“Wherever you want to hike, we’re going to help you get there,” says Eddy Bressler, Flagstaff chapter director for Luke5Adventures. “The whole beauty of Luke5 is what was previously limited for people with disabilities and mobility challenges gets taken out of the equation.”
The national nonprofit was inspired by the bible story in the Gospel of Luke, chapter five, about people who helped a paralyzed friend overcome obstacles in order to see Jesus speak. The volunteer-driven organization with Arizona chapters in Tucson and Flagstaff describes itself as, “Faith-inspired, not faith-required.”
Two key components propel the mission to get physically challenged hikers out on the trails: “Rosie,” an adaptive “big wheel”-type chair designed for rugged terrain and named for the original hiker who used it, and a team of highly trained volunteer “Sherpas.” With the specialty device and human-powered support crews, hikers are transported through rough trails, canyon bottoms, nature preserves and mountain peaks.
“Until you see it in action, it’s a bit difficult to wrap your head around,” says Fran Emmerling, assistant director of the Tucson chapter. Retired from the Air Force, he learned of Luke5 through his church and jumped right in to help overcome the “impossible.”
Would-be hikers find Luke5 through community outreach, events and their website. They then go through onboarding to assess their mobility level, special needs and caregiver involvement.
Caregivers and families who may be skeptical or worried at first soon relax and join in the fun. “They hike right next to Rosie, and within a few minutes they’re talking and having a good old time with our team,” Emmerling says. “Once they go out on a hike, they’re hooked.”
Bressler, who has a background in forestry and wilderness first responder training, became involved with Luke5 through his experience as a guide for Canyon Ministries. “We are intrepid, but cautious,” he says of the program. “Our guides… all receive extensive training on the equipment, safety and social interactions. Additionally, all hikes include a ‘seating Sherpa’ who has medical training. While some Sherpas are physical therapists, EMTs or SAR pros, anybody willing to complete the training can become a Sherpa.”
When asked if they’ve ever met a trail they couldn’t navigate on their solo, group and “hike of a lifetime” adventures, both men respond with an emphatic no. “You know the saying, many hands make light work,” Bressler says. “It comes to fruition where rubber meets the trail. We can accomplish anything.”
Luke5Adventures
luke5adventures.org
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