Palmer High School graduate reflects on 10-year journey uplifting himself and others

WASILLA — It’s been 10 years since Ira Edwards was crushed by a tree and paralyzed from the waist down. A lot has happened since then. He’s faced many challenges, but he’s done it all with a positive attitude, making all the difference in the world.

“I don’t give up things I love just because they’re harder,” Edwards said.

Edwards was a state park ranger at the time of the accident. He said that he was surveying trails around Nancy Lake and moving downed trees throughout the day before he was struck down by a large tree.

“Initially I knew right away I was paralyzed because I was a medic before I got into law enforcement,” Edwards said. “I knew right away it was not great.”

Edwards spent a month in the ICU and four months at Craig Hospital in Colorado. The tree incident ultimately left him wheelchair bound. He said that after he checked out of rehabilitation, he had to start figuring out how his life was going to work from there.

“That was challenging in the beginning,” Edwards said. I’ve always lived an outdoors, adventurous life.”

Edwards was determined to keep his life moving and find ways to follow his passion for Alaskan adventures.

“I have a pretty positive outlook on life and a lot of things,” Edwards said. “It’s a fact of life. I’ve felt that way since the first year. I don’t dwell on it really. I do a lot of advocacy work, trying to help other people in wheelchairs.”

Faith in God has been a huge part of Edwards’ life. He said that his connection with his Christianity in addition to his network of support of friends and family has helped him maintain his positive attitude and sharing it with others.

“I’m not afraid to fail. I’ve failed lots of times in my life,” Edwards said.

Edwards grew up in the Valley, graduating from Palmer High School. He moved to Anchorage 20 years ago. He stays busy all year with an array of outdoor activities like hand cycling, cross-country skiing, and hunting.

“I get outside every day… That’s just huge for your mental well being. I do the things I love,” Edwards said. “I’ve already done a lot of cool things. So, I’m back to doing most of them.”

Edwards has talked to countless people who suddenly found themselves in wheelchairs like he himself. He said that he didn’t have anyone like that when it happened to him so he wants to help out where he can.

“It’s a way I can give people a head start to get their life back together… Having a positive outlook, it lets you live your life,” Edwards said. “If you think you can, you will; and if you think you can’t, you wont... You have to believe in yourself in almost every aspect involved.”

Over the last 10 years Edwards has gone through a painful divorce, learned how to bike and ski all over again, raced ArcticMan and the Boston Marathon, and started a group called Team Gimp Squad to support people in wheelchairs. He’s volunteered in various capacities and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for nonprofits ranging from Challenge Alaska to the Alaska Farmland Trust.

“There are other people like you. You’re not all alone in this,” Edwards said.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, Edwards posted on Facebook reflecting on his 10-year journey, stating, “... I need to thank my amazing friends for helping me through the good times and the bad. Several companies and foundations have believed in me and supported my endeavors. I’ve been associated with Rossignol since 1992 and Toko US since 1995 and those relationships are still strong today! The High Fives Foundation helped me out right out of the hospital, and Chive Charities, the Kelly Brush Foundation, and the Challenged Athletes Foundation have helped me immensely as well. Life in a wheelchair is neither easy nor inexpensive and these folks have helped make life fun again and allowed me to spread the stoke to those near and far. I have no idea what the next 10 years will bring but I can assure you that I will continue to live life to the fullest! Thank you to everyone for your continued love and support.”

For more information about Edward’s nonprofit organization, Team Gimp Squad, visit teamgimpsquad.com.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersmnan.com.