I believe in the power that people have to make a difference in the lives of others.

My earliest memories growing up in rural BC are of observing my family and their engagement with each other, neighbours and the community. Seeing this instilled in me a spirit and a passion for caring for others. It helped me recognize my place in the world and made me see that we all have a responsibility and the ability to make a difference.

On June 27th, 1973, I came to understand this fact much more profoundly.

I was hitchhiking home from a fishing trip in the back of a pick-up truck, when it crashed. The accident left me paralyzed. I spent the next 7 months in hospital, undergoing intensive rehabilitation. Family, friends, health care professionals and role models all rallied around me and were there to help me deal with the crisis of the moment. They helped me heal and stabilize and more importantly, they helped me dream of the possibilities of a new life — a life that could be filled with quality, passion, hope and possibility. They made me recognize that in spite of the fact that I had a disability, I was still the same person — Rick the pioneer, the adventurer, the athlete.

Thanks to the amazing support of the people around me, I gained the confidence to embrace my life, to go to University and to pursue my athletic dreams. I also learned to understand the importance of not only setting goals for my personal life, but to reach back and help others along the way. The people who made a difference in my life infused me with a sense of profound gratitude, appreciation and responsibility to use my talents, passions and interests to make a difference in the lives of others.

This belief that I had a responsibility to give back was actually the motivation for my Man In Motion World Tour. I wanted to change attitudes and perceptions about the possibilities for people with disabilities. I wanted to remove barriers and make Canada a more accessible and inclusive country. As I embarked upon the biggest dream of my life, I felt profound support from people around me. The Tour would not have been possible without the encouragement I received from friends, family and thousands of people around the world who united to help me achieve my goal.

I am now married with three amazing daughters and I continue to see incredible examples everyday of generosity, support and contribution. I have watched my girls grow up in the same nurturing environment that I did, surrounded by family, friends and members of our community… all inspiring them to make a difference in the lives of others.

I am reminded daily of the kindness and humanity that Canadians are known for. I believe that it is our national identity that makes us strong. We have the opportunity everyday to motivate and inspire others.

For This I Believe, I am Rick Hansen.

Rick Hansen, President and CEO, Rick Hansen Foundation. World-class Olympic athlete and winner of 19 international wheelchair marathons, including three world championships. Rick made history in 1985, when he set out on his legendary Man In Motion World Tour, which spanned more than 40,000 km through 34 countries, took over two years to complete, and raised more than $26 million for spinal cord injury.

This story and audio comes from:  http://www.cbc.ca/thisibelieve/essays/may24_Rick_Hansen.html