Dave’s desires, to be outdoors hunting and fishing or just going to the store have challenges that ordinary people can’t imagine. Dave Collazo is a quadriplegic and confined to a motorized bed, but that doesn’t stop him.

Photo by Karl W Hoffman

Dave needs a new van and is asking for donations of 1 to 2 dollars (more if you like), that can be given on line through his web site which he built himself,  HelpDaveGetaNewRide.com. Dave figures that if enough people donate he can raise the 30,000 dollars for a newer used van. Since he is on disability turning to the community for help is his only hope. When I met Dave, I was overwhelmed by his outgoing personality and kind disposition, which just seems to cause people to gravitate to him. Dave’s accomplishments are simply amazing in over coming his disability, but the majority of his life depends on his friends and his van. Dave broke his neck when he was 17 and his life changed. He got a degree and worked for the U of A as a computer programmer until he lost the majority of his motor skills. A heart warming story that makes you appreciate what ever you have, can be read in Dave’s own words on his web site, another feat that took days of typing one letter at a time.

After seeing the need for a newer van, I worked with Dave to bring his situation to all of you and show you through this multimedia presentation a true unsung hero, who you would never have known, except that after all these years, he needs your help.

This has been one of the most rewarding photo/video projects I have ever done. While working the many hours, both with Dave and in the editing process, I kept realizing how lucky I was. You see, I broke my neck in two places riding a horse when I was 18 years old. A promising ski career ended, but an artist who had broken his neck, took me under his wing. We all need a little help now and then and Dave needs yours. Just this once!

To Make a donation, get to know Dave better and follow his progress, please visit his site HelpDaveGetaNewRide.com

Karl W Hoffman

Kwhphoto@gmail.com

SkullCreekMedia.com