I’m Harvey Dawkins, and this is my story. There are 86,400 seconds in a day to do something positive. This is what I do.
I was born with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, but my mom never saw me as being disabled, so around the age of 3, my mum did what most parents of able-bodied children do: she bought me a tricycle.
This is where my story really begins. I soon discovered that it was far easier for me to ride than walk. It was then that a bike became a lifelong part of my world.
When I was a teenager, I decided one day to “run away,” so I got on my bike and rode from Bensalem to South Philadelphia, which was about a 60-mile ride. It was then when my love of long-distance or endurance riding came to be.
When I got older, I found that I could combine my love of cycling with my desire to help others.
My first opportunity came with a charity ride to raise money for a paraplegic young man. I ride for multiple sclerosis in the MS-150 events to help raise monies for the cure. This came about when my co-workers convinced me to ride in the City to Shore MS-150, in 2006, to honor a fellow co-worker stricken with multiple sclerosis. To date, I’ve ridden in 16 MS 150 rides in 5 different states. My personal long-term goal is to ride in all 50 states.
”I found that I could combine my love of cycling with my desire to help others
I have cerebral palsy which affects both legs and my right arm, I also have epilepsy. I think it is very important for everyone to be part of something positive in society.
In April 2012 I was featured in a news story of a cerebral palsy rider participating in a MS-150, by Houston station CW39 KIAH-TV:
In 2013 I also decided to become a triathlete, as if riding 75 miles in a day wasn’t enough to test my endurance.
September 17, 2017, I completed my first half Ironman, in Atlantic City, NJ.
Thank You for reading my story.
Harvey Dawkins
“In life, it does not matter how you do it, it only matters that you didn't quit. Harvey Dawkins is that guy. He doesn't allow cerebral palsy to limit his dreams.... he lives his life to the fullest. He embodies the IRONMAN spirit.
Thank you, Harvey. You have no idea how your dedication is affecting THOUSANDS of people right now. Way to #dothework.”
Stephen Del MonteFounder and CEO of DelMoSports, Inc
