Categories:
Navigate:
Search:
  Hunter with ALS still on target
Posted October 29, 2003 in PALS Profiles

© Copyright 2001 - 2003, WorldNow and WCAX
Coventry, Vermont - October 28, 2003

Like most avid hunters, Michael Gaboriault has his sights set on this coming season -- despite the fact that the 43 year-old is a quadriplegic.

Gaboriault suffers from ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. He's been forced to give up many things, but not hunting.

"It's one of the only things I can still do," he said.

The Gulf War Vet learned of his disease in 1997. His condition might be service-related. Some studies suggest exposure to nerve gases in the Gulf War left many U.S. Soldiers, like Gaboriault, sick.

But with help from friends and family, Gaboriault maintains his first love, what he calls "Christmas for adults."

If it's hunting season in Vermont, you can bet that Gaboriault is taking to the woods. And for you hunters out there, you have some competition. Because more often than not, he's right on target. A wheel-chair mounted gun is adjusted by a joy stick he moves with his nose. The weapon is fired by sipping air into his mouth.

Last fall, he tagged a wild boar at a preserve in Charleston. One shot -- more than 175 yards away.

When he's not hunting, Gaboriault chats on-line about it -- using a computer that runs by reflective tape pasted to his forehead. He shares his love of the sport with other disabled people.

He told Channel 3's Darren Perron that he hopes he can convince other disabled people that they can hunt too. When asked if he feels like he could be inspirational, he humbly answered, "I hope so. I hope so. I'd like to be."

And it appears he's right on target.

  Email a Link
Use this form to send a link to this article to a friend.

Email this entry to:


Your email address:


Message (optional):


 

For our complete database of ALS news and information go to the ALS NewsCenter

Contact us at email@rideforlife.com  |  Powered by Movable Type  |  Designed by new ajenda  |  Site optimized for 800x600 and above resolutions

This website is a service of Ride for Life, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by ALS patients, caregivers, and those concerned about people living with ALS.

Disclaimer: All copyrighted information republished on this website remains the property of the original copyright holder.
Ride for Life, Inc. does not claim to own this information and presents it to our visitors in the spirit of fair usage in order to aid those who are living with ALS.

Privacy Statement: Ride for Life, Inc. does not sell, distribute, or share any personal information.