Blake gets his new POWER wheelchair! A night we'll never forget!

I’m up early with anticipation. The big day is finally here. Blake is getting his new power wheelchair today! It’s almost too hard to believe. I thought this day would never come!

I check on Blake around 11am – he’s still in a deep slumber. It warms my heart to see him lying there so peaceful and safe. We have a very busy day on tap, so Blake needs all the rest he can get. Even an extra fifteen minutes will make a difference.

We finally hit the road, on our way to the Fairmont Newport Beach Hotel for a 1pm meeting with Angel for one final wheelchair fitting. The chair has been customized to fit Blake’s frame and needs; however, minor adjustments need to be made in person. Blake will be taking his new chair for a test drive within hours! 

Our hearts stop as we watch Angel wheel the new chair toward us.  Blake’s smile says it all. It’s breathtaking. I’m so happy for him I could cry (I do a lot of that these days!). They’ve spared no expense on this chair. It does everything, but walk for him. Every bell and whistle you could imagine. It’s truly the Cadillac of wheelchairs – and it’s for Blake. His life is changed forever.

With Blake in his new chair, we head to the John Force Racing Facility in Yorba Linda, California for the charity poker tournament. Blake has no idea how amazing his night is about to be. The evening unfolds like fiction – an awe-inspiring reality he will never forget.

One of the first people we meet when we arrive is Bud Brutsman, a friend of Bill Goldberg and Darrell Gwynn. I’ve been looking forward to meeting Bud for quite sometime. Bud is profoundly generous and quietly understated. Bud graciously supplied us with a beautiful Dodge handicap accessible van for use during our entire stay. Wow, I can never thank him enough. He also arranged the Jay Leno tickets and meeting, and so much more. People like Bud are hard to find. He doesn’t want accolades; he just wants to help. He’s probably annoyed with me that I used his full name in the post! Sorry Bud.You made me do it.

We enter the John Force Racing Facility, but it looks more like a theme park than a “facility”. I’m blown away.  I see Darrell Gwynn and I begin to make my way toward him. I call to Blake but he is so mesmerized by the all cars and racing paraphernalia that he can’t hear me. Blake is visiting a different planet at the moment. He finally sees me and makes his way over. This is truly a special moment. It is only through the generosity of the Darrell Gwynn Foundation that Blake received his new chair. Darrell Gywnn is a former drag racer that suffered a paralyzing accident fifteen years ago while at the top of his career. Darrell knows first hand the emotional, physical and financial hurdles paralyzed victims face. With the help of his beautiful wife Lisa, Darrell has made it his life’s mission to help those less fortunate. He is truly a hero among men. It is no wonder the room was filled with so many selfless, philanthropic people – like attracts like.

I stepped away for a brief moment – long enough for Blake to get more great news! Blake starts calling my name as soon as he sees me, “Diana, Diana, I just heard that the host of my favorite TV show is going to be here tonight! AJ from Overhaulin'!"  You would have thought he just won lotto. He’s so happy I’m melting. By the way, AJ is Bud’s wife! Blake was a giddy little schoolboy when he finally met AJ. I think it’s safe to say AJ just beat out Leno to be Blake’s new Facebook profile picture!

Blake’s wrestling idol has arrived but he doesn’t know it yet. Blake is sitting at the table when he feels a tap on his shoulder. Blake turns around and gasps for air. There he is only inches away – larger than life at 280 lbs, it’s Bill Goldberg. It all happened so fast. If I only had it on film!

Low and behold Blake would not only be meeting the host of his favorite TV show, but he would soon be meeting the star himself! I hope Blake’s heart can handle the stress! Chip Foose would be arriving momentarily. Blake is off visiting another planet again. Hopefully he can come back down to earth long enough to meet him!

Darrell Gwynn took to the mic to introduce the guest of honor – Blake.  Darrell’s words were so kind and poetic. We were all moved. Completely caught off guard, Darrell handed the mic to Blake. Blake was nervous but he handled it like a pro. I was so proud of him. The moment was surreal and of course the tears began to flow. Once Blake was done, Bill handed the mic to me! Oh man, not now! As much as would have LOVED to share some of Blake’s story, the words would not come out. Impossible. I was too overwhelmed to speak. Thankfully Bill did not make me suffer too long. He took over the microphone and gave an incredible, moving speech. So much love filled the room it was palpable.

The evening was filled with laughter, incredible gifts, new friends, and special moments – a night we will never forget. 

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