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Age is just a number!

Posted on June 05, 2013 in Maren Ludwig   

We’ve been out flying and teaching a lot in the last several weeks with the weather treating us nicely here in Oregon. Lots of fun flights in different locations for myself and our students, but one flight this past Sunday has been truly amazing and memorable.

I was lucky enough to be the tandem pilot for a 76 years young gentleman named Fred Noble who’s epitomized adventure sports in Oregon for many decades and who’s been an inspiration to so many different people throughout his life. Fred is probably best known for his accomplishments as a legendary skier, launching off cliffs in several Warren Miller ski movies. Windsurfing and paragliding are only a couple of other sports he’s been quite passionate about and accomplished in.

When Fred was diagnosed a few years ago with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) or Lou Gehrig’s disease , a progressive degenerative nerve disease that causes the loss of function of the neuromuscular system, he didn’t let this terminal disease slow him down and he’s been finding new ways to continue doing all those things he’s passionate about, pushing life to the limits, even though he is dependent on using a wheel chair these days.

It was a very emotional and a truly special experience for me to be able to share his most recent adventure with him, to give him the opportunity to feel free like a bird once again. His passion for life and adventure is unbreakable and it just brings tears to your eyes to be able to share a moment like that with him. I was certainly not the only one in our group that day that felt that way either. It’s incredible how he keeps making new friends and keeps inspiring people wherever he goes. He really makes you realize how much life has to offer, you just have to go out there to get it! Looking forward to spending more time with him in the skies this summer! He’s not only planning on being back again soon, but also encouraging others that are in a similar situation to get out there and live life to it’s fullest, or to use his own words ” We (people with ALS) are prisoners in our own body and everyday someone leaves the cell doors open so we can escape to freedom. Get out as quick as you can and go have some fun”.

Very much looking forward to our next adventures…

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