I met Dane a few years ago. He is amazing, smart, funny and fiercely independent. I hate to talk about his physical disability because so often, it doesn't exist in our friendship. Dane has Cerebral Palsy which requires him to use a chair for mobility. His current chair has left him stranded and in danger because it is malfunctioning. He isn’t comfortable asking for help so I will. The deductable & copay for his new Chair is $5,250. I know the difference this will make in his life and ultimately so many more with Physical Disabilities because of the work he does. Please share with your friends and family to help reach our goal before winter.  
 
Here is his story:

My name is Dane Talmage.  I am 43 years old, and I have mild to moderate Cerebral Palsy.  If you do not know what that is, it is a nuero muscular disability that is caused by oxygen loss to the brain sometime before, during, or after birth.  It affects the muscles, and can sometimes affect speech and cognitive functions as well.

My disability was caused by complications that occurred shortly after I was born.  The doctors did not give my parents much hope that I would ever walk, talk, go to school, have a job or live independently. They were encouraged to institutionalize me and attempt to have more children in hopes of having ones without disabilities.  Thankfully, my parents made another decision.

I was raised in rural Colorado as a “normal child,” along with my twin sister, who happens to be deaf, also as a result of complications. My parents provided much in the way of love, support, encouragement and advocacy as they raised me.  The result of which, is that I have surpassed many of the expectations that were had of me at the time I became disabled.

I attended Public School and was completely mainstreamed with my peers.  I graduated HS, received a BA with Honors from CSU in Political Science and a Masters Degree with Honors from the University of Northern Colorado in Rehabilitation Counseling.  After working for 11 years with persons with disabilities of all ages, many of whom struggle with the difficulties that accompany their disabilities (such as holding down jobs and having a sense of self-worth), I have come to realize that the difference between their fate and mine comes down to the beliefs instilled in me by my parents. Through their willingness to challenge me, and their relentless advocacy for me, I was able to break through obstacles that many of my clients seem to believe to be insurmountable.

I have also managed to accomplish many other goals that, at first were deemed unachievable. I have lived and worked independently for over 20 years.  I own my own home.  I am also able to drive my own modified car. I am very blessed with an active social life, which is full of loving friends and family.

My story illustrates that with love, support, encouragement, and very hard work, a person with a disability can overcome many barriers placed in their way. When a person with disabilities believes in themselves, they can accomplish great things, even when they are told otherwise. My ultimate hope would be to help them to find a future like mine, instead of the one that so many persons with disabilities seem to resign themselves to.