Amputee Cyclists Visit Falls Hospital - Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

A group called Amputees Across America, making a transcontinental bike ride for the 10th consecutive year, arrived at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Wichita Falls this morning. The group was welcomed by a reception held in honor of the cyclists at 9:30 AM today. The cyclists are riding in relays across America and visiting hospitals to increase public awareness of amputees as people with active lifestyles.

Amputees Across America members Boston Bill Hansbury, Jeff Martin, Doc Milligan and Joe Sapere visited the Rehabilitation Hospital to share stories on how they overcame their amputations to live healthy, satisfying lives. The event was open to the public and the hospital also celebrated the visit with staff, local diplomats, and former patients.

Mike Bullitt, the hospital's chief executive officer, said, "We are delighted to host Amputees Across America at our hospital and celebrate the group's 10-year anniversary." Patients and others in the community were able to see that physical disability shouldn't keep them from living the life they want.

This is the 10th year anniversary of the AAA cross-country journey. The riders departed on June 1, 2011, from HealthSouth Tustin Rehabilitation Hospital in California. Their final destination  HealthSouth Treasure Coast Rehabilitation Hospital in Vero Beach, Florida. They are set to arrive on July 22, 2011. The group is traveling 3,500 miles and stopping at 19 HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals in less than 60 days. For more information about this year's journey and the riders who make it possible, visit http://www.healthsouthwichitafalls.com/ride2011/default.asp