This is where the staff of the Reeve Foundation is sharing up-to-the-minute information and putting some context around the news affecting the spinal cord injury and paralysis community. Not to mention insight into what's going on here at the Foundation.
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Southwest Conference on Disability wraps up
Posted by
JLoFriday, October 22, 2010
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Reeve Foundation Ambassador Ruben Rios was attended the Southwest Conference on Disability in Albuquerque. He wrote the following about his experience at the conference.
My caregiver, Yolanda and I have been home now nearly a week from my second visit to Albuquerque, NM on Monday, the 4th of October. It was a 12 hour drive from L.A. and I was exhausted. I didn’t know how I’d ever survive the week.
Tuesday afternoon I participated in a meeting about the Reeve Foundation’s Paralysis Resource Center along with fellow ambassadors Eric Gibson and Cecilia Fred. At the meeting we spoke with agencies around the state of NM and talked about the free services the PRC has to offer. I also met and made a friendship with Fausto Rosero, the most beautiful man you could ever meet.
From there went to the Gala Reception where Joe Canose and I shared the original painting “Gotta Love Albuquerque” for the first time. (Pictured at right).The conference had asked me to paint this year’s official conference poster. The food was INCREDIBLE throughout the three day event, but I especially enjoyed the food at the Gala Reception!
Wednesday was the first day of the conference and I arrived at my booth in Artisan’s Showcase and set everything up. We hung paintings, set up video on my laptop and I began my “artist in residence” duties. It was nice painting and interacting with those who attended the conference. The people of Albuquerque are the most gracious hosts I’ve ever met, ANYWHERE.
Thursday morning, I set up my area to begin painting again. By this time I had a few posters, and signed one as a gift for one of the artists whom I met last year. Next thing I know, people are buying posters and lining up for signatures. It was AWESOME! I spent the whole morning and afternoon, again, signing posters. Later, that evening, Eric Gibson, his wife (Caroline), Jesse Hagy, Yolanda and I drove over for the “Balloon Glow”. Unfortunately, it was cancelled due to weather. (Excessive wind) But we had fun anyway. Great company.
Friday morning, we prepared for our departure. In the morning, we signed some more posters, took down our stuff and said our “so longs” to the beautiful people of the Reeve Foundation, and Albuquerque. All in all a great experience once again. Yolanda and I drove home, and couldn’t stop talking about all of the highlights of our trip. Thanks to everyone who made our stay so nice. The staff at the Doubletree Hotel bent over backwards to make the room just right for us. Priti, Joe, Tony, Daisy and everybody made us feel like family, again. Looking forward to next year!
Ruben
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