All Out Adventures (AOA) provides year-round inclusive outdoor recreation programming for people with disabilities and their loved ones, older adults like myself, and veterans across Massachusetts. Though programs are provided at no or very low cost, it actually costs about $100 per program participant. The Kayak-a-thon will raise funds and awareness of the 230+ adaptive outdoor recreation programs that they offer each year. 

I impulsively registered to paddle with the flotilla before it hit me that completing the distance from Hatfield to Northampton safely with my own physical/health limitations was unrealistic. The brain says "Let's do it," the body says "no way!" So I opted instead to spend the afternoon helping ready the Noho destination for a landing celebration, greeting participants, and assisting with refreshments.

Why did I keep my page?
I set my original goal to raise $500, met it with the help of friends in less than 24 hours, and surpassed it by another $70 the next morning! So I’m shooting for the stars and have raised my goal to $1000. Will you help me match the first $500? Even if I don’t hit $1000, it’s the challenge and just trying. Every little bit helps.

If you’re registered to be on the river that day, have fun and see you at the docks in Noho.

For everyone who has supported my goal thus far,

                           THANK YOU!

Carla

A personal note: Many of you know that I spent over 30 years teaching blind & visually impaired children. I loved introducing them to outdoor activities I enjoyed like paddling and birding as well as ones I didn't do like horseback riding by helping them get into programs. After I moved to Western Mass, I was paddling at a local state park and saw folks with disabilities paddling in a group--my intro to AOA. I later learned about their senior programs. A few years ago, though I still paddle on my own, I began joining AOA on their CT River senior paddles.They provide and transport everyone's kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and equipment, lug them to the water and accompany us, providing the extra tandem paddler, forgotten water bottle, first aid if needed. Having the paddle board waiting and ready saves me the energy for paddling, allows me to paddle on the river where I couldn't paddle alone, knowing I'm safe with support if needed. I've also snowshoed and hiked with them this past year and on one of those hikes, I did need some personal help that I never expected. I see this group becoming even more important to me in the coming years.
The photo is me on the CT River with AOA in August.