How does a man in a wheelchair have his midlife crisis? | Unpublished
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illumabilities's picture
Ottawa, Ontario
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Michael was born with a condition called Multiple Congenital Musculoskeletal Abnormalities. In addition to wearing an artificial leg, he walks with a cane and uses a wheelchair for longer distances. Contrary to what many would believe possible, he became a chartered accountant and also obtained a MBA from Edinburgh Business School.  He has built and sold successful accounting and financial planning practices. Today, in addition to continuing a successful career in finance and accounting as CFO and co-founder of Breakaway Experiences, a gift experience company, he uses speaking, comedy and writing to not only educate people as to what people with disabilities can do, but to also inspire them to overcome their own challenges and live their life to the fullest of their abilities.

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How does a man in a wheelchair have his midlife crisis?

August 18, 2015

Ever wonder how a man in a wheelchair has their midlife crisis?  Well I have the answer for you.  Unable to do the traditional buy a sports car, since they are not wheelchair accessible, I will be celebrating my 40th birthday this September by rappelling off office buildings as part of the Drop Zone Challenge for Easter Seals in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. 

The Drop Zone Challenge is a fundraiser where participants raise a minimum of $1,500 in order to be able to rappel off of an office building.  Money raised goes to send children with special needs to summer camp.

2015 will not mark the first time I participate in the Drop Zone challenge.  I participated twice in my hometown of Montreal, first in 2009 without a wheelchair and in 2010 with a manual wheelchair.

Drop Zone Challenge event details

(Click the city name to make a donation towards Michael's goal in that city.)

            Ottawa            September 21, 2015               280 Slater Street
            Montreal        September 23, 2015               1981 McGill College
            Toronto          September 29, 2015               175 Bloor Street Eat (CREIT Head Office)

As part of his fundraising efforts, Michael will be having two events in Ottawa:

  1. August 23, 2015 @ 8PM – Yuk Yuks Ottawa Comedy Night Featuring Bryan Hatt

            Tickets are $15 and must be purchased via Eventbrite.

  1. September 17, 2015 @ 8AM – Opportunities Networking Breakfast at Perkin’s Restaurant

            Tickets are $13 and can also be purchased via Eventbrite or paid for at the door.

FOR MORE DETAILS: Contact Michael at (613) 882-7508 or michael@illumabilities.com.