# JamieMcGarry - Wheel yourself on down here **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 25, 2011, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050 "2011-08-25T16:11:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 22
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/421 "2011-08-30T20:59:30Z")
> [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](#): > > Sort of ready for this show to be canceled. Then _why in the world_ are you tuning in??? ---
**Author:** ![Merneith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/57b2e6/32.png) [@Merneith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merneith)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/422 "2011-08-30T21:01:01Z")
> [@](#): > > Now, as I’ve said many times before, I am not asking Hurley to equip their gym with a piece of accessible equipment for every piece of regular equipment they have. That is unrealistic and silly. What could be a perfect, and reasonable, solution is to have one high quality, versatile, multi-use, adjustable pulley/cable trainer-machine, which could be used for just about every exercise which does not have an accessible machine available for the disabled. This would include lat pulldowns. Serious question: Why don’t you buy the piece of equipment and donate it to the gym? I looked at the equipment you posted in one of your other threads. It was about $3500. That’s a reasonable amount of money if you approach it from a fundraising perspective. What if you volunteered to run a marathon\* in exchange for sponsorships from local businesses? A hundred bucks or so from a couple dozen buisenesses would add up fast. Most corporate businesses have outreach programs. A small donation to provide exercise equipment for disabled people is precisely the sort of thing those programs do. The big corporations like Nike or Addidas might kick in as well. Plus you could take regular sponsors for every mile you “run”. You could probably get the local papers to run a human interest story on your desire to provide better equipment for disabled people. That would raise interest. You would need a letter of intent from the health club, talking about how the equipment would benefit them and how they plan to install it. You’d probably also want a notice from the equipment company, about the installation requirements. And of course you’d have to follow through on thank you notes and updates for your sponsors. I think this is doable for you, Jamie. I think you have the drive to be a kickass fundraiser. - Okay, I know “run a marathon” is probably not the appropriate way to say that. “Wheel a marathon” sounds rude though, to my ears, anyway. If there’s a more appropriate verb to use, I’m open to correction. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/423 "2011-08-30T21:09:20Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > What if you volunteered to run a marathon\* in exchange for sponsorships from local businesses? A hundred bucks or so from a couple dozen buisenesses would add up fast. God help the business that decline to donate. But yeah, I think I mentioned some ideas up thread similar to this. Unfortunately I think the window has closed on this, but maybe for the next gym. Like I said earlier, if he were to start a thread on how to get this item into his gym, I think he’d get plenty of suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/424 "2011-08-30T21:21:08Z")
> [@Merneith](#): > > Serious question: Why don’t you buy the piece of equipment and donate it to the gym? > > I looked at the equipment you posted in one of your other threads. It was about $3500. That’s a reasonable amount of money if you approach it from a fundraising perspective. > > What if you volunteered to run a marathon\* in exchange for sponsorships from local businesses? A hundred bucks or so from a couple dozen buisenesses would add up fast. Most corporate businesses have outreach programs. A small donation to provide exercise equipment for disabled people is precisely the sort of thing those programs do. The big corporations like Nike or Addidas might kick in as well. Plus you could take regular sponsors for every mile you “run”. You could probably get the local papers to run a human interest story on your desire to provide better equipment for disabled people. That would raise interest. > > You would need a letter of intent from the health club, talking about how the equipment would benefit them and how they plan to install it. You’d probably also want a notice from the equipment company, about the installation requirements. And of course you’d have to follow through on thank you notes and updates for your sponsors. > > I think this is doable for you, Jamie. I think you have the drive to be a kickass fundraiser. > > - Okay, I know “run a marathon” is probably not the appropriate way to say that. “Wheel a marathon” sounds rude though, to my ears, anyway. If there’s a more appropriate verb to use, I’m open to correction. _ **THIS** _ is a good idea. If I would have been a part of SDMB _before_ the issues arose, I could have taken this idea up. But alas, it is too late now. When my pullups were banned, I didn’t have time to implement such an idea anyway. And let me clear up one more thing (and Im not _changing_ my story, Im adding details I didnt provide the first time). When I said I brought in catalogs to HHFC that featured equipment that could be purchased, this was in addition to the items that management had pointed out to me in their own ordering catalogs as possibilities. However, _showing me catalogs_ was the extent of their efforts. That is why I called it “lip service”. I told them exactly what would work, pointed it out, and waited. NOTHING. Back to this idea, though. This is a very good fundraising idea, in general. Locally, we have a nationally popular 10-mile road race every year named the Crim. It features a wheelchair division and I have competed in it before (2004). Combining sponsorships tied with fundraising with competing in this local race could do several things at once. It could raise the profile of disability sports, help achieve the goal(s) set up for the fundraising, and give great PR to the companies, establishments, etc. that are involved. Very good. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/425 "2011-08-30T21:26:20Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > Back to this idea, though. This is a very good fundraising idea, in general. Locally, we have a nationally popular 10-mile road race every year named the Crim. It features a wheelchair division and I have competed in it before (2004). Combining sponsorships tied with fundraising with competing in this local race could do several things at once. It could raise the profile of disability sports, help achieve the goal(s) set up for the fundraising, and give great PR to the companies, establishments, etc. that are involved. Very good. I hope you understand though that you would have to talk to the organizers of the race, explain to them exactly what you’re doing, what you want to raise money for, how you want to raise it blah blah blah, answer all their questions and if they are on board, that’s great. But if they turn you down, that’s the end of it. You could ask them for other suggestions, maybe see if they would help you set up your own run/race/marathon, but you can’t attempt to find wrong doing in them turning you down. You simply thank them for their time and move on to the next venture (with your foot nowhere near your mouth). ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/426 "2011-08-30T21:28:17Z")
This is really here nor there but I am planning on videotaping a set of my wheelchair pullups at Genesys Athletic Club and posting it. I’d like to post the video here as well, just so everyone who has been commenting on the nature of this exercise has a clear idea of exactly what it is they are commenting on. ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/427 "2011-08-30T21:31:37Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I hope you understand though that you would have to talk to the organizers of the race, explain to them exactly what you’re doing, what you want to raise money for, how you want to raise it blah blah blah, answer all their questions and if they are on board, that’s great. But if they turn you down, that’s the end of it. You could ask them for other suggestions, maybe see if they would help you set up your own run/race/marathon, but you can’t attempt to find wrong doing in them turning you down. You simply thank them for their time and move on to the next venture (with your foot nowhere near your mouth). See, this is what I mean. Why would you take this suggestion and respond so \*negatively? \* Seemingly just for the sake of creating rifts and arguments. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/428 "2011-08-30T21:34:30Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I really don’t know enough about disabilities to be able to answer that question. > > So, what you’re saying here (as I read it) is that there is no disability that would prevent anyone from using this machine? None whatsoever? Every single person with every conceivable disability could use this machine? What about flipper babies? Can flipper babies use the machine? ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/429 "2011-08-30T21:38:31Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > See, this is what I mean. Why would you take this suggestion and respond so \*negatively? \* Seemingly just for the sake of creating rifts and arguments. Yeah, you’re right, I had no basis for thinking you would react poorly to be turned down. That would be totally out of character. What was I thinking? ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/430 "2011-08-30T21:46:52Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > What about flipper babies? Can flipper babies use the machine? I’m not sure how many flipper babies are going to be showing up at the gym expecting to be able to workout. Did you read my question? If not I re post it for you… what sort of disability would you imagine would prevent someone from being able to access and use a free-standing, adjustable pulley-cable trainer system **but at the same time bring this person into the gym?** And even without that, let’s say that there IS a tiny fraction of those who will be unable to use the accessible, multi-use machine that makes it possible for a number of disabled individuals to successfully workout. Does that mean that the gym should NOT have this machine available? Helping 95% is sure better than helping none. ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/431 "2011-08-30T21:50:35Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > Does that mean that the gym should NOT have this machine available? Helping 95% is sure better than helping none. I actually agree with this sentiment. But what happens when the flipper baby version of Jamie McGarry (Flippy McBaby) shows up at the gym to see you working out on your new machine and finds out he’s out of luck because he’s in that 5%? How would you react if they bought a new machine for someone else’s disability but not yours? I mean before you start an angry thread about it. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/432 "2011-08-30T21:59:25Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > I actually agree with this sentiment. But what happens when the flipper baby version of Jamie McGarry (Flippy McBaby) shows up at the gym to see you working out on your new machine and finds out he’s out of luck because he’s in that 5%? > > How would you react if they bought a new machine for someone else’s disability but not yours? I mean before you start an angry thread about it. Seems like a relevant time to bring up this (yet to be answered) thought exercise for the third time [QUOTE=Joey P] Suppose they get the machine Jamie wants and someone else with a different disability can’t use it but still wants to work out their lats. So they go home, do some research, find a machine that will and work and demand the club purchases it… Jamie, do you think the gym should be required to purchase a third lat machine for this person that can’t use the standard one or the one that they got for you? If you feel they should, I’d like to know why, it sets an interesting (and expensive) precedent. If you feel they shouldn’t, why do you think they should be required to get the one you want? [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/433 "2011-08-30T22:05:20Z")
I’m going straight to hell\*, but Flippy McBaby made my day. Thanks, **Bob.** - Anyone want me to save 'em a seat? I could even call ahead and make a table reservation. ---
**Author:** ![bobkitty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c67d28/32.png) [@bobkitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobkitty)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/434 "2011-08-30T22:27:36Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > - Anyone want me to save 'em a seat? I could even call ahead and make a table reservation. :: raising hand :: ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/435 "2011-08-30T22:48:07Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Seems like a relevant time to bring up this (yet to be answered) thought exercise for the third time This is a false dilemma. The presence of this machine I have been discussing would have much _more_ usefulness for other disabled individuals, and their various disabilities, than it would for my singular need for it. That is the good thing about such equipment, it can meet the needs of basically each and every disability; due to its adjustable handles (up,down, side to side) free-standing structure and cable-pulley set up. So I cannot think of any disability which would be barred from use from a machine like this.\* \*Again, this is assuming the person with the disability is healthy and able-bodied enough _ **to** _ engage in some sort of gym-centered workout (as opposed to hospital-centered physical therapy, etc.). ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/436 "2011-08-30T22:49:40Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > Seems like a relevant time to bring up this (yet to be answered) thought exercise for the third time .. ---
**Author:** ![Bri2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/48db29/32.png) [@Bri2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bri2k)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/437 "2011-08-30T23:09:48Z")
> [@jamiemcgarry](#): > > Then _why in the world_ are you tuning in??? For the Flipper McBabies, of course! Bri2k (Thanks a million, Bob! That was gold. Pure gold!) ---
**Author:** ![Ambivalid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a5b964/32.png) [@Ambivalid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambivalid)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/438 "2011-08-30T23:37:56Z")
> [@Bri2k](#): > > For the Flipper McBabies, of course! > > Bri2k > > (Thanks a million, Bob! That was gold. Pure gold!) Really?! I mean, I’m not offended or anything by the comment but I must say, the comedic appeal there is rather weak. He just combined “flipper baby” with “McGarry”. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/439 "2011-08-30T23:44:55Z")
Jamie, I think one reason you have problems here is that you have never once exhibited the slightest inkling of a sense of humor. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [August 30, 2011, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050/440 "2011-08-30T23:52:22Z")
Perhaps the surgeon removed it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jamiemcgarry-wheel-yourself-on-down-here/594050.md?page=23)