“Yes, to walk is a wonderful thing. I haven’t done it in decades, but I recall very well the joy of running, skipping and jumping. But there are far more important things in life than standing up and walking.” - Joni Eareckson Tada

The longest indoor wheelchair ramp on the planet supports the wheelchair of the second longest surviving quadriplegic in the world. A diving accident in 1967 left Joni Eareckson Tada, then 17, a quadriplegic. She eventually founded “Joni and Friends” in 1979 to share the hope of the Gospel and give practical help to people impacted by disability worldwide. She and her friends have been changing lives around the globe for the past 40 years.

Well, if you’d help me, we’re giving a HUGE SHOUT OUT to Joni, because this weekend marks 30 years since Joni helped President George H.W. Bush sign into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in State and local government programs and services.

You know, during a time when we are all ready for the end of quarantine and closures, Joni would likely tell you of people in back bedrooms all over the world that have never left their homes because they lack the most basic of mobility resources. Imagine if we were told we could never again go to the gym or leave the house for that matter. What we would do? We probably wouldn’t stand for it. There’s a painful irony there too deep to deconstruct.

30 for 30 Pledge
So here we go. We’re asking 30 of our readers to join The Body between now and Sunday and pledge $30/mo (just $1/day) in honor and celebration of Joni’s work and to help us in our efforts of providing the gift of mobility to those in need.

Just $1/day to help solve the mobility crisis for someone. And if you become one of our generous givers, we will send you a free gift of anything in the store, plus the new MORE ABILITY mission shirt as a thank you for helping us celebrate the occasion.

We’re looking for just 30 passionate and determined individuals to please come alongside us and help us be a part of the solution to this crisis. We’re following Joni’s lead. Let’s do this together. Mobility changes everything. It’s a gift. Let’s give it.

- Jimmy Peña