Ron: Back to Illustrating

This incredibly inspiring story was submitted to Powerback in Ron's own words:

"After graduating from high school, I took a gap year before enrolling at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where I spent four years earning both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Biology. My journey then took me to the University of Maine in Orono, where I pursued further studies over the course of eight years, earning additional Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art, Zoology, and Marine Biology.

Throughout those academic years, I worked in photography and illustration for various professors across the country. My first major opportunity came through a professor at UC Santa Barbara, which led me to Belize to photograph vernal pool fish. From there, I traveled to Costa Rica, where I captured images of the singing mouse. The quality of my work caught the attention of National Geographic, who hired me to photograph jaguars in Belize and gray wolves in Montana. My photographs were published in National Geographic, and I continued documenting a wide range of wildlife, including predaceous diving beetles, mountain rams, and desert hares in Arizona.

Every photograph I took, I illustrated—bringing each subject to life through art. After completing my studies and years of travel, I moved to Vermont and began working as a Game Warden, a position I held for 2.5 years. Around this time, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 32. As the disease progressed, my condition changed rapidly. By the age of 40, I was using a wheelchair, and eventually required full-time support at home. As my needs became more complex, I transitioned to living at Mountain View Center, where I have now resided for the past three years.

Over the past four years, I had not been able to illustrate due to the progression of my MS, which left me a quadriplegic. I now use a sip-and-puff wheelchair, fitted specifically for me by my Physical Therapist here at MVC in collaboration with a Seating and Mobility Specialist. In February of 2025, I began Occupational Therapy services at Mountain View Center. Together, we developed the most appropriate ergonomic setup, including a lap tray, easel, mouthstick, and a variety of adaptive attachments. After months of hard work and adaptation, I completed my first illustration in over four years. That moment gave me an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness—being able to re-engage in my favorite leisure activity gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

It has been a long and challenging road, and I know there’s more ahead. But working with my Occupational Therapist has given me a sense of self again. I’m filled with hope, motivation, and the knowledge that I can continue this journey—one illustration at a time."

--

Ron's success is an incredible testament to the power of individualized occupational therapy, showcasing how unique passions can inspire positive change.