POA patient SGM Chris Self and his wife, Dana, will be participating in a 620 mile/7 day bike ride down the California Coast in October to raise money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. They would appreciate donations of any amount (see message from Chris below). Chris is a true American hero. He has served in the U.S. Army for 25 years, did 7 tours in Iraq (where he suffered the injuries that caused the amputation of his leg), and is still active service!

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My name is Sergeant Major Christopher Self. I have been in the U.S. Army for 25 years and have served seven tours in Iraq. I am currently still active duty and stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky where I live with my wife Dana and our three children, Jordan, 17, Haley, 15, and Reese, 7.
On December 28, 2005, while serving in Iraq, I was involved in a firefight and sustained gunshot wounds to both legs, leaving my right leg paralyzed (severing my sciatic nerve). After seven months, I was tired of being stuck in a wheelchair (and hospital), so my wife, Dana, and I decided that in order for me to live the active lifestyle I had done before my injury, we needed to make a choice. On July 13, 2006, my right leg was amputated. With the help of great prosthetics, the Challenged Athletes Foundation, and a very supportive family, I have competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, and races.
Because of the opportunities CAF has provided for me, maintaining the health I had before my injury has been made possible. I’m able to do the same things I did before 2005 and in some ways, I’m more successful in the competitions I participate in. Now, I’m able to keep up with my kids and play baseball with them in the yard, just like any other father. I could not ask for a better gift.
On October 15th through the 21st,, I along with several other challenged athletes will be riding our bicycles 620 miles down the California coastline over a 7 day period. The purpose of this ride is to raise money and create opportunities and support to people with physical disabilities so that they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics.
Please help me make my goal by going to my website and donating ANY amount you can. Thank you all so much for your continued support that you have given to me and my family.

SGM Christopher and Dana Self, US Army

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Challenged Athletes Foundation

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http://operationrebound.kintera.org/chrisself?faf=1&e=4683571654
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