A Beach Wheelchair For Surfer Ernie Johnson
WHAT: WaterWheels Beach Wheelchair (as pictured above)
WHY: To give Ernie Johnson the freedom to surf, or visit the beach whenever he would like.
COST: ~$2000, including shipping, tax, and fees.
*******UPDATE**********
Many of you have asked if you can still contribute and how the funds would be used.
We've decided to increase the limit in the hopes that we can cover some of his costs associated with competing at this level. Ernie has aspirations of competing in several international competitions, and if enough is raised, the extra funds will be put to those costs. If not, they'll go to cover training expenses as necessary.
Our buddy Ernie needs your help to purchase a Beach Wheelchair.
A Conway, SC native, Johnson grew up as an athlete, in an athletic family. On August 21st 1997, he was scooping up a football to return in a pre-season scrimmage while playing for Conway High School.
A direct hit to the top of his head damaged his spine and left him paralyzed with limited mobility. He is currently listed as a quadriplegic.
Ernie has since found a return to competition, and a love of the ocean.
After being introduced to surfing through the amazing Adaptive Surf Project organization, Ernie fell in love with the sport and began surfing as often as possible.
A generous gift by the ASP provided him with a new surfboard and total support in the water. Additionally, the ASP provides him with travel and support to surf in the US Surfing Championships annually.
The Surf Dreams Foundation also provides equipment support for Ernie and his dreams.
Thank you, to both of these organizations. If you should choose to support one or the other in the future, we would be grateful.
Ernie is the reigning Eastern Surfing Association, Northern South Carolina , Adaptive Surfing Champion. He is also the No. 5 ranked adaptive surfer in the United States, in his division, (prone assist.)
As he continues to advance in the sport, and his love for the beach and ocean grows, it's time for Ernie to get his own beach wheelchair.This will give him the freedom to surf and visit the ocean whenever he would like. He currently uses his normal, skinny-wheeled chair for beach access.
After many discussions, we've chosen the least expensive, yet fully functional, wheelchair available.
Wheelchair and Scooter Rentals of Myrtle Beach has agreed to provide the chair at cost to Ernie, and we're thankful for the savings.
The money raised will pay for the chair, taxes, shipping, and fees. Any funds raised over the amount requested will go toward contest, event, and travel fees.
We ask for your help, in any amount that you can. Thank you, and we'll see you on the beach!
