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Episode Spotlight

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The Campbell Family
Quotes

She [Ifenne] should be able to do things that anyone else can do, and this proves that she can. It's just done a little bit differently, but she can.

Katana Campbell, Ifenne’s Mom

Hand touching something.
The Tesler Family
Quotes

When we were at Venture Park in NY, I was really sad that she [Magnolia] couldn't come up with me. So I was really happy for her today. And I actually didn’t think she was going to go to the second level at first.

Grayden Tesler, Magnolia's Brother

Hand touching something.
The Campbell and Tesler Families
Quotes

That's one of the things about any of these activities: We know that typical kids can do them. And if typical kids can, then everything I've ever seen from Maggie is that she wants to show that she can do it, too.

AJ Tesler, Magnolia’s Dad

Jenny's Recap: Spotlight

When you think of a ropes course or zip-line adventure, you might picture swinging bridges, towering platforms, and high-speed zip lines through the treetops. But what if that kind of thrill could be experienced from a wheelchair? Thanks to thoughtful and inclusive design, it absolutely can—and it’s nothing short of magical.

A few summers ago, we took Gray and Maggie to a ropes course in Lake George. We were crushed to find out that it wasn’t accessible for Maggie. The activity required fine motor skills and balance to clip and unclip from the safety cables—tasks that just aren’t possible for her. So, while Gray flew through the trees, we resigned ourselves to the idea that this was one adventure Maggie couldn’t have.

Then we discovered the ropes course built by the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC).

So, we packed up the family and headed to beautiful Colorado, where we met up with Katana and Ifenne “Nene” Campbell. Nestled among the trees is a ropes course built not just for thrill-seekers—but for everyone. Wide platforms, adaptive harnesses, thoughtfully designed bridges, and ramp access make the course welcoming for adventurers with disabilities, especially wheelchair users who so rarely get the chance to rise into the canopy.

Instead of climbing solo, ambulatory participants are supported with harnesses and guided by trained staff. For wheelchair users, both the person and their chair are safely secured, with staff navigating the course alongside. Some visitors do one station, while others tackle the whole thing. There’s no pressure—just opportunity.

We knew this was Maggie’s shot to get into the trees. But we were nervous. She’s worked for years in occupational therapy to master small steps and obstacles, and this course is nothing but a series of uneven, swinging obstacles—30 feet in the air. Most of Maggie’s past adventures were adapted to make things easier. This one wasn’t about ease. It was about courage.

I watched her cross the bridge to the course—shaky but determined. It was already a challenge, and we hadn’t even started.

AJ took her across a rope ladder first—not what I would’ve chosen, but apparently, it’s what Maggie wanted. He helped her onto the first rung, but as they reached for the second, she slipped and fell through.

I gasped loudly. For a second, I forgot she was safely clipped in. Even now, writing this, I feel that drop in my stomach. But she was fine. More than fine—she wanted to try again.

Ruby and her dad skiing
Ruby and her dad skiing
Ruby and her dad skiing
I thought she’d quit after that fall. At 14, I would’ve. But not Maggie. She wasn’t about to let one slip ruin her day.

Jenny Tesler, Magnolia’s Mom

This time, AJ and a BOEC guide walked along the outside of the ladder, helping her place each foot carefully. And as she reached the other side, her face lit up with the kind of pride that lodges itself in your heart forever.

I thought she’d quit after that fall. At 14, I would’ve. But not Maggie. She wasn’t about to let one slip ruin her day. When AJ asked if she wanted to try the harder obstacles, I almost stepped in to say she didn’t have to. But before I could, she smiled and motioned to go higher. After all, that’s where her brother and I were—and Maggie hates being left behind.

It wasn’t easy. It was physically and emotionally exhausting for both her and AJ. But she did it. And now she knows she can.

Nene couldn’t get her own chair to the top level—the wheels were too small—but that didn’t stop her. She tackled the accessible challenges and, later, was carried by her mom for part of the course. After a few laps, she seemed done for the day. But then came the zip line.

Maggie had zip-lined once before when she was younger. She was scared then, and I figured she’d pass this time. But when her turn came, she didn’t hesitate. No fear. Which was more than I could say—I almost didn’t jump off that platform myself.

Nene watched, and when she saw Maggie soar, she made the decision that she was going to fly too. What a moment for such a brave and bold girl.

We’re endlessly grateful to the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center for creating a space where people of all abilities can share in the adventure. Their staff was knowledgeable, patient, and a whole lot of fun.

It was a day none of us will ever forget—a day when we weren’t split between those who climbed and those who watched, but one where we looked down from the treetops together.

Dog Sledding with the Bitton Family

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What if We Can a reality

Share your family’s adventures—from the small victories to big milestones—with the entire Rett community and showcase the things you CAN do while living with Rett syndrome, just like Nadine did.
Submit today and show other families what’s possible! Your story might be the inspiration they need to go on their own adventures.
Dog Sledding with the Bitton Family
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What’s included:

  • A series of vibrant adventure stickers
  • Journal pages with fill-in prompts where you can document your own highlights and adaptations
  • Ideas for future family adventures
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Next Episode

Hot Air Ballooning With the Brady Family

Ending the season on a high note—literally. Magnolia and the Brady family take off on an unforgettable ride 2,000 feet up in the sky.