In January, we told you about Matthew Johnston, a quadriplegic suffering from muscular dystrophy. Capable only of moving his thumbs, 29-year-old Johnston has been dreaming of diving since he was 6 years old. He's too old for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, so Johnston launched Matthew Johnston: Diving a Dream to help pay for the design of an underwater-capable ventilator. Until one becomes available, Johnston must rely on his current ventilator, which is kept above water in a closed plastic container. Meanwhile, friends have donated a custom-made dry suit, and John Chatterton has helped with fund-raising efforts.
This weekend, Johnston officially completed his open water course -- and obtained card Number 1 through SDI's Scubility program, a course designed for disabled divers -- after diving in a Wisconsin lake. However, Johnston decided that wasn't quite the dream he had in mind. Rather, he wants to dive in the Caribbean. His next stop, he claims, is Key Largo, where he hopes his father will not call the dive after only 15 minutes. C'mon, Dad, give Matthew a break! He's Number 1!
[Via Dive Inspirations]
1. There is a dive shop in Key Largo at Mile Marker 103.2 called "Silent World Dive Center" that may still accomodate divers with disabilities. I am the former and original owner and I set it up that way through the marina ( Garden Cove Marina, M.M. 106.5, and by the way they have a overhead boat lift that we used to lift divers and transport them down to the waiting boat using a modified wheel chair ) we docked at. It has a drive up to the boat dock with only a few steps down, the boat will allow divers to sit at the very stern and basicaly slide off your seat and directly sit on the dive platform ready to go with your buddy. The shop used to dive the Northern parts of Pennekamp State Park not frequented by any other shop and absolutely fantastic diving around Caryfort Reef light house, shallow water(-5) to deep (-90). I hope this info is still current and helpful.
Posted at 12:59AM on Jun 27th 2006 by Captain KC