state-run service, it isn’t perfect, and it is ultimately up to the user to learn the ins and out of the system in order to use it efficiently.

That first night, JC and I decided to stay in and have dinner at the hotel with my parents because we were all tired from our trip. After having an assortment of seafood dishes and delicious desserts, we retired to our respective rooms for a much deserved night’s reset.

The next morning we all headed to my Botox injection appointment at UMH. As usual, the busy outpatient clinics at UMH were filled with patients, so my family and I took a seat in the waiting room and patiently waited our turn. After an hour, Dr. Eduardo Ballestas, who was working with Dra. Diana Cardenas, came out to explain to my parents how the procedure was going to be carried out. Once all doubts were evacuated, we headed inside the hospital cubicles to start the procedure.

This Botox procedure is ambulatory and the patient is awake while its taking place. A numbing spray is used to numb the areas which will be injected. I got about 15 injections in specific muscles which are the ones that should be injected in my case to successfully reduce my spasticity. I can tell you that I was glad when the procedure was over. I must admit that I had some pain, but, frankly, it was not to bad. Now that the medical part of my trip was over, I could freely roam Miami with JC, and boy was I in for surprises!

To Be Continued…

There were suitcases everywhere. In them, were all of my belongings. A year before, I had completed my Masters in Communication and graduated with honors from one of the most respected communication schools in South Florida; the School of International Communications at Lynn University. As a graduate student that had graduated with the highest honors from a very rigorous program, I often wondered what to do next. I knew I wanted to impact society with my writing and communication skills. I wanted to leave a mark, a contribution in the United States of America, a country that had given me access to first-class medical doctors and a stellar education.

With this purpose in mind, I began to apply to numerous sites to see if I could complete an internship in the U.S.A before coming back to my home country of Costa Rica to set up my own business. Months passed by and nothing came up. Then, Marcia Soto Pinari, a native Costa Rican, and a friend of Harry and Susie Horgan, mentioned to Harry that I was looking to do an internship with a US based foundation. Harry and Susie were kind enough to give an opportunity to enhance SALM’s public relations efforts through my blogs of the different events that took place at Shake A Leg Miami.

Now, a year later, I emerge a changed person. I am thrilled to have been able to impact so many Shake A Leg followers through my writing and to have met many passionate individuals that hold Shake A Leg’s mission close to their heart. It is time now to begin the next chapter.
It is to time to establish strategic alliances and sit back and observe as Shake A Leg transcends frontiers and enters the Hispanic market. Personally, I am committed to see that happen and I shall not rest until it comes to fruition.

When I first visited Shake A Leg Miami in December 2011, it immediately became apparent to me that this organization would change my life; and that it did indeed. My internship at SALM opened up myriad doors for me. It showed me the infinite possibilities that exist out there for people with disabilities; from kayaking to sailing to diving and a host of other activities. It also taught me that people with disabilities can do a lot to impact the community. Through our stories, we can show able- bodied individuals that our disabilities do not stop us from accomplishing all of our goals and dreams, if anything, they make us fight harder to achieve them. We must be carriers of a message of hope, persistence and resilience.

With my blogs, it is my hope that I was able to paint a picture of the mission of Shake a Leg through the eyes of somebody that was a firm believer in what SALM represents to Miami and the world. Moving forward, as I get ready to move back to my home country of Costa Rica, I will continue to support SALM and its avant-guard initiatives that have changed the life of so many individuals over the years. All this, with the premise that today “the global world is flat” as organizations are able to transcend frontiers through the magic of communication.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the entire Board of Directors for the grand opportunity you have given me at Shake A Leg Miami. With you, I leave pieces of my existence; an existence that is forever changed.

As I made my way to Shake a Leg Miami from my house in Boca I was expectant. Kerry Gruson had been kind enough to invite us sailing during my first day at Shake a Leg Miami. The waters were tranquil that day. Nothing moved. The waters were asleep. Despite the weather conditions, the experience was worth it. As I wheeled to the dock, with Kerri and her friends and the Freedom sailboat came into view, I wondered what would happen if the boat tips over J.C. rapidly informed me that the Freedoms don’t tip over. After leaving our wheelchairs on the dock, Mark Dacy helped me transfer onto the sailboat. Then, after properly strapping me in, we were ready to go. I sat at the helm at the stern of the vessel. J.C. was the skipper. I was impressed how being legally blind he could sail so well and so naturally. I learned that day that sailing for people in general, but especially for disabled people, is a liberating experience.

I think it allows us to forget about all the challenges that we go through everyday just to get around. Water eliminates mobility issues. It gives us freedom. If on top of the sensation of freedom we experience serene waters and a gorgeous sunset , we can’t ask for more.

Since the waters were so calm, we had ample time to take in the fresh air and look out at the Miami landscape. I was mesmerized contemplating the tall buildings that decorate Biscayne Bay. The buildings rise up majestically, but as I gaze down, the waters are as still as they could be this particular day. It is this sharp contrast that made my first experience sailing so unique. For experienced sailors, perhaps, this particular trip was not their idea of fun because sailors like to be on the go. They like action; to be in constant camaraderie with the vessel, so to speak. However, that day the waters wanted to give me a calm and warm welcome. Perhaps it was just the perfect environment to introduce me into the sailing world because, as we sailed back toward the dock, with an amazing sunset escorting us back, I knew that sailing opened up a whole new world for me which I would gladly experience more of in the coming weeks.

Being a native Costa Rican, I did not know the first thing there is to know about baseball. When Kerry invited me to go to the Miami Marlins game last Friday, April 13th at their brand new stadium (former Orange Bowl), I did not hesitate. You see, last Friday wasn’t just about baseball, it was also about giving back to the community.

The Miami Marlins have had a long-standing relationship with Shake A Leg Miami, and this year, they picked SALM as their charity of choice. SALM received a $50,000 donation from the Miami Marlins. All of the Shake A Leg members were asked to wait in the media room. While in the media room, several pictures were taken of board members and SALM ambassadors. While the rest of us waited, I studied my surroundings. There were comfortable chairs for us to sit in, and see everything that was happening. SALM friends and members greeted each other amicably, and quickly got up to date on the latest events occurring at SALM. I personally was glad to see Mark Dacy, who had just come back from vacation and Susie Horgan who I had not seen since February.

After about half an hour, they distributed our tickets. Staff from the Marlins escorted my friend Alex and me to the baseball field. We sat on the handicapped accessible seating and had a good view of all the other excited fans. I was impressed to see how many people Marlins Park could hold. There were so many spectators that they looked like ants seating in their chairs.
Before the game started, SALM proudly accepted the donation. Alex and I saw Harry and his team as they proudly held up the check amid clapping and cheers from the crowd. For SALM, this was a very important day because it isn’t every day that a nonprofit organization gets recognized the way SALM did. With that done, all of us could sit back and enjoy the game in which, ultimately, the Miami Marlins beat the Houston Astros.

For me, going to Marlins Park was a unique experience. It was a day in which Alex and I danced and cheered along with the cheerleaders, guessed correctly on the Marlins trivia, and even had time to enjoy good food while we watched the game. In short, it was a day where we all showed off our team spirit; the same team spirit that binds SALM together after twenty years of existence.

Heading down to Miami at 6 a.m. on a Monday morning is not necessarily the most fun thing to do when you live in Boca. On this particular Monday morning, however, J.C. and I were on a special mission on behalf of Shake a Leg Miami. Our friend Imri from the Amnesty International chapter at the University of Miami had invited us to be in his radio show on WVUM to speak about Shake a Leg Miami and its mission. Without hesitation, we accepted the invitation.

As J.C. and I walked down the hallway that leads to the radio station, we were expectant and maybe a little nervous. The radio station itself was very welcoming. It was filled with posters on the walls, there were several computers, and, of course the digital switchboard. Our hosts were on one were on one side of the room, and J.C. and I were on the other side. Once our headphones were on and our microphone sound levels were adjusted, we were ready to begin the interview.

J.C. and I began by telling our stories. J.C. told listeners how he had started volunteering at Shake a Leg after high school and how he was now one of the ambassadors for the organization. He also told listeners that he was a professional hand cyclist and had just run the Miami and Fort Lauderdale marathons. When it came time to tell my story, I spoke of the fact that I had a degree in English as well as a Masters in Communication, and was now doing an internship for SALM and helping out with public relations at the organization through a blog that is published weekly. J.C. and I thought that by telling our personal stories, we could inspire people with disabilities to maximize their potential and enjoy some of the programs that Shake a Leg has to offer.

During our interview, we also spoke of the different summer camps that Shake a Leg offers. These camps are for children ages 6- 15. The different camps available are the Water Sports Camp, the Academy Camp, The Eco Island Camp, and the Sailing Camp. If you register early, there is an “early bird discount.”

Another topic we touched upon was the recently inaugurated Learn and Play Center at Shake a Leg Miami. The Miami Heat Basketball team renovated SALM’s two back classrooms and converted them into places that foster a modern learning environment for underprivileged children. The team donated Ipads and computers and decorated the rooms with posters of the players.
Finally, we could not end the interview without mentioning Shake a Leg’s art studio and programs. We talked about Shake A Leg’s continued effort to foster children’s and young adults’ artistic talents through painting and other art forms. Shake a Leg has an umbrella of programs that people with disabilities can partake in or that volunteers can help out with. As J.C. and walked out of the UM radio station, our hope was that, through our participation in the radio show, we had succeeded in letting the Miami community k

Kerry Gruson, Chairman of the Board of Shake A Leg Miami, invited members of the general community and Friends of SALM to participate in a seminar imparted by Jody Johnson using the Action Coach life and business coaching principles. Jody Johnson is currently coach to the CEO and Chairman of SALM and through this she can further her commitment to them as Coaching For A Cause. “SALM is a great morning venue, easy to get to, easy for people to attend. It allows us to create additional learning to grow the business in the greater Miami community,” Jody comments.
To me, Action Coach is an inspiring organization. Its mission is “Transforming the economic landscape of South Florida through business reeducation.” In other words, “when businesses are running well and people’s needs are being met {the} next most natural thing for human beings is to be of service.”

SALM is a great place to be of service to make a difference in the community.
SAlM provides the perfect model as an organization that strives to provide service and better the lives of individuals with disabilities through their variety of programs. By partnering with Action Coach, SALM hopes to establish strategic alliances in order to better serve the community.

Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, FL became the sight of the Boca Boating & Beach Bash for people with disabilities on Saturday, March 24th 2010. It was a gorgeous day for this event. The sun was out and the water was welcoming to any disabled person that wanted to enjoy himself/herself. There were booths with the different organizations that wanted to partake in the event and, at the same time, promote their company or non profit organization. There was food in abundance. People lined up to enjoy a great barbecue and sodas of their choice. Besides this, all of the individuals who attended could sit and enjoy live music. Of course, this was also an opportunity to spend time with old friends as well as meet new friends, both able bodied and disabled.

Perhaps the highlight of the event for me was the boat rides that were available for disabled people, their caretakers, and their families. During the boat ride, we sailed on the intercoastal and got to see the beautiful mansions that are along the waterway. Everybody on the boat loved the boat ride, with the beautiful sight seeing and the wind blowing in their faces, as well as Captain Rich’s funny jokes. All of these factors made the boat ride very pleasant for all aboard.
It must be said that an event of this magnitude could not have taken place and been so successful without the vision of Mr. Jay Van Vechten and his wife Lowell whose heart’s desire was to be able to host an event that would celebrate and unite people with disabilities and their families.

The help of non profit organizations, such as Shake a Leg Miami and others in lending out their boats greatly contributed to making this event as successful as it was. The Royal Palm Beach Yatch & Country Club was a big sponsor. They shared their boats for use in the event. It is important to thank people like Zack Rice, who is the Marina Manager at Royal Palm Beach Yatch and Country Club. Another person who I have to mention and give special thanks to is Lisa Hamilton Johnson who was the organizer of this event and Jay’s right hand person. Finally, I wish to acknowledge all of those volunteers who gave up their day to put a smile on peoples’ faces. Without you, an event like this would not have been possible. In total the Boca Boating & Beach Bash had over 3,500 guests. At the end of the day, people had nothing but compliments for Mr. Van Vechten and his staff. I have no doubt that next year’s event will be as wonderful as this one.

It isn’t everyday that a chain of stores like West Marine invites disabled athletes to share their experiences with water sports. The West Marine Superstore in Fort Lauderdale is the largest in the nation. As disabled athletes, my friends were honored to be able to share their stories with the general community, and to show business owners and the general public that despite having a disability, water sports such as kayaking, scuba diving, and sailing are not out of their reach.

The first person to share her story was Nicole Ryder. Nicole was injured in a car accident when she was 22. In April of 2010, she visited SALM for the first time, and Kerry Gruson invited her out sailing. Since then, she has loved sailing in numerous regattas.
Kerry Gruson also shared her story through a very powerful Power Point presentation. Kerry is a testament to survival. When she was 26 years old, and a journalist for the NY Times, she was interviewing a Green Berea who had come back from Vietnam and during the course of the interview, the latter had a flashback, strangled Kerry, and left for dead. Nevertheless, Kerry survived and is currently the Vice-Char of Shake a Leg Miami. She is also an avid sailor who has won many sailing competitions worldwide including first place in the London Regatta.

Karen Mitchell started sailing in 1994. She has such a passion for the sport, that she teaches young people, both able bodied and disabled how to sail, including the UM PT students, under a program that SALM does in conjunction with the University of Miami.

Johnny Garcia had another amazing story to share. He was injured back in 1989 He first heard of SALM while he was still in the hospital. Johnny has tried it all, from sailing to motor boating to fishing to scuba diving. His primary focus now a days, is fishing. He gave up fishing for a while because the difficulty in holding the fishing poll with his limited hand mobility. One day, however, Johnny decided to give it a second try. He said to himself: I am going to figure out how to use this equipment or leave it on the pier for some fortunate fellow to take. He ended up spending all night on the pier and designing an adaptive device to help him with his gripping problems.

The last two speakers were Chris Holcomb from Achilles International and JC. Chris is the Regional Director for Achilles South Florida and is himself a quadriplegic. Achilles has chapters all over the world. It is an organization that promotes disabled sports such as hand cycling and kayaking. Achilles hopes to give more publicity and expand their kayaking team through a joint partnership with SALM. Finally, in this occasion, JC spoke of his Scuba diving experiences in Cozumel and how many doors the under water world can open for disabled individuals. For Harry Horgan, co-founder of SALM,listening to these stories was very inspirational because they are the very reason he founded the non profit organization 20 years ago.