Georgia native Aimee Copeland found herself fighting for her life after being diagnosed with a rare flesh-eating bacterial infection from a 2012 zip-lining accident.
As the doctors did what they could to save her, they had to amputate both of her hands, one foot, and much of one leg. The road to recovery was a long one. As Aimee went through rehab, she realized that her old adventurous lifestyle had to change…or did it?
New challenges made Aimee determined to find a way to still enjoy her true passion: the great outdoors. She started the Aimee Copeland Foundation, a cause that works to provide greater access to the outdoors to those with physical challenges.
Recently, the foundation partnered with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide free, high mobility all-terrain track wheelchairs at 11 state parks, historic sites and a wildlife center. The initiative encourages those with disabilities to reconnect with nature and history, explore nature trails, go fishing and attend adaptive hunts.
All-terrain track chairs are designed for use on more difficult types of terrain, to hit the trails and navigate through mud, water, sand and snow. Qualifying Park visitors can experience a sense of freedom that can be difficult to have in an everyday wheelchair. All-terrain track chairs can be used for hiking, hunting, fishing and other outdoor education and recreational activities.
The chairs are provided free to visitors who qualify, including those with Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, spinal cord injuries and lower limb amputations.
We applaud Aimee for charging ahead, into the woods and a healthy lifestyle.
