Remarks made at the 1998 Banquet
by Dianne Brunswick
I have had a spinal cord injury (T-11) for 19-1/2 years, and this was my first Ski for Light. I had a fantastic week learning to cross country ski, play ice hockey, and skijor.
To be able to separate myself from the wheelchair to do things that I have an interest in is so dear to me. I have taken river trips with the Phoenix Parks Special Populations Office which mean so much to me. It was on these trips that I met Ski for Light'ers Dick Ashley and Errol Honhoinewa. Dick had been telling me about Ski for Light for two years. I gained a new appreciation for an activity like cross country skiing where I can push myself physically and mentally in the direction that I want to go--well, OK, a fee times during the week I was going in directions I didn't want to go!
When I was out there with SFL I could feel my soul flying with freedom, accomplishment, success, and having fun. I want to do it again!
I am impressed by the people in this group that return year after year--guides and participants alike. You know you can't go too far wrong with people who like to play in the snow and who will let me play too.
Thank you Olav for bringing Ski for Light to the U.S. Thank you Dick for getting me to experience Ski for Light. Thank you Jeff Pagels for being an excellent teacher. Thank you Anne Berg for being a wonderful guide. Thank you to all of my other new friends at Ski for Light. You have made me feel welcome and you have given me back my winters.