Aaron Baker - The Story of a Walking Miracle

If walking miracles are a reality, then former youth motocross champion Aaron Baker certainly fits the bill. Eight years after suffering a debilitating spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed, the world renowned athlete is ready to get back on the bike again. He participates in the LA Marathon on March 2, 2008 in order to create a buzz about his summer 2008 cross country ride, "Rise Above Tour '08." Baker, a four year veteran of the LA marathon will be riding solo for the first time, biking the first 25 miles before he trades in the wheels and walks the last mile of the Marathon.


The 29 year old professional biker suffered a life threatening cervical injury in 1999, which left him a quadriplegic with a "one in a million chance of ever feeding himself, let alone walk." However, life in a wheelchair was not an option for Aaron. He and his family and friends were unwilling to accept the prognosis. With steadfast determination, an iron will, years of strenuous therapy and a strong support network Aaron beat the injury that threatened to confine him to a life of immobility. "With a single minded resolve we have overcome this life altering, life changing circumstance with great power and strength, uncovering a far greater purpose than winning trophy's aboard a motorcycle," said Aaron, about what appears to be a miraculous recovery.


The next great challenge for Aaron following the LA Marathon will be the "Transamerica Trail Ride," which will take Aaron and his Rise Above Tour Team through 3,000 scenic miles in the heart of America. The tour was a smashing success last summer as Aaron rode to the cheers of thousands of inspired fans. This year Aaron will leave San Francisco on June 10th and ride through the finish line in the nation's capital in September. He hopes to gain national exposure, awareness and funds for the construction and maintenance of Center of Rehabilitation Exercise ( C.O.R.E.) facilities throughout the United States.


C.O.R.E., Baker's brainchild, offers individuals with disabling conditions and/or chronic illness affordable post-hospital rehabilitative care that will enhance the quality of their lives. " C.O.R.E. is a state-of-the-art facility, equipped with unique and specialized equipment, providing low cost integrated, structural, personalized and progressive evaluations, treatment plans, and education to help improve function, independence and self-efficacy."


Today, Aaron Baker is fully mobile and leads a life of independence, a gift which he hopes to offer thousands of people with similarly devastating spinal cord injuries. With the expansion of C.O.R.E. facilities throughout the United States, thousands of people will receive the benefit of continuous, attentive, professional, goal-oriented care that was so critical in Aaron's own recovery.

With 26 miles of LA roads that will soon be under his belt, years of therapy and a 3,000 mile cross-country trek, Aaron Baker is forging a new road to recovery and hope for himself and thousands of others who share his disabilities. Perhaps no one can better sum up his vision than Aaron because no one can better understand the daily struggles of people with spinal cord injuries. "Our approach to recovery, and life for that matter, has been that of open mindedness and a determination that …Anything is possible."

For more information or to make a donation please visit www.AaronBakers.com or www.riseabovetour.com