SAN DIEGO—
A quadriplegic man hand-cycled over 100 miles in three days to raise money for military children.Eric Williams, 39, set out Tuesday from Los Angeles on his hand-cycle to prove that people with disabilities can be an inspiration.
This determined man's challenging journey began when he was 26. Williams had woken up from a coma, told he had been in a car accident, and was given the harrowing news that he'd never walk again.
While Williams was in the hospital, his two daughters would visit. This is when he knew he wanted to make a difference.
On Tuesday, Williams left Los Angeles and hand-pedaled south along the Pacific Coast Highway towards San Diego. He described the P.C.H. as "intense" because of the up and down rolling hills.
The path he took from L.A. to San Diego passed through the Camp Pendleton military base. This portion of his journey reminded him of his inspiration. Williams pedaled to raise money for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, an organization that helps children with parents either killed or critically injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Cheering crowds lined the streets of San Diego Thursday afternoon to welcom Williams has be crossed his finish line.
"I am so grateful for my government, so grateful for the freedoms I have," Williams said as he revealed his next adventurous goal. He plans on hand-cycling across the United States.
