| Some people have bigger hills to climb than others. My hills– my challenges– look like mosquito bites compared to Matthew Johnston’s.
Matt is a quadriplegic, permanently hooked to a respirator. He suffers from Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, an affliction that progresses rapidly and causes muscle degeneration. This results in loss of movement, paralysis, and ultimately, death—on average, at about 30 years of age.
Thirty-two-year-old Matt certainly could be excused for indulging in a pity-party, but he hasn’t really had much time for attending that get-together. He’s been too busy dreaming big and inspiring others.
So what was his dream? No, it wasn’t something like riding in a boat or even being set atop a horse. Those things would be much too simple.
Matt’s dream was to go scuba diving. No, of course not in a pool. He wanted to go in the coolest place in the world, the Florida Keys, in the ocean with the lobsters and the living reef and the tropical fish.
Of course, that would be impossible.
Except he did it. You read that right. Matthew’s dream became a reality in November of 2006 when he went scuba diving in the ocean. It was hardly easy; in fact, it required years of planning, preparation and the generosity of numerous good people. But he did it.
Further, Matt didn’t just have a one-time scuba expedition where he was nursed along. It took him three years, but he’s a certified diver!
Now, Matt has another dream. He donated his specialized, one-of-a-kind diving outfit to the History of Diving Museum, hoping that they would create a special exhibit to show other handicapped individuals that they can also accomplish the seemingly impossible.
Not surprisingly, this dream will also come true. (I have a feeling that it might be easier to stop a charging bull than it would be to stop this young man who says it’s for all the other people who have a dream of doing something that others say can’t be done.)
You can celebrate Matthew’s incredible I-think-I-can-spirit and help the Museum defray the cost for the production of the “Diving a Dream Exhibit” – a staggering $15,000 - $18,000 – at the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum in Islamorada, Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m., when they hold their Exhibit Preview of “Diving A Dream.”
In addition to allowing you to snag a first glimpse at the exhibit, this wine & cheese event will feature a showing of NBC’s “Today Show” segment about Matthew. To RSVP or for more information call 305-664-9737.
To learn more about Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, click here.
P.S. Matthew, I've got to meet you! You ROCK! |
