Pocono News Section

Riders Bring Inspirational Message

Riders Bring Inspirational Message - Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 5:25PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Wednesday, Jul 15, 2009 @ 05:25pm EST
Danville, Montour County-

Some would say they’re disabled. But don’t tell that to the Amputees Across America group that rolled into Danville Wednesday. They’re wrapping up a 3,500 mile transcontinental bicycle ride.

They rode into the parking lot at Geisinger HealthSouth’s Rehabilitation Hospital to plenty of cheers and applause. The amputees are cycling their way across the country, with an inspiring message to patients on their long journey to recovery.

Doc Milligan, of Spring Hill, Florida, was injured serving in the Navy during Vietnam. His leg finally had to be amputated three years ago.

Milligan said, “Just don’t give up on life. Look at each day as Christmas. It’s a new day. Enjoy that day. Do things you can do, and the things you can’t do, get rid of it.”

Beth Sattizahn, of Reading, PA, lost her leg after a motorcycle accident during Bike Week in Daytona. Following her rehab, she’s back to riding, and working.

Sattizahn noted, “Before my accident, I was a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. And today, I’m still a group fitness instructor and personal trainer.”

The Amputees Across America riders say setting and celebrating small, realistic goals is the surest way to a successful recovery. They’re living proof that amputees can lead healthy, normal, active lives.

AJ Johnson teaches third grade students in Macon, Georgia.

“They’re used to seeing me in a wheelchair, with no legs, with one leg, and on a walker and with crutches, and they don’t care, because i don’t care. And that’s kind of what we like to portray to everybody,” Johnson said.

The group started their trek from California nearly two months ago. They’ll wrap up in New Jersey sometime next week.

Along the way they’ll have stopped at dozens of HealthSouth facilities, spreading their inspirational message to anyone who takes the time to listen.

Sattizahn explained, “Being here in this setting, remembering what it was like to be a patient, I hope I can inspire at least one person to get up and move.”

Johnson added, “Whatever you’re ‘after’ is, there’s always an after, and it’s what you choose to do with it (that matters.)”

This is the eighth year for the Amputees Across America journey.