We recently featured Rob Parsons’ Chairslayers Foundation program, which aims to use Parsons’ drift-built LS-powered Nissan and his custom-made hand control system to assist those who are paralyzed or otherwise wheelchair-bound come to terms with their situation and realize, through motorsport, how they can adapt and overcome the obstacles that life has put in the way, and possibly foster involvement in motorsports as well. Recently they hosted their first clinic, where they brought over Ben Conolly and his family from the U.K. for a drift session in Parson’s Nissan. Ben was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, a blood cancer, in October of 2013. In preparation for the upcoming chemotherapy, a lumbar puncture had to be performed in order to take some spinal fluid for testing, and when Ben awoke from the anesthetic he realized that he was paralyzed from the chest down, which was found to have been caused by a tumor that had grown into his vertebrae, crushing his spinal cord. Naturally, Ben went through a dark period of time as he dealt with the blow of losing motor function, but through the determination of his parents he started researching and located Parsons’s story and made contact with them. The Starlight Foundation assisted in flying the Conolly family out to California for the meet-up and after introductions and lessons, Ben got his chance to cut loose in the car as his parents watched on. It’s the first clinic that the Chairslayers Foundation has put on and we sincerely hope for many more. Parsons’ dedication to the cause is sincerely inspiring and the fact that he’s doing it in a way that creates tire smoke and good times for everybody involved deserves all of the recognition that the foundation can get.
Rob is a truly inspiring guy. Before his accident, he was always pushing the limit. One of those people who doesn’t get the term “you can’t do that” He constantly pushed himself to get better, and almost always would prove something could be done.
His accident further shows what the guy can do. Up against seemingly impossible odds he engineered the hand control system (which being a full manual transmission, not automatic), fabricated the entire car (he’s a welder by trade), and managed to build this program.
Robs dedication, hard work and for sight, has got him to where he is. The work he is doing to help other disabled people enjoy the things the rest of us take for granted is inspiring.
I’ve been lucky to call Rob a friend for almost 15 years.
Check out his story and his aspirations. Keep up the good work!