As you all know I was involved with Matt quest to become the worlds first scuba diver who is confined to a wheel chair and dependent on a ventilator. We achieved this goal in November 2006.
To document this history making event the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum has created an exhibit featuring his dive. Below is the information and invitation for the event.
Thanks to all who helped my friend Matt achieve his dream. If you can come celebrate the unveiling we'd love to have you. Matt can not make the event, but we will have him on video via skype to welcome and greet those attendees.
Good Diving,
Capt Gary
Conch Republic Divers
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The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum, Inc.To document this history making event the Florida Keys History of Diving Museum has created an exhibit featuring his dive. Below is the information and invitation for the event.
Thanks to all who helped my friend Matt achieve his dream. If you can come celebrate the unveiling we'd love to have you. Matt can not make the event, but we will have him on video via skype to welcome and greet those attendees.
Good Diving,
Capt Gary
Conch Republic Divers
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Mans Quest to Explore Under the Sea
82990 Overseas Hwy MM 83
Islamorada, FL 33036
Phones: 305-664-9737/fax 664-9736
Email: divingmuseum@aol.com
Website: The Florida Keys History of Diving Museum
DIVING A DREAM EXHIBIT
Background:
A dream became a reality for Matthew Johnston in Nov. of 2006. Matt suffers from Duchennes muscular dystrophy; he is now a quadriplegic, permanently on a ventilator to sustain his life. Since childhood in Minnesota, Matts has dreamed of diving in the Florida Keys - despite the odds. It took years of planning, preparation and the generosity of many good people for Matt to fulfill his dream to SCUBA dive in the ocean.
A recent segment of the Today show documented Matts progression towards realization of his dream dive.
Whats Next?
Now Matt has another dream. He has donated his specialized, one-of-a-kind diving outfit to the History of Diving Museum, hoping that we would create a special exhibit to show other handicapped individuals that they can also accomplish the seemingly impossible. It not just for me - its for all the other people who have a dream of doing something that others say cant be done.
The dream will also come true for Matt at The History of Diving Museum.
WHAT: An Unveiling Exhibit Reception of Diving A Dream
A Wine & Cheese Event - Showing of NBCs Today segment.
WHERE: The History of Diving Museum MM82.9 Bayside
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2008 @ 7PM
RSVP: 305.664.9737 or Claire@divingmuseum.org
COST: $25. Per person / Donations will be accepted and appreciated
What is needed?
Help the Museum fulfill Matts dream: the estimated cost for the production of the Diving a Dream Exhibit will run between $15,000 - $18,000. Your donations to the exhibit and for the Exhibit Preview Reception will help us defray this cost. Your donation will help us commemorate this mans courageous dive on a respirator.
Urgency:
Duchennes muscular dystrophy affects mostly males and the average life expectancy is about 30 years of age. Matthew Johnston turned 32 in January 2008.
