April 20, 2023
The Brave Do Not Kill Dragons
The Brave Ride Them
If you want to conquer the world,you best have dragons. ~George R. Martin
Mountain Shadows Residents Tame the Dragon at Castle Park
by Sheryl Wilde
“They are both daredevils!” says Ashley Hebert, Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, Mountain Shadows – Riverside.
“They have no fear.”
Mountain Shadows – Riverside resident, Ethan, now 12 years old, was a typical young boy until several years ago. He could walk and run and play like most children. Then he had two strokes.
Following his second stroke, no longer able to walk, Ethan moved to Mountain Shadows – Riverside.
Nazaria, 32, can move about in her wheelchair, independently. “She is one of the few Mountain Shadows – Riverside residents who can eat by mouth,” adds Ashley.
Thanks to the Mountain Shadows CARE (Creating Active Recreational Experiences) program, Ethan and Nazaria recently rode the dragon at Castle Park in Riverside.
“Both Ethan and Nazaria are non-verbal,” continues Ashley. “But their smiles showed how much they loved the rides!” Especially the dragon ride. “They were both smiling the whole time!
Both residents enjoyed the park rides. And, because Nazaria is able to eat by mouth, she was able to enjoy one of her favorite treats – cotton candy!
While their day may seem like a walk in the park to many of us, for Ethan and Nazaria, it was a grand and daring adventure – and they bravely rode the dragon and conquered the world!
The Mountain Shadows CARE program provides recreational and social experiences to residents, adding meaning and richness to their lives. Funding is provided by the Mountain Shadows Foundation.
It’s easy for you to help us continue to provide activities that improve the quality of our residents’ lives. Here are some ways you can help ensure these crucial activities can continue for years to come:
Make a one-time donation today by clicking on the donate button below.
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Leave a Legacy Gift
To learn more about the Mountain Shadows Foundation Legacy Society, to include us in your estate plan, or to let us know if you have already designated Mountain Shadows to receive a legacy gift, please contact Mandy Huiras, Director of Development at: mhuiras@mtnshadows.org, or visit our website by clicking here.