We were beset with so much hospitality, compassion, generosity, and love, I truly do not know how we ever managed to find the strength to leave.  From free RV Parks to actual beds in houses, we slept comfortably almost every night.  We dined on discounted, or even donated, meals almost everyday.  We were gifted with gasoline, propane, fresh fruit, water, soda, and even art [to beautify the man-cave which is the RV].

We met old friends in new towns, and made new friends in small towns.  People randomly stopped us along our route, but we never tired of hearing, “I saw you on the news”.  A doctor, a mechanic, and a Priest made housecalls to check up on Gabe, our chase car, and our spiritual well-being.

Some of the crew were even skittish about passing through the Apache Nation, but the Apache Nation responded with open arms and an invitation to enjoy an oasis of  hospitality at Apache Gold Casino & Resort.

If Arizona has a heart…it’s as big as the Grand canyon itself.  We hated to leave and can’t wait to return.

Phoenix slowed our progress across the country, but in such an amazing heart-warming way that no one can complain about the delay.

We revelled in the hospitality of St. John Vianney Parish and it is hard to repack the RV as we realize we won’t be sleeping in beds tonight.

We have been treated, fed, and coddled by the residents, and town, of Goodyear, AZ, and the fellowships built will resonate within us for the rest of our journey and in the years to follow.

We are looking forward to moving onward, and the mountains of Arizona are a day ahead of us.  Thank you for following our progress.

The RWM Team

On April 1st, 2013, Gabriel Cordell began pushing himself into history, rolling his wheelchair from Pacific Ocean (Santa Monica, CA) to the Atlantic Ocean(Jones Beach) with final destination being West Hempstead, New York. He needs your help to get rolling.

A small film crew is following this adventure, and the ensuing documentary will explore one man’s inspiration to push his physical, mental, and emotional boundaries to the extreme limits, as he becomes the first person to manually cross this country in a wheelchair in 75 days.  To prepare for the upcoming challenges, he has been training five days a week at the Burbank Community YMCA, the place Gabe has deemed his “second home.”

Gabriel’s life has been challenging, but by pushing past the physical limitations of his paralysis, and by breaking free of his pyschological addictions as well, he will take us all on an inspirational journey.  Down the back roads and through forgotten towns, the documentary will follow Gabriel on the most important journey any of us could take — conquering ourselves.  Ultimately we will discover how a strong will, stead-fast determination, and a bit of hard work can prevent anyone from being constrained by their past.

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