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My name is Danya, and my son Zachary is 13 years old. He also was born with athetoid cerebral palsy. He drives a power wheelchair and uses an augmentative communication device. He has attended regular classes at regular schools since first grade (he did attend a UCP preschool and kindergarten to get a good start and learn to drive his chair). He is currently in 7th grade in above average classes getting straight A's. Needless to say, I am extremely proud of him. Today, I watched a show called "Amazing Families" and saw your story. I just wanted to say "thanks" to your whole family. I am very aware that it is because of people like yourselves, who fought before us to get acceptance in the real world, that our struggles are less. Yes, I do have to be vigilant and fight for Zachary to have what he needs, but because others have done it before us, it is easier. Now I can go into a school meeting and say, "Zachary will go to college. Look at Rick Hoyt, he did it, and so will Zach." You have helped me to affirm that anything is possible if you are willing to be creative and work hard. Zach's passion is music. He has already composed several pieces that his school band has performed, and I'm sure he will continue to do amazing things as he gets older. So thanks again, for blazing a trail for all of the families that come along behind you. You are an inspiration to us all. Thanks, Hey Everyone, I just returned from a trip to Gatlinburg, TN on company business. During these trips they usually bring on some high powered speaker to pump us all up and send us on our way. You know the type, the Brooks Brothers suits, the $150 Tie, etc.. Well this trip was different. I got to meet a guy named Dick Hoyt. No fancy Ties or suits, No screaming and jumping up and down with his fist in the air. But by far the most powerful message I have ever heard. I won't ruin the video by telling Dick's story. I can honestly say in 15 years of being sent to these motivational programs, this is by far the most touching and influential, I have ever encountered. Dick and Rick have competed in over 900 athletic events together, including the Boston Marathon and the Ironman Triathalon. Joe C I have been trying to play catch-up since the meeting. Wanted to let you guys know how AWESOME Dick's presentation was. Our offices have been truly buzzing since the meeting. Everyone is asking me for extra copies of the book and Ironman videos to share the story with all of the coworkers who were not at the meeting. I will tell you that I watched Dick's videos a few times and thought that I was not going to be emotional during his presentation. Well, I was wrong. I bawled like a baby, just like everyone else! We had a number of executives from our parent company in attendance and they were also blown away by Dick's presentation. Dick is so humble and the fact that he's been able to do such extraordinary things out of love for his son is truly inspirational. What an amazing man! I've been sitting here brainstorming the past week and trying to come up with a way to show Dick how much his presentation meant to all of us, not only in our professional lives, but personally. To be honest, I am not sure how we could possibly express our admiration and respect for Dick. We conducted a post-meeting survey and people said that we would never be able to top Dick's presentation. They said that by listening to Dick, they truly felt that anything was possible. They said that they would never forget his message and I believe that's true. Personally, I am in the midst of training for the Austin Freescale Marathon in February and when I was running my longest-pre-race run (22 miles) Saturday after the meeting, I kept picturing Dick's face and it truly helped keep me going. Dick, thank you so much for coming to Austin to share your amazing story with our group. It was truly an honor having you in our presence. We wish you and Rick all the best in your future endeavors. Please stay in touch and I would be glad to be on your list of references. Best wishes, This is more than a story of a father's love, though it certainly speaks to all fathers, this one included. It's also a story of courage, the kind any of us could be called upon to demonstrate in our own lives. And if we were, we'd have two wonderful examples to follow in Dick and Rick Hoyt, both of whom I am proud to call friends. Bobby Orr I found your presentation extremely inspirational and moving, about hope, living life to the fullest, never giving up, moving past our limitations....... Ilze Davenport On behalf of all New Yorkers I commend you for your courage and strength of spirit and for spreading your special Yes You Can message amongst our city's young people. I salute you for your energy and your enthusiasm and for your actice involvement in the community. Your lives are an inspiration to us all and your well delivered message brings hope and encouragement to all New Yorkers. Rudolph Giuliani Yours is a remarkable athletic accomplishment. But more than that, it is a triumph of the human spirit--one of many such triumphs to your credit, individually and jointly.
John Silber Dick, I have fond memories of meeting you. Through the dedication of the 'Hoyt Team' a much needed awareness of the rights of handicapped persons will be brought to America. Nancy joins me in sending our warmest appreciation to you and our congratulations for your humanitarian and civic-minded service. God bless you.
Ronald Reagan I have admired you and Rick for many years now,ever since the first time I saw you compete in the Boston Marathon back in the mid-1980's. The two of you have been an inspiration to me and, I am sure, to countless other people. As I told you, I have mentioned you in more than one Sunday homily as a wonderful example of courage, cooperation/teamwork, and family solidarity.
Fr. Robin Ryan, CP The session you held was outstanding and was one of the highest rated sessions of the Conference. It was not only inspiring, but it was very emotional as well. After you spoke, many people came up to me to tell me how much they enjoyed it. I would say that it is one that will always be remembered. T. Quinn Spitzer, Jr. I can't tell you how much of an impression you two left on all that heard your presentation. In a cynical and pessimistic world you represent hope, love, and determination in overcoming life's adversities. People still come up to me shaking their heads in amazement of your tremendous accomplishments. Tom Lambert Wow. The 3 D's of Duty. Determination, and Discipline struck home. Every salesperson, regardless of product or service should attend a Hoyt seminar or speech. Thank you. Alan Skaza |