South Florida Man To Cycle NY Marathon For A Cause

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A South Florida man heading off to the New York City Marathon next month plans, not to run but cycle 26 miles to help raise money for those dealing with paralysis.

"You know a lot of people are down on life after something happens and people look down on people with chairs," said Alan Brown.

For Brown that "something" that changed his life was a rough wave which tossed him to sea floor and left him paralyzed at the age of 19. But since that fateful day in 1988 he's found ways to overcome his lack of mobility. Like using a hand bike to hit the open road.

"When you're in a hand cycle you're actually looking up at the world. It's freedom. It's weird I don't feel like I'm in a wheelchair when I'm in that. I feel like I'm actually a regular person exercising," said Brown.

Exercising is one thing. Actually getting ready to go is another.

"I need help getting in and out of my chair, but otherwise I'm pretty much out there on my own, teaching myself how to do this thing," said Brown.

Because he can't peddle with his feet, his hands take the brunt of the beating.

"Band Aide should be my sponsor," Brown joke.

Brown is gearing up to ride in the New York City Marathon for the 2nd time. This time raising money to go to research initiatives at the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

"My goal is to raise $10,000 a mile, which is $260,000 for research at the foundation for The Big Idea which is a stimulation project where individuals have been implanted and are getting function back and are actually standing up and moving," said Brown.

While he may be an inspiration, refusing to let his life be defined by a chair, Brown said there are the simplest things in life he truly.

"I have two beautiful children, 17 and 12. Max and Sam. They're my everything. That's the hardest part, is my kids. Not being able to do things with them that a normal father would do. We do plenty but it's just done a little bit differently," said Brown.

And what do they think of you riding in this chair in the marathon?

"They think dad just has a cool chair and he has some guns (pointing to his biceps) that are going to get him through it," Brown said.

Brown can reach up to 30 mph on his bike but does have trouble with speed bumps, hills, and of course, some South Florida drivers.

If you'd like to donate, go to christopherreeve.org.