On July 10th, Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure embarked on an epic journey to help raise awareness and support for the GRACE’s LMAP organization. GRACE’s LAMP is an organization that deals with young children who grow out of their prosthetic legs but cannot afford the high cost of new adult prosthetic legs.
GRACE’s LAMP was started by the parents of a boy named Joey Funderburk. Joey was abandoned at birth by his mother in Romania after he was born with a rare birth defect that prevented his legs from fully growing and developing. Joey would become an orphan. Chrystal, Joey’s adoptive mother, knew right when she saw him that this boy was hers to love and care for. After several months of getting things in order Chrystal was able to bring Joey to the United States and prepare for him to be fit for prosthetics. At 8 years old Joey would get fitted for his first set of legs. He would use the same pair until he was 20 years old because they were so expensive to replace.
Delamielleure is walking from Buffalo to Canton, Ohio to help raise awareness of how much replacements are and to help support families like Joey’s. Joe “D” started his “Pound the Pavement for Prosthetics” walk at the 50 yard line of Ralph Wilson Stadium. He has kept record of how he has been doing up to this point.
July 10: Day 1
The night before the walk Joe made sure to load up on carbs as he ate some great Italian food in downtown Buffalo. At age 62 he considers himself very blessed and honored to be able to go out and raise awareness for the cause. The memories of his playing days came back to him like yesterday when he entered Ralph Wilson stadium and it was a great experience to be able to return to Buffalo and see old friends.
July 11: Day 2
After a long day of walking Joe felt great. The walk was cut short by a mile or so due to a storm. Nonetheless Joe covered 25 miles and arrived in Irving, New York. It has been a great start for Joe D so far. He received a phone call from Jim Kelly who gave his support and best wishes for the trip.
Walking into Ralph Wilson was the first time Joey had ever stepped into a pro stadium. What a feeling that must have been for him. His new legs have brought in a whole new world of possibilities for Joey and that is what the walk is all about. Former Bills player and longtime announcer Paul Maguire made a generous $1,000 donation to the cause. Joe says he lost four or five pounds from all the humidity but knows it is all worth it writing in his blog that “We’re making a
difference in Joey’s life and the lives of other kids”
July 12: Day 3
Another 22 miles in the books! Joe and his fellow walkers enjoyed a beautiful look at the country side and the people along they were very friendly and generous. Many people stopped to take picture with Joe D and donations were accepted throughout the day from passersby. Joe writes that his feet hurt but he will fight through it.
July 13: Day 4
The overwhelming kindness made the walking much easier for Joe D. He walked through a lot of working class towns and really enjoyed the peoples support. Joe received phone calls from fellow Hall of Famers Andre Tippett, Elvin Bethea, and Paul Krause. Former teammates and friends have been calling Joe throughout the trip thus far. Today he crossed into Pennsylvania.
Joe crossed paths with a man named Gregg Anderson. Anderson had his left leg amputated and has been waiting nearly two years to get his prosthetic leg. Meeting Anderson was a great boost for Joe. It is another reminder that there are so many people who are impacted by the cost of prosthetics. They have raised a good amount of money to this point so far in the walk.
July 14: Day 5
It was a hot summer day as Joe crossed into Ohio. Today Joe received many phone calls and emails from former players showing their support. Franco Harris, Dave Wilcox, Thurman Thomas and Dick Butkus all gave Joe a ring to see how he was doing. Franco Harris sent Joe some special socks courtesy of his company Silver Socks. They have made things easier on Joe’s feet.
Joe was very appreciative and thankful for the phone calls. Eric Dickerson sent a nice email to Joe today showing his support as well. This walk is gaining some serious attention from former player and it is building awareness with every step.
July 15: Day 6
The heat soared into the 90s as Joe continued on his way. A Cleveland news station did a story on Joe and that has only helped build more and more awareness. Joe received phone calls from Dan Fouts and Warren Moon today. Even in retirement, Quarterbacks show their love for offensive linemen. Lots of water and bananas for Joe as he continues towards Canton.
July 16: Day 7
Joe went 4½ hours straight before taking a break. It was hot but some rain and thunderstorms blew in and cooled things down a bit. Today during one stretch, he walked 11 miles and only saw about 20 cars. All in all, Joe writes that this has been a great experience. He has missed the challenge and the camaraderie of the game and feels this walk kind of represents both of those. It definitely is a challenge walking 20 miles a day. His cell phone is ringing so much with calls of encouragement from family, friends, former teammates, and so many Hall of Famers.
Joe expects to arrive in Canton OH on or about July 20. We will continue to follow Joe’s progress as he makes his way towards the Hall of Fame.
For the original story click the link here
And to view Joe’s blog click here: http://www.profootballhof.com/blog/i-would-walk-to-canton/page/1/
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