There are many charities that I hold near and dear to my heart. The one I’d like to focus on today is the Darrel Gwynn Foundation. Darrel is truly an inspiration. He’s a great example of someone who refused to succumb to their circumstances, and he now helps improve the quality of life for others.
Darrel Gwynn was a drag racing champion in the 1980s. He was a passionate advocate for the The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. He even went so far as to donate a portion of his winnings to the foundation. He also decided to put the group’s wheelchair logo on his race car in order to improve awareness and demonstrate his support.
Darrel Gwynn himself became paralyzed after a racing accident in April of 1990. The accident was devastating. At only 28, he was a drag racer with a bright and promising future. After being paralyzed, he felt like his life was over. His spinal cord injury meant that he would have to be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. Despite this, Darrel realized that he shouldn’t just give up on life. Instead, he decided to use his condition to help others. He began the Darrel Gwynn Foundation and continued his support of the Miami Project.
Part of Darrel’s project is the wheelchair donation program. This program has changed so many lives by giving those who are disabled a means to empower themselves. He is especially passionate about donating custom motorized wheelchairs to children in need. Another way Darrel is active in the foundation is by attending car auctions and donating any proceeds to the Miami Project. He also leads seminars and serves as a Bass Pro ambassador to promote their products engineered for those with disabilities. Darrel’s passion and courage have inspired so many people. He’s encouraged those with disabilities in a way that no one else can.
To support Darrel’s wonderful mission, visit the Darrel Gwynn Quality of Life Chapter of the Miami Project. There you can donate to the Buoniconti Fund, the fundraising branch of the Miami Project. Thanks to their many generous sponsors, they can improve the lives of more than one million individuals with spinal cord injuries. With your support, they can continue performing valuable research to help those with spinal cord injuries.