On Aug. 7, Warren Schlosser, aka Wheelchair Warren, crossed the border at Portal into the U.S. heading towards Mexico.
This trip, planned by Schlosser and his friend, American freelance writer and video journalist Jed Vaughn, started on July 1 in Calgary and will wrap up in December, when the team will reach Mazatlan, Mexico.
One may wonder, what would take the two men and accompanying rescue puppy and kitten so long to cover a bit over 5,200 kilometres. But there is a kink to this adventure.
Back in 2006, Schlosser, who then was a truck driver, was sleeping in the back of the semi when his colleague got into a crash. For the last 13 years, Schlosser has been tied to a wheelchair. For the campaign, which friends named Wheel Chair Warren's International Trek for Awareness, this wheelchair has turned into Schlosser’s main means of transportation, with the motorhome only serving as a roof over the head during the night.
Unless it’s dangerously hot, pouring raining or hailing Schlosser covers 35-40 kilometres a day. Every so often, six-month-old puppy Luna runs next to him for a while, giving Schlosser a company and fulfilling its need for exercise.
Lifestyles met Schlosser on the shoulder of Highway 39 on his way to Midale. He was pushing his wheelchair, upgraded with a special front wheel, pulling a little lightweight cart and listening to the music with one ear and to the traffic behind him with another. The Canadian flag was trembling over his cart as the wind was blowing into his face. Schlosser said that as soon as they make it to the U.S. the American flag will be added to the Canadian, which later will be joined by the Mexican one.
Schlosser is 60 years old. And he seems like a strong, positive and inspiring person. When talking to him, one may forget about his wheelchair and challenges he’s been through, thank to so much passion he has for life, so much love he has for his sons, and so easily he talks about the kilometres ahead. And despite the set goal, Schlosser is always glad to have people stop, inquire about him and the Trek for Awareness. He says people they’ve been meeting were very supportive and friendly.
“I like to talk and meet people. I am hoping to show people that there are good people wherever you go. Does not matter color, race or religion, there are good people all over the world. Show respect and you will get respect back. This is why this trek is taking me through three countries. I love people,” said Schlosser.
For the last 10 years Schlosser’s been spending winters in Mexico. When he first came there, he was overweight and on medication. Things have changed a lot since then. He got in shape, has covered thousands of kilometres in his wheelchair, but the biggest changes happened inside.
Schlosser says that one of the hardest parts was he had to deal with after he got his injury was the fear. He was scared to ask others for help, but he couldn’t do many things as he used to do anymore. It took him about four years to emotionally recover from the accident, but with some of the challenges he deals up to these days.
“The biggest challenges are learning what your limitations are living in a wheelchair. I am still learning every day. One small wheel at a time, adds up to many good things. Also gives you the freedom you might have taken for granted before,” said Schlosser.
And as he progresses with his healing he shares his experience with others.
Thus, the endeavour of his current project is "to demonstrate that disabled people can still do amazing things, reach beyond their limitations, and function in society in productive and meaningful ways. Many people in Warren’s situation simply give up... and Warren's message to them is ‘you don’t have to give up,’” explains Vaughan on their website.
The adventure, aimed at proving that there is nothing impossible as well as at raising awareness about life with disabilities, took 3½ years of planning. Throughout the way, the team will also be raising money for six charitable organizations in three countries, including Canadian STARS Air Ambulance and CMNGD Linens, which supports homeless rehabilitation; American Cancer Society and American Wheelchair Foundation, and Mexican La Immaculada Elderly Care and Mazatlán Animal Rescue. According to the information on their website, “after expenses, any funds leftover from our fund-raising efforts will be divided equally between them.”
Now an Alberta resident, Schlosser was born in Saskatchewan, so when planning the International Trek for Awareness he wanted his path to go through his homeland, which to his advance is also known for being flat.
The team plans on traditionally spending the winter in Mazatlan, where Vaughn will have time to work on his book about Schlosser and their International Trek for Awareness.
The International Trek for Awareness updates can be found on their Facebook page and at www.wheelchairwarren.com.
