That's what people ask me. Surfing, kayaking and skydiving
have been my answers. If there's been an adaptive adventure sport I've probably
done it and brought it in front of others to try. The Threus Foundation has been my platform for driving
over the edge. I celebrated 40th birthday last September and it’s time to
refocus what I want to do with my life.
I have plans to go
back to college, run a business and help
others along the way. For those of you who know me, you know the ocean and
water is very close to my heart. I found out about the Handicapped SCUBAAssociation and The Disabled Veterans Diving Project. I always thought that
having a pneumothorax from my accident prevented me from diving.
I spoke with the doctor, and he said that I could dive since
it wasn't a spontaneous type injury but a direct injury and I would reduce the
risk of having an air embolism. I asked him to put it in writing and he said he
needed to see me first. This is opened up whole new adventure that I never
thought possible my dream of becoming a PADI Dive Instructor. I first need to
get handicap certified for diving, I have certification as a PADI Dive Master
but, think it's been 10 years since I dove, so it'll be a good refresher. The
dive class starts January 13 and I'm so pumped up for the possibilities. Just
think about it, a Disabled Veteran Diving instructor sharing dive knowledge with
other Disabled Veterans coming back and of course, all potential disabled divers with the Threus Foundation.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Dad (Bert DeVere 1952-1990),
Here’s what you missed since you
been gone; I graduated high school, went into the Coast Guard., and received several
awards including “Junior Enlisted of the Year” in 1994. Lived in Hawaii and
surfed and became a Padi Divemaster. Was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2002 and
survived a near fatal accident which left me partially paralyzed, in 2005. 20 minutes before my accident, I turned my life over to Jesus Christ. I know Jesus spared my life for a reason.
After, I
moved back from Hawaii. I got familiar with the local Chumash traditions, Married a beautiful
woman in a traditional way by the elders. My mom said she wishes you could have
been there to see it. Our anniversary date is on father’s day. So I know you
have been there to see it go by each year. There is so much more I want to tell
you, but I know you have been there through it all. I am comforted by the
thought of being with you in the afterlife. I wish you could have been there
physically and tell me you’re proud of me and a good son. I miss you very much!
This morning, as I sat in prayer, going through my head
about each step of the VA experience:Labs, infusion and appointment. I got on an Access Para transit ride to
the VA, leaving my wife to meet me later, after the appointment. I got a call,
an hour into my ride with heavy traffic, from my wife, saying the doctor was sick and canceled
the appointment. At first, I was disappointed but took it with a stride.
All day at the VA, not fun! I turned it around and looked at
it as a day of fun at the Starbucks!! I arrived at the VA with the only hope of
having my wife, enduring a two hour
drive to pick me up and another day off for going to the VA.
I wheeled up to the infusion center where my medication
would be administered and they confirmed what my wife said, Dr. Baumheffner, my
neurologist, was sick and all visits would have to wait till be got better.
I started rolling
down to the Starbucks to get an iced Caramel Macchiato. My wife called and said
to go to the lab where they get the blood sample, I get prior to medication. I
wondered why? She said that the neurologist on call would cover for Dr.
Baumheffner. Miracle!!.
Didn’t expect to hear that at all!! When you deal with the
VA and they say NO! it usually means NO! And I know of 1.2 million that would
agree. We, Rosanna and I had an angel behind the scenes named Trish who was
ready and willing to go beyond the level of her pay-grade in order to
facilitate a needed medication to a veteran who was 4 weeks behind. Not only
that, she also made arrangements to see that Neurologist for an appointment
that Dr. Baumheffner had scheduled.
After the Infusion, we received a call that said we should
go to the place of the Neurologist. We however, got the call after we left to
go home. Miracle!! Everthing happened exactly as I prayed it to happen! Praise God!!
Some veterans do not enjoy or take their care with the VA
for granted.
I am truly pleased with Dr.W and his assistant Trish for their services
rendered and carry the spirit of service. Thank You!!
I started smoking at age 10 with a friend Darin McGrath,
while camping with his family. I remember my first cigarette greeted me with coughing.
Darin taught me to take invisible hits and I would adjust. It worked, I
continued down the road attempting to be “Cool” and fitting in. Kelly Camp, my
best friend, joined me trying to smoke everything that burned including our
spelling book. At 16, I was a fulltime smoker and gravitated to the crew that
hung out in the Agoura high school access road. I finally enlisted in the U.S.
Coast Guard when I was eighteen. I was legal!! Smoking gave me a false sense of
status, a reward system and way to settle down. My dad smoked, my mom smoked
and no-one ever gave me a reason to stop including my parents. It was
universally accepted by the fellowship I kept which was, recovering alcoholics
who smoked rather than drink. Smoking was normal, and I received very little encouragement
to stop. In my 20’s, I had brief periods of not smoking. I would come to a
peaceful, relaxed state and I would reward myself with a smoke which always led
to a pack, even though I promised to stop for good. I would think to myself “I
just wanted one cigarette then I would stop”. This addiction model has carried on to this day, 30 years later, can
you believe it?! This will bring us here to this day, I am now 39. I am a
professional quitter. My wife doesn’t smoke and I have been ordering a pack at
a time because I am always on the verge of quitting. I understand the
destruction it causes in people and families and I just can’t stop. I needed
spiritual help and I turned to Jesus to relieve me of this obsession. He did it
for me when I was baptized and I need him to do it again. An elder at my “Toast
to the master and Lord” , Toastmasters group encouraged me by offering advanced
gratitude for relieving me of this problem and I got to tell you it’s worked so
far. Jesus is so awesome!! Our provider
and friend. He spared my life in my accident and he’s not going to let go of me
now!! Today is day three and I’m breathing easier.
Condemnation, religion, Church, rules , republican and
dogma? I hope to answer some of these questions. Let us see what the bible
says.
John 3:14-17
14 "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son
of Man be lifted up; 15 so that whoever believeswill in Him have
eternal life. 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish, but have eternal life. 17 "For Goddid
not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the
world might be saved through Him.
To us it says we only have to believe and
that’s where it goes. So, when you boil
it down, it’s a change in your belief system, not a turn to a religious body or
church doctrine.
What about rules?
Let’s start by the laws that govern our behavior in the
United States. Try not paying taxes and see what happens. God knew we would all
fall short. How about lying (by omission), stealing and bearing false witness
(Gossip) and pre-marital sex? I fall short of many of these. What will we say
when confronted by God? I’m sorry? That’s not enough. God wants to have an
intimate relationship with each one of us and will seek us out like a father
coming to the rescue! God sent his son to redeem us and bring us into his
family!
Sacrifice, God needs this to forgive our sins. Jesus came as
an offering for us in order to enter his kingdom.
I understand that we were born into sin thanks to Adam and
Eve. I hope this answers a couple of these questions. If we all were not set
into sin, why would God send his son to suffer and die for us?
So, this system of universal laws pertain to us. We used to
burn sheep, goats and cattle as offerings to receive forgiveness then Jesus
came as an offering for us all!! Even you!! Now is the time and now is the
place! Simply say
"Jesus, I am sorry for my sins, I surrender completely to
you, write my name in the Lamb’s book of life, Thank you Jesus!!"
There is an eternal reservation in heaven just for you!! Thank you for reading
through this blog! You have taken a huge step in your life and want to congratulate
you!!
What are the benefits you ask? http://www.ugcoc.org/Jesus/benefits_of_following_jesus.htm
It inspires me when I hear a story about someone who rises
above a physical disability and positively impacts the world. This brings me to
the word “inspire”.
: to exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting
influence on
These folks are like angels in the dark nights of others in
order to bring them light. I learned of a man without arms or legs, Nick
Vujicic . Nick was born with no arms or legs and struggled with his situation
to the point of suicidal ideation at age 10. “How could God use me?” he would
ask. He received his answer as he confronted his situation head-on. Since then Nick
swims, surfs and talks to students around the world about hope, inspiration and
the word of God. He continues to extend his heart to all he meets and says to
those who need a miracle, to be the miracle to someone else.
I also want to talk about Joni Eareckson Tada I have yet to
meet her, but I am so encouraged by both of these stories. Joni Eareckson Tada,
the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Joni and Friends International Disability
Center, is an international advocate for people with disabilities.
A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson, then 17, a
quadriplegic in a wheelchair, unable to use her hands. After two years of
rehabilitation, she emerged with new skills and a fresh determination to help
others in similar situations. During her rehabilitation, Joni spent long months
learning how to paint with a brush between her teeth. Her high-detail fine art
paintings and prints are highly sought-after.
These are 2 of my mentors by the example they set for a hope and a future
despite being disabled. There is always someone 10 times worse off, handling it 10 times better. After I
Adaptive Skied, whitewater rafted, kayaked and surf kayaked I realized the only
thing stopping me was my desire or lack of desire to try something new. I wanted to form an organization in order to
help new members of the disabled community by encouraging adventure sports. The
Threus Foundation does just that. Our flagship program “Get Stoked on Skiing”,
brings first time skiers to the slopes and covers the costs associated. Our Whitewater
rafting program called “Rolling on the River” brings the disabled to the South
Fork Kern River for a day of rafting and adventure.
The sky is the limit!! Make 2012 the best year of your life!!
It’s been a great year! We have done over 10 ski trips many
trips during summer. Mammoth was open till July 4th and we took full
advantage of that.My health has
stabilized with MS and the frequent UTI’s. Rosanna is still working at the
Westlake Pet Motel and loves being covered in critters! We celebrated our 9th
anniversary on the Mountain in June. The big 10 is coming up this year in 2012
and we love each other more each day. Rosanna’s birthdays is on Christmas and
get to spoil her on her special day. We have some exciting plans for the Threus
Foundation. We expanded our reach to Colorado and made any disability available
to participate with us. We are thankful for all of our friends and family who
supported our efforts and wish each of you a most wonderful holiday season. Consider a donation for our cause here: www.threus.org And check out the video we made!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2W1pmcSfeg
Yesterday, was a birthday I never thought I'd have. I had accident on August 2, 2005 that shattered my spinal cord. Previous to my injury, I had a psychotic break. I long suffered with depression due to my Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis. My world was falling apart.
With the help of a good friend, Richard Miller, who turned me on to Jesus. I was desperate and thinking to end my life. I was hallucinating that demons were out for soul caused by a side effects from multiple medications for MS.
This happened 20 minutes before I drove my truck off a 200 foot cliff. I was lost and searching for something more. I drove off the cliff committing my life to God since I was no use to him alive. I believe that God spared my life. So here is a question. Why? Why did he spare my life? What have you done with this life since the accident?
I had an appointment with my MS Doctor and asked him a simple question. “What is my prognosis?” With over 30 years’ experience treating MS patients he said something you never hear from a Doctor “I don't know, it’s MS” This answer transformed my life.
So there I was, in a wheelchair with no hope with my prognosis. I took it as an E ticket to ride. MS is a disease of the central nervous system that is progressive in nature. My wife and I set out to do this many adventures as I could, while I could. If I only have a limited time available I had to just go for it!
Adaptive skiing at Mountain High was my first adventure that came with the revelation “If you're a wheelchair, you should be able to try adaptive skiing and no charge”. The Threus Foundation was conceived.
I continued kayaking, surf kayaking, surfing , Whitewater rafting and swimming with dolphins. I have a long history of seeking adventure sports before my accident and now I have a reputation as a wheelchair adventurer. Through my experiences, I learned that you only have to have the desire to do something spectacular, to achieve it .The biggest disability is in the mind. The desire is paramount. If you want to do something, just do it. You have to want to do it.
The foundation is with Jesus. He spared my life. I take time out of my day to learn about him. I got baptized Feb. 6th 2011. I am a little slow and it took some time to put those pieces together, I didn’t realize I had an amazing testimony till one day while I was watching TBN. Jesus became real for me. I have the understanding that what you put in the mind, comes out of the mind. Positive in, positive out. TBN offers the good, in a corrupt world.
I learned biblical principles and who I am in Jesus, as a son of God. I am an overcomer and bright light in the dark world. I learned faith, that I never had before. I learned about spiritual provision, that Jesus supplies all our needs. I lost the fear of death because I know Jesus prepares a place for us.
I learned there is a positive and a negative. God is the ultimate in the positive realm and if you can believe that the positive can culminate as the spirit of God then it is not so hard to believe that the negative or evil can culminate as Satan, the deceiver.
Jesus came to set us free, forgive all our sins and make a way for us. Disabled or not. I am so grateful for my life, my wife and mother, So what is your barrier? I would love to help you break free!!! 805-760-6361 for a free consultation with a man who has been there.
In 2002, I received medical diagnoses of Multiple Sclerosis. This occurred after I put together a wedding with Rosanna Hersh and acquired a great new job with Royce Medical. We were shocked when we got the news. The only thing the doctors could offer was disease modifying drugs filled with side effects that gives you a perpetual sick feeling. I believed in God but wondered, Why me? Then we got the news that MS could be exacerbated by heat and stress, I was devastated. I was very hard headed and willful destroying my relationships with others. I was exposed to high stress at my job and would have attacks every three months on the nose. I tried 5 different disease modifying medications with very severe side effects and were ultimately ineffective.
Slowly, I in addition to my body, my life would deteriorate. I lost friends, hope and eventually lost my job. I suffered a psychotic break due to side effects from the medications I was taking that didn’t work. I started hallucinating that my life’s transgressions were displayed on my TV. I was receiving instructions from the TV to go to the LA Airport. I also hallucinated that demons were gathering up souls on the street I lived on. I called my friend Rick and explained what was going on in my head. He said I needed Jesus and took me through the sinner’s prayer and directed me to the book John. I was overwhelmed and broken down. There was no hope. No inspiration. No thought to a better future. The demons convinced me that if I kept going down this road, it would lead me into the hands of the enemy. Serving by his side for darkness and that was not an option. I belong to God. I got in my truck with the purpose to end my life and commit myself into God’s hands. I took off my seatbelt and found the steepest cliff that I could. I then got some serious air as I went off the cliff. I lost consciousness as I flew down 200 feet.
I woke up two hours later at the bottom of the canyon unable to move my legs. Realizing the severity of what I just did I cried out to God for help! A voice returned saying “Hang in there we will be right down.” A rescue crew was preparing to extract a body but I think Jesus had another idea. I was flown to Northridge Hospital with a fractured spinal cord from T12-L2 vertebrae. I underwent spinal surgery and had a miraculous recovery. After 9 months of rehab I was walking with a cane. I felt incredibly blessed by God, but I didn’t put the Jesus factor together till years later.
When I realized that I survived the accident after praying to Jesus, I thought I would open my mind to his ideas and learn about salvation and his sacrifice. I turned on TBN and read my bible to learn everything I could about Jesus. I discovered hope and freedom during my initial exploration. Jesus gave me a reason to live. It wasn’t a coincidence that my life was spared after accepting Jesus Christ. He has a special purpose for my life as he has for all of you. I learned that God loves all of us in a very real, special way. He gave us his son Jesus Christ to give his life so that we might be saved and have an intimate relationship with him.
Matthew 19:26
New International Version (NIV)
26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
As we close in on my anniversary of our accident, I feel happy and lucky to be alive. I looked back with fond memories for the adventures that we undertook. I look back six years ago and remember my state of helplessness and despair. Ready to take my own life, Jesus had another idea. After plummeting 200 feet in my vehicle with the purpose of ending my life, I survived miraculously, when I surrendered to Jesus 20 min. before. It was evident to me that God had a purpose for my life. After the surgery on my spinal cord, I was put in to rehabilitation. I was put in the world of the wheelchair, as I went to groups sponsored by the hospital. I learned that being a wheelchair is not a death sentence. I met Anthony, who holds a full-time job and volunteers with an organization called WYNGS “When you need group support“ he showed me that living a normal life was possible after being put in a wheelchair. Once I learned that, my state of mind and hopelessness was gone. Having MS, my biggest fear was to be a wheelchair but I learned anything is possible. I would eventually restore my ability to walk by New Year's I was walking with the use of the cane, I was ecstatic!
After learning to walk again, disease multiple sclerosis flared up and put me back in a the wheelchair where I sit today wife and I went through hell, hospital to hospital with bladder and kidney infections which would flare-up the MS. It was like I had frequent flyer miles in the hospitals. I had a defining moment at one particular doctor’s appointment where I asked my Dr.”what my prognosis?” having over 30 years’ experience treating patients with MS he politely said that “I didn't know , it's MS” knowing what little I did about MS, an incurable progressive disease. I took it as an E ticket to ride, I decided to live as much life as I could while I still had the ability. I tried adaptive snow skiing, adaptive surfing and white water rafting. My first ski trip, I had a revelation that if you're in a wheelchair you should be able to try snow skiing and no charge. My wife it set a goal to do the 3 S’s; skiing, surfing and skydiving. The Threus Foundation was founded. I continue to learn from other disabled people that the sky's the limit when it comes to life.
Currently, we have helped over a dozen people try adaptive snow skiing in hopes it inspires them as much as I was. In reflection, I ask myself what you have done in the past six years. Who have we helped, inspired and encouraged? I hope to send a message that inspires and encourages others, giving God the glory as he deserves it. None of this would be possible without having God’s hand in it. Today, I live under his grace, love and protection and hope others will find the same through Jesus Christ.
Our trip started off very hectic. It was just one thing after another impeding our progress to Mammoth Mountain to celebrate our 9 year anniversary. We endured the 6 hour trip, with several complications and arrived at our destination. Juniper Springs Lodge was an indulgent, luxury suite at the center of Mammoth Lakes with a slopeside lift to the mountain during the winter season. We found their accommodations outstanding but lacking a roll in shower. This was remedied the next morning when the management figured out we were in the wrong room.
That morning we prepared to get on the slopes and met up with Zachary Irgish and Larry Holmes from Disabled Sportsof the Eastern Sierra (DSES). I always have a careful mindset whenever we face transfers, wheelchair to bi-ski and bi-ski to wheelchair. Bi-ski to lift and lift to bi-ski to the mountain trails called Broadway. This is where trust and faith intersect. With years of whitewater rafting experience, I learned that most accidents happened on shore not in the water I thought the same thing goes for skiing. These guys put forth an astonishing effort to ensure I was safe while helping me with transfers, ensuring lifts were safe and providing instructions down the mountain. We started with Zachary, the lead adaptive level two instructor, by setting a couple goals:
1.To have an incredibly fun time.
2.To improve my skills with the bi-ski
Zachary and Larry finally, after transfers and lifts, got me setup to do my first run. Zachary immediately assessed my skills needing to improve my work on keeping my outriggers on the snow to keep balanced and help with my turns. We hit an auspicious bump and caught a little air. It freaked me out a little bit as we finished the run and Zachary called out instructions.
On the second day, we met Zach, Larry and Thom. We did a run focusing on keeping my riggers on the snow and everything went well until we hit the bottom and tried to load up on the lift. Larry started the count “3, 2, 1, Lift, ,Oh shit! STOP!!” he called to the lift operator. We ended up in the pit and the lift operator stopped the lift. “So this is what it’s like to end up in the pit.” I thought to myself. “No big deal” I thought as they pushed me back up to the lift area and loaded me back up.
On the third day, I absorbed all the teaching tips from Zachary and put them to use on the bi-ski. Larry noticed my improvement saying, “When we started the first day, you kept your outriggers on the snow 50% of time, now, you kept it up to 90% of the time.” Upon completion of the 3 days of skiing we met both goals we began with. With weather that was stellar each day, we finished with a visit to DSESmain office and visited with the staff. We were privileged to do some Threus Foundation business there by sponsoring a woman with Cerebral Palsy, Lisa Marie. Having a foundation to help the disabled ski is such an honor and made the trip worth it.
Our trip was an outstanding success. Good time was had by all. Mad props to Zachary and Larry for their outstanding help and support. I give all the credit for our trip to a loving God, Jesus Christ.
The day started off with a ride with my precious sister, Marie. We arrived at the location about a half hour late but, my sister said a prayer before she left to pick me up. She prayed asking that “We arrive with perfect timing”. We expected that we would have to catch up with the group, being late.
We arrived when the group encountered a problem with opening the entrance gate. We were greeted by my uncle, Lanny Kaufer, the leader of the walk. After warm greetings from Lanny and his wife Rondia we formed a consensus about carrying me over the gate that blocked my entrance in a wheelchair. The very moment I agreed to let them take me over, a car arrived, leaving the trail and opening the gate for us. Perfect timing.
Having Multiple Sclerosis, The weather was perfect. A gentle drizzle and fog that obscured to view. We began our trek with everyone introducing ourselves, taking a couple rolls; Lanny began his talk pointing out plants to avoid like poison oak.
The terrain was a firm ground covered with gravel. I found in difficult to maneuver yet doable with a little extra effort and a person like my sister to help on hills. Our group was more than willing to take a turn pushing me when I needed help.
I was extraordinarily impressed with Lanny’s knowledge of our local plants and their uses for food and medicine. He possesses the courage to make his other “Herb Walks” accessible for the disabledwith coordination with the Threus Foundation, and taking the time for consideration of other disabled participants regarding future events. This walk is considered Threus Approved.
To all the special women in my life called Mother’s
Thank you for all of your attention towards children and your attention toward men like children called Husband. Thank you for putting yourself last when you deserve to be put first. Thank you for bringing light in a dark world and smearing your love all over us. Thank you for being there when we really needed you when our backs were up to the wall. Thank you for sharing your wisdom when we needed to hear your voice.Thank you for everything!!
