Team Independence '09

Dave, Chris and the rest of the Team:

What a sense of pride I had watching you on CTV reach the North Pole. And planting the accessibility sign to boot! Dave's quote is apropos: "There is no dream that cannot be realized." Very Martin Luther Kingesque, although the North Pole probably would have been a little too cold for Dr. King's liking.

You have broken a huge physical and mental barrier: the North Pole. What's next - the moon perhaps?

I hope you are recovering in Norway and look forward to your safe return to Canada.

Matthew

Some of the top and toughest world Polar Explorers met in Longyearbyen Norway and gave David, Chris and Team Independence a coveted award. The twisted spike driven into the heart of a white marble base is etched with a compass and the words "North Pole". It is given to just a few. It was conveyed that the award was given because of the unique nature of the expedtion and the challenges faced.

We miss everyone and look forward to coming home. We are still healing up. We could not have accomplished this without community support from volunteers and sponsors. At every turn people were prepared to help including a member of the Lakehead Search and Rescue and several members of the Thunder Bay Police Department. The same evolved department Chris's grandfather and great grandfather were once the Police Chiefs. Thank you Thunder Bay.

David and Chris

Dave, one more feat to add to your roster of accomplishments, all driven by commitment, vision and love!!
With ooooooodles of admiration, your very proud friend,
Ann Michèle

Hey Christopher and David, and Darren too!
We are all very proud of your accomplishments, hope all is well and we ALL look forward to your safe return back to Canada. You are both truly an inspiration to people from all over the world and we are all honoured to know you both and share this experience with you both.

See you soon,

Ashley, Eileen, Corrina, Donna and Dakota

On top of the world
By CARL CLUTCHEY

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

A rugby accident that left Dave Shannon a teen-age quadriplegic didn‘t stop him from becoming a lawyer, nor did a bladder infection prevent him from reaching the top of the world last week.
The 45-year-old disabled advocate and adventurer was resting in a small northern Norway town Monday, three days after arriving at the North Pole on a modified sled.

Quadriplegic lawyer from Thunder Bay, Ont., reaches North Pole
By THE CANADIAN PRESS

Monday, April 13, 2009

THUNDER BAY, Ont. - A lawyer from the northern Ontario city of Thunder Bay has become the first known quadriplegic to reach the North Pole.

David Shannon, 46, who was paralyzed after a spinal-cord injury, reached the frosty destination on Saturday with his expedition partner Christopher Watkins, 40, who is also from Thunder Bay.

Congratuations to all!!!! What a victory!!! I was away over the weekend and just got back to computerland today. You have been in my thoughts this past weekend. Went back and read all the blogs to get caught up on what I have missed.

I'm delighted beyond words David for your achievement. This is truly an amazing accomplishment and can't wait to hear all about it.

My thoughts and prayers are still with you all for your journey back to Canada.

As always,
Suzanne

I couldn't believe the news brief I saw while I was at work tonight. I have been following your trip since I first heard about it on Shaw Cable news. The Easter weekend kind of distracted me from what what happening with you guys but tonight I just happened to mention it to a co-worker and a news brief came on the tv with the news that you guys had MADE IT. I know I am just one little nobody, but I cannot tell you the amount of pride I have for what you have accomplished.

I hope you all are taking the time to take it all in and bask in the accomplisments of this incrediable feat. You have all worked so hard in getting this underway and making history. Not many people in this time can do what you guys have managed to do against all the odds in front of you. Cheers to you and the team we are all so proud of you all.