 |
special guests
Rudy Garcia-Tolson
 You’ve seen him on Oprah, you’ve seen him on the Disney Channel, and you’ve even seen him at Ironman Revisited a couple of years ago, but something has changed… Rudy Garcia-Tolson has grown up. Now a buff and independent teenager, Rudy has worked very hard over the past decade. A bold prediction made by the energetic bi-lateral above-knee amputee when he was eight years old, became a dream realized. Rudy not only swam for the U.S.A. at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens, as he had predicted, but he broke a world record and won a gold medal in the 200 IM swimming event.
If this accomplishment isn’t enough, Rudy has been selfless in his mission to help show others that “A brave heart is a powerful weapon.” Rudy has proved that anything is possible. As a spokesperson for CAF, Rudy inspires children by speaking at elementary schools, and gives hope to other physically challenged individuals by serving as a mentor. Sharing his experiences with other newly injured individuals, Rudy has helped reduce the fear of the unknown, and provided them with a better understanding of the opportunities that are available.
We are very excited that Rudy is participating in the swim portion of a relay at the 2005 Ironman Revisited, but more importantly, that his knowledge and experience can contribute to the growth of yet two other young men. Whether it’s skateboarding or surfing, Rudy has done them both, so it is CAF’s hope that he can provide support and inspiration to local Hawaiian skateboarder, Evan Strong, and Floridian surfer, Blake Doyle.
Evan Strong
Celebrating his 18th birthday in a hospital wasn’t what Evan Strong had pictured. However, in the end he still received the best birthday gift he could’ve imagined: the gift of life. After a motorcycle accident on Hana Highway Peahi on November 3, 2004, Evan lay in his hospital bed recovering from three surgeries, including the amputation of his left leg below the knee. Instead of despairing, Evan was just happy to be alive and celebrated this gift with his family and friends.
Known as a role model with the Pa’ia Youth & Cultural Center, and as one of the state’s top skateboarders, Evan is a young man with a bright future. According to Blaze Anderson, a leader at the youth center, “Evan’s attitude is what makes him special.” Even while in the hospital, Evan was cracking jokes and tried to keep the mood cheerful. He remains in good spirits and is determined to set back on his board as soon as he can.
When CAF heard about Evan through his uncle in San Diego, we wanted to help. Through our partnership with Ossur, we were able to provide Evan with a prosthetic foot, which will be part of a special presentation during the post-event dinner. With the new foot, we hope that Evan will continue to follow his dream of becoming a professional skateboarder.
Blake Doyle
Florida native Blake Doyle was never alone. He spent nearly every day surfing with his twin brother Bart. But almost two years ago, things changed. An accident left Blake a below-knee amputee. When Bart moved to California for school, Blake was left to adjust to this new challenge by himself, at least until CAF stepped in.
Prior to Blake’s accident, he was a locally sponsored surfer with an exciting future. When he found out that he was going to loose his leg, he was devastated. He thought that his surfing career was over. Since then, CAF recommended a good prosthetist, he got a special surfing foot made, and he’s been striving to bring things back to normal.
Blake was invited to be a special guest at the 2005 Ironman Revisited event to help him recognize that his dreams can be realized. He is not alone! There will be two other athletes, Rudy and Evan, at the event to show him that he truly can do anything he wants to do.
|
