Wishes for Wheels – Patrick Lewis

The Wishes for Wheels Program is a Motion Composites initiative dedicated to gifting lightweight, high-performance wheelchairs to people who refuse to let mobility challenges hold them back, but who, for one reason or another, cannot get the equipment they need.

When it comes to passion, Patrick has always lived life at full speed. From skateboarding and mountain biking to dirt biking, his love for anything with wheels shaped who he was long before he became a wheelchair user at 23 after a bike accident. Even after his injury, that same drive to chase adrenaline and embrace challenges never faded; it simply adapted. Today, Patrick is exploring new ways to fuel that energy, whether it’s through wheelchair basketball, bungee jumping, or his next big goal: adapted wakeboarding.

Patrick’s story is a reminder that while life may change direction, passion and determination always find a way forward.

This past July, Patrick received his brand-new APEX Carbon Fiber Rigid wheelchair in Acid Green, with white color accents, an NXT Optima Carbon Back Support, and white Newton Air Grip handrims. Of course, we wanted to ask Patrick about the role the Wishers for Wheels Program has played in his day-to-day life and the impact his new wheelchair has had on his life in such a short time.

Interview:

Motion Composites: Hello again, Patrick. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us. Tell us, how did you first hear about the Wishes for Wheels? 

Patrick Lewis: It was actually through my seating clinic, Tessa, at the clinic in Calgary. She gave me a heads-up and said, ‘Hey, I heard about this program, and after everything you’ve been through, you’re the guy. You’ve got to apply.’ So I applied right away.

In January, I was contacted, and that’s how it all started. Honestly, without Tessa, I probably wouldn’t have even looked into it. I don’t really dig too much into what’s out there, so it was a real blessing that she mentioned it to me. It ended up becoming the best thing in my life!

^{Patrick Lewis with Jim Frid (NSM Canada)}

MC: Can you share with us your experience applying for the Wishes for Wheels program? What was the process like? 

PL: The process was actually pretty simple. I didn’t find it invasive at all. They didn’t ask for too much. My sister helped me apply, walking me through everything I didn’t fully understand, since sometimes I blank out. She sat with me, and we went over it together, and honestly, it was all pretty straightforward.

It was nice because I could do it easily on my phone or laptop, and there weren’t a million loopholes to jump through. Overall, it was an excellent experience.

MC: How has receiving the wheelchair from Motion Composites impacted your daily life? 

PL: The weight difference is incredible. I feel so much lighter and more agile, it’s like night and day compared to my old chair, which I’d been using since my injury ten years ago. That chair had seen a lot of adventures and was really on its way out. This new one has made life comfortable again, without the constant worry of something breaking down.

When I first lost my legs, they told me I had to get a power chair, and to this day, I’m still not a fan of it. The worst part was that once I had the power chair, I couldn’t get another manual chair covered. However, the power chair is unreliable; it breaks down frequently, so I never really liked using it. That’s why receiving this new manual chair was such a blessing.

I’ve gotten so many compliments on it, too. People come up to me and say, ‘That’s a beautiful chair,’ or ‘That’s such a sick chair.’ It’s honestly been a confidence booster. The design is incredible. My APEX Carbon is acid green with white accents, and my favorite detail is the single, odd-colored spoke on my Newton Wheels. Jim Frid (from the dealership) told me that’s part of your signature style, and it’s the little thing that makes me love it even more.

MC: What can you tell me about the NXT Optima Carbon Back Support that you got?

PL: I love the NXT Optima Carbon Back Support, it’s so comfortable. It can get a little warm at the beach, but otherwise, I really like the way it hugs me. It holds me in place, which feels great. Even with my amputation, I feel super comfortable in this chair. The balance is perfect, it’s just really comfortable all around.

MC: What features of the wheelchair do you find most beneficial or useful? 

PL: Of course, the carbon frame in the APEX C is my favorite. Having carbon on my chair was something I’d been dreaming about for years, and now I finally have it!!

I also love the Frog Legs forks; those were another dream feature for me.

Honestly, I love the acid green paint in the frame and the way it stands out. I just love the entire thing. This is the chair I’ve been dreaming of since I first hurt myself!

MC: How did you feel when you found out you were selected as the recipient of the wheelchair? 

PL: I was so blown away! Completely beside myself. Honestly, it’s probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me!

MC: What advice would you give to others who might be considering applying to the Wishes for Wheels program? 

PL: I would honestly say: do it. You never know. I didn’t have any expectations of winning, but it turned out to be one of the greatest experiences of my life. It’s such an incredible program.

My advice is simple: apply and try. The amazing part of the Wishes for Wheels Program is that if you don’t get selected the first time, you can keep applying. That’s what makes this program so special: it gives people more than one chance.

MC: Any last comments? 

PL: I would like to thank the entire team! Everyone who was involved! This has been such an incredible blessing. I’ve gone through a lot of hard times over the last couple of years, and this really lifted my spirits. When you’re feeling down and out, it’s moments like this that remind you that something incredible can still happen down the road.

I’m genuinely feeling blessed. This is one of the biggest gifts I’ve had since being in a chair, and I just appreciate everyone who made it possible. Thank you. I’m still beside myself with excitement, and I don’t think that feeling is ever going to fade. I’ll probably be this excited about it forever.

We want to thank Patrick for taking the time to meet with us and share his experience with the Wishes for Wheels Program. We can't wait to hear more about all the adventures that he will be able to try in his new APEX Carbon Fiber Rigid wheelchair!

If you or someone you know is a wheelchair user residing in Canada or the United States, we encourage you to apply for the Wishes for Wheels Program. The application process is simple and can be completed online.

Learn more about the Wishes for Wheels Program or apply today!