Today I sat down with the great and powerful Ryan Russell of Mesa, Arizona. 

Here at Living Spinal, we recently named him customer of the year, with all the fame and wealth associated with the title, for how much he's benefited from his Firefly. We also just think he's a great guy and always smile when the caller ID says his name. Ryan is a T11-T12 complete paraplegic, and was injured 4 years ago. He has found an incredible amount of mobility with the Firefly, and he rides it every single day. Right away in the interview, Ryan stunned me with how much he actually rides his power assist. 

(On the left, Sam from Living Spinal. On the right, Ryan Russell, customer of the year)

"Ryan, we're thrilled to have customers that get so much use out of our products because we put so much time into finding products that have the durability to last hundreds of miles, like your Firefly"

"Actually Sam, I've put THOUSANDS of miles on my Firefly. I ride it hard every day." 

He takes his Firefly indoor and outdoor, to get groceries, to go to doctor's appointments and physical therapy, and just as a daily driver. He mentioned that (before COVID) he took it to CHASE Field for a WWE Wrestling event, and has taken it to concerts and shows as well. The only issues he's had with it after putting thousands of miles on it are worn down tires to replace. 

"My Firefly has more miles on it than my car, and I've had my car longer and bought it used!" Ryan told me. 

Ryan went on to talk about off-roading with the Firefly. 

"I hit the streets all the time, but I've also taken it on the "Camp-with-a-ramp" event to do some offroading, it's a 3-day retreat up in the mountains here in Arizona. Had an awesome time."

Ryan uses the Firefly with his Ki-Mobility Rogue chair. Here at Living Spinal, we've sold a great deal of Ki Mobility chairs and have found them to be among the best wheelchair manufacturers for durability, comfort, and overall quality. Ryan loves his Rogue and how easy it is to connect with aftermarket attachments like the Firefly and other power assists. 

Ryan went on to describe how COVID-19 has affected him in his specific area. 

"Living in Arizona, it's always hot and dusty. It's also spacious, not exactly like in the country but definitely not like a crowded city. So transferring into a car just to drive a few blocks is a pain but also pushing the whole way is a nightmare. The Firefly can handle any of those commutes and pops right on and off."

I asked what is new in Ryan's life, and he gave me his usual uplifting and inspiring attitude.

"I'm looking for some employment, because I'm making progress through my injury. Doing physical therapy twice a week, starting to stand with braces, just living day-to-day man. Trying to make the best of it."

I then asked Ryan what his goals are.

"I want to go back to school and start designing products to make wheelchair user's lives easier. I've got some great ideas!" 

Ryan's positivity, perseverance, and overall great attitude make him one of our fondest friends here at Living Spinal. If you've purchased our products and found them to change your life for the better, let us know and we'll consider you for next year's customer of the year! We gave Ryan a gift card, a certificate, and a discount at our store. 

Thanks Ryan! Keep wheelin' and enjoying your Firefly. 

Here's a link to the all new version of the Firefly Wheelchair Power Assist:

Firefly 2.5 by Rio Mobility