Hope

Hi, everyone, the kick starter campaign has started. This will be a big opportunity for me. Not to mention it means the whole world for me. It would allow me to give something to the kids. That no one else could give them. That is hope. This documentary would speak volumes. It would give kids confidence. I'm not doing this for me. I don't need this. The kids do. But here's the thing. We only have a little over ''THREE WEEKS''! So let’s make this happen, and change the world!

Please visit our Kickstarter page and give what you can. We can only make this happen with your help!

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rpp/the-freedom-experience

Thank You!

Working hard!!!

Mike Miklas at the Family Y in Augusta, GA

Hey everyone, I have not written in a while due to some technical difficulties, but I am back on track now. I am really busting my butt in the gym because our first triathlon is in September in Augusta, GA. My race chair is almost complete. This whole thing is really awesome. I have to give credit where credit is due. First to my dad, I could not do it without you. Then to my mom, I want to thank you for the life that you have given me. Lastly, to my mentor and best friend Matt Miklas. Matt, I am doing this with you in mind. I appreciate everything you have done because you really turned a light switch on for me that can never be dimmed. I am doing this to teach other people from all walks of life, that I am not really disabled, I just have a gift that I want to share with others. Thank you dad for making this whole thing a reality for me. I can not wait for us to cross the finish line. Wow, what a lesson we will have taught that day.  We are getting closer and closer each day. Thanks to all of our supporters.

We're almost there Corbin McKenzie!

Hello everyone,
Yep, Cissy Dement, my mother and stepfather Bill are here in Key West, Florida preparing for my first half Iron Man early tomorrow morning. This will be the last of my projected four triathlons which, in turn, means Corbin McKenzie and I will be competing in tandem in the very near future. Let me say how appreciative we are for everyone's support. This has been a labor of love for me. Having you all with us means more than I know how to express.

My Medal from the Bone Island Triathlon

Today, at the pre-race meeting there was a quote said by Helen Keller that had a huge impact upon me:

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved."

We're almost there Corbin McKenzie!

Stevie

Sunset in Key West

Dad's last solo triathlon!

Hi everyone! Dad is in Key west Florida competing in his last solo triathlon before I join him. I woke up this morning to a video text of dad running and mom / Cissy screaming at the top of her lungs pushing dad to the finish.

Dad and Cissy in Key West

I realized that it's going to be my job to provide him with the mental strength and courage he needs to finish. I'm ready to be by his side teaching the world that being physically challenged doesn't mean a damn thing!

An interview...let's get the ball rolling!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to bring you up to speed. Dad, Cissy, and I went to Madison Georgia to get measured for the race wheelchair I will be using for the bike and run. We also met with the production company, Reflecting Pool Productions, to film a promotional video for a documentary in the future if we can get the money. We will be using this really cool website called Kickstarter to help get the funding. I'm not quite sure how I would feel about my life being made into a documentary. I guess I could get used to the idea. We need your help to make this hole thing happen! Don't give up on us now!

Me and Dad showing off the new digs!

P.S. Check out the awesome hats MedEx Associates had custom made for us! They are one of our key sponsors. Thanks MedEx!

A Nice Surprise!

Today  I got an e-mail from the CEO and President of the YMCA asking how to donate to this wonderful experience. I wasn’t expecting it but I am so grateful. I didn’t realize how much of an impact this whole thing would have on the community. Everyday I’m thankful  for the life that GOD has given to me but most of all i just can’t wait for Dad and I to complete our first triathlon. What a journey!

Custom Wheels!

Hi everyone, well dad and I are going to get the bike fabricated so that we can begin training for our first triathalon. We're all so excited to begin this journey so that dad and I can change the world one journey at a time, we’re getting so close.

A racing chair similar to what Corbin will need

I would like to thank all of you for your support. And I look forward to seeing all of you when we cross the finish line.

Stevie, Corbin, and a gentleman with Xcalibur Sports Chairs

CP is a Gift

Hey, my name is Corbin McKenzie. For those of you who don’t know me yet, I am a physically challenged young man. I was born with the gift of CP (cerebral palsy). Some people may think, "Wow, that must be hard" but not for me! I have been given this gift and I am going to live life to the fullest. When my father and I started this whole thing, we had no idea how much of an impact it would make on the community. I have been on the news several times but this latest piece on the triathlon made the most impact on me. Because it is so special to my father and me but we couldn’t do it without you guys supporting us. So please I urge you to give what you can, whatever you can do to help me and my dad make an impact on this community. Thank you for your donation and I look forward to seeing you all help us get across the finish line and complete our first triathlon.

"I have been given this gift and I am going to live life to the fullest."

Introducing Corbin...

When I started this whole thing with Stevie, I thought,

"Wow, what a commitment on both of our parts."

I train 3 to 4 times a week at the gym, and every time I train, I think about the commitment we made together and it makes me push myself even harder. I never really had a father growing up, but I do have an excellent father now. I cannot wait to start this journey with him so we can change the world together, one triathlon at a time.

I also would like to use this opportunity to mentor my young athletes that I spend every Saturday with during miracle league season. I want to teach each and every one of them that you must face the challenges head on.

Corbin McKenzie