Hospital helps Cave Creek resident enjoy day at lake

STAFF REPORT ~6/22/2011

Cave Creek resident, Matthew Aleksa, was an honored guest at Barrow Neurological Institute’s 15th annual Day on the Lake earlier this month.
The event included a weekend’s worth of water and jet skiing, boating, kayaking and fishing at Bartlett Lake. The event promotes health and wellness by providing a unique opportunity to individuals with neurological and physical disabilities who don’t have many chances to experience water recreation.
Matthew, 12, was born with spina bifida, meaning his spine hadn’t fully developed and was not fully wrapped around the spinal cord. Due to his medical issues Matthew uses a wheelchair or forearm crutches to get around. However, Day on the Lake allowed Matthew to trade his wheelchair and safely use an adapted sit ski with outriggers, giving him the chance to water ski for the first time.
“My favorite? Water skiing and jet skiing are probably tied,” says Matthew, “I can’t wait for next year.”
Matthew’s dad, Brian, shared his son’s enthusiasm about the event.
“Matthew has had a blast. There really aren’t a whole lot of adaptive sports programs in the northern part of the Valley, so this is really fantastic,” he said.
The annual event attracted more than 100 participants from around the United States and took place at Bartlett Lake Marina June 2 - 4.
To obtain more information about next year’s event, or make a donation to the program, please call Jo Crawford, program coordinator for the Barrow Connection at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, at 602-406-6280.