Mission
Use speaking engagements to encourage blind participation in sports and fitness, educate the public about guide dog etiquette, and raise funds for guide dog schools and blind athletic programs.
You Can Help Now
Check out the contact information to learn about the guide dog schools and sporting associations. While you are there, consider making a donation to one of the organizations.
Current Happenings
We are waiting to learn the results of a Flight for Sight grant application.
Wendy is training her 6th guide dog puppy, Grace, for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
Mike is training for the 2023 USA Adaptive Water Ski Team that will compete in the 15th IWWF Disabled Water Ski World Championships, Sept. 11-17, 2023, at Shortline Lake in Elk Grove, California.
Wendy is in the early formation stage as she establishes an FFA puppy raising group at Magnolia High School.
Mike’s Bio
For over 30 years, Mike has shared with students, corporations and clubs a “Can Do” story, telling how athletics and fitness have had such a positive influence in his life. The presentations are full of humor as he tells how getting his first guide dog allowed him to accept blindness and subsequent journeys have taught him to advocate for himself and others.
Mike has completed over 20 marathons, including a third place finish in the visually impaired category at the 1993 Boston Marathon. He is a current and six-time member of the U.S. Adaptive Water Ski Team, has set seven World Audio Slalom records, holds the National Audio Slalom and Tricks Records, and was the first blind skier to qualify for and compete at the Able-body National tournament. He lives with his wife, daughter and son, fondly referred to as The Royal Family Boat Crew, in Magnolia, Texas.
During a 25-year career in oil and gas, Mike established IT Audit Teams at three companies, and traveled the globe with the assistance of his five guide dogs. As the former Director Information Technology Audit, he was responsible for building trusted relationships with key leaders and leading IT Audit Team efforts across the entire business. He also was an inaugural representative on the Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee.
Mike earned a Master of Business Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting Management Information Systems from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is a Certified Information Systems Auditor and a Certified Internal Auditor.
Wendy’s Bio
Since 2016, Wendy has been raising future guide dogs. Working with cute puppies in public places has allowed Wendy daily opportunities to educate various people about the puppy raising process. She has shared the joys of puppy raising with students and clubs and co-presented with Mike to corporations.
As Co-Area Coordinator for the Houston FFA puppy raising group, Wendy works with the high school students in the Fort Bend Independent School District teaching them how to train guide dog puppies.
Wendy has completed five marathons, The Texas Independent Relay and a cold shocking Tough Mudder. She has a daily fitness routine, which includes guiding Mike.
Wendy is a certified teacher and taught elementary school for 6 years.
Wendy earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from The University of Texas in Arlington and an Alternative Teaching degree from The University of St. Thomas.