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3-Tracker Extraordinaire
By Josh Sundquist
I had always wanted to ski, but when I was 9, I
was diagnosed with cancer in my left leg and it
was amputated at the hip. After that, skiing
seemed like an impossible dream. I was fitted
for an artificial leg at Kluge Children's
Rehabilitation Center. I was very excited when
I was told about the disabled skiing program a
Massanutten. I couldn't wait to try it.
I had a wonderful time learning to ski with
Mark Andrews, director of the program. Even
though I couldn't run anymore, I could ski
quickly through the crisp winter air. Mark even
skied on one ski to help me learn better. I was
able to go again in a few weeks and Mark  said I
could go to the top of the mountain. My parents
were terrified; even I was somewhat surprised
that I came down in one piece. It was great, but
I was tired from chemotherapy treatments. I
only skied three times that season.
Last year I went to a Disabled Sports/USA race
and earned a silver medal. I received my own
ski and boot for the whole season from The Ski
Barn, a ski shop in West Virginia. I also
participated in all the MASS Learn to Ski
programs and the Massanutten Independence
Cup Race at the end of the season. This year I
purchased my own outriggers.
I attended a ski class at Massanutten for
able-bodied people, and was put in the highest
level. I was afraid I would be behind all the
people in my class, but everything went wll and
I enjoyed it a lot. I also went to Canaan Valley,
West Virginia, for a second year with a group
called Special Love. Special Love sponsors
events for families with kids with cancer.
In February, I spoke at the International
RE/MAX Realtors Convention in Nashville,
Tennessee. They give a lot of money to
children's hospitals. There were about 5,000
people there, and I was encouraging them to
keep supporting the fight for kids' lives.
I would like to says thanks to Mark, all the
volunteers, and everyone who helps with the
Massanutten Adaptive Ski School. They've
helped me to enjoy something just like
everyone else. I had always wanted to ski, and
now I can--and just as fast as I want (when the
ski patrol isn't around.)
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