Brian Patrick became the 3rd person in U.S. history to skate (via Rollerblades) across America. If that wasn't enough, he became the first to skate back. When Brian skated back from Long Beach, CA to Jacksonville, FL, he did it in record fashion of 44 days. However, you will not find this in any record books. Why? Because Brian did not file the paperwork. "It is not about me or how fast or how far I can go. It is about helping the Community that I am so proud to be part of."
Brian skated over 7,000 miles for Autism Awareness and met with over 120 parents that for the first time have a child on the Spectrum. Brian sat with them and through his experiences of having two children on the Spectrum explained how their lives were about to change - for the best. Brian himself is on the Spectrum with Aspergers. "I have a voice so there becomes an expectation that I help because in the end, doing nothing is not the same as doing something."
Brian skated on his own with nothing more than his backpack. Day after day, he stopped and spoke to thousands of people to promote a Cause so close to his heart. Brian has done interviews for radio, newspapers, CBS, NBC and ABC. Presently, Brian's a speaker and advocate for the Autistic Community. Brian just finished the manuscript for his first children's book entitled 'Brianne's Diary.' It's about a little blue rhino named Aodhán who is tired of feeling alone - and different so he sets out on an epic adventure with a monkey on his back named Melvin. Aodhán keeps a diary for his best friend Brianne who Aodhán doesn't tell that he's leaving on a 'little Journey.' The book isn't about Autism - it is about being different which EVERYONE can relate to. So simple.
In all of this there becomes a question: What have you - what have I done for our Community today? Well, Brian Patrick skated over 7,000 miles to help anyone affiliated to the Spectrum.
Odessa, TX
