Living The American Dream: Joni Eareckson Tada, Founder of Joni & Friends
July 3, 2007
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I distinctly remember watching the inspirational film, “Joni” when I was a child, maybe you did too. It’s the true story 
of Joni Eareckson Tada who faced personal tragedy when she became a quadriplegic after a diving accident at the age of 18 in 1967. Joni’s story is well-known all over the world as an international best seller. She’s also well-known as an artist– she’s paints and sketches bea
utiful pictures holding a brush or pencil in her mouth. Here is one of my personal favorites, “The Run”
Joni’s mission is to motivate and inspire others with disabilities and she has built an International Disabilty Center in Los Angeles to provide supplies and equipment to those in need as well as hope. She is a well-sought after speaker and has spoken in 41 countries. Joni is actively involved in American politics to represent the disabled community. She has been invited to the White House many times over the years to meet with the President of the United States and has been asked to help guide decisions concerning the disabled community.
Joni & Friends have many programs one very successful one is called Wheels for the World, where over 34,000 wheelchairs have been collected nationwide, refurbished by inmates in 17 correctional facilities, and then shipped and donated to developing nations where, whenever possible, physical therapists fit each chair to a needy disabled child or adult.
When I think of overcoming challenges and having faith…I think about Joni. When I think of having a global vision for change and doing something to create major change…I think about Joni. When I think about being determined…I think about Joni. Joni and her husband, Ken have been dear friends of mine since high school when Ken was my advisor in student government while I served as Student Body President. My life is better because of my association with The Tadas; I hope you will also be inspired by her mission and story!
For more details about Joni & Friends, please visit their website.
Thank you for sharing this with all of us. This woman IS truly amazing! Her strength and persistance is inspiring. I need to be more grateful for my healthy body.
True! We are fortunate, but the thing about Joni is that she’s so focused on what her mission is on the earth that she’s not thinking about what she can’t do, but what she IS doing.
I love Joni’s passion for taking her situation and creating a unique opportunity for positive change. Her story is both motivating and encouraging. Thank you Joni for showing us that we all have a special gift and a role that we were meant to fill!
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this is so cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!