SAN DIEGO SAILOR LAUNCHES ADVENTURE, DESPITE CHALLENGES

The accomplishments of  Ryan Levinson are outstanding for an able-bodied person, but Ryan is fighting much more. Ryan is battling Muscular Dystrophy and has been for 20 years. He’s a former U.S. Sailing Team member, a winner of the 2012 US Sailing Disabled National Championship, and he’s placed first in several triathlons.

But now, Ryan is about to take on the biggest challenge of his life. He is ready to set sail thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean on his 38-foot boat, Naoma, despite doctors’ warnings that it could be detrimental to his health. The effects of the disease are already taking a toll on Ryan’s body. “People with my disease lose the ability to close their eyes, become too weak to smile or even kiss the one they love,” he said. “I already can’t lift up my arms very high or stand on my toes or do a single sit-up or push-up.” On his trip around the world, he’ll be joined by his wife, Nicole, his partner and best friend of more than 20 years. She knows taking on this adventure is now or never.

“It feels like time is not on your side”, said Nicole Levinson. “You’re not rushing, but we know that every year we wait to do this there’s going to be less and less mobility for Ryan.” Ryan, prepared for a once in a lifetime adventure, only wishes to encourage others to go after their own dreams. “The whole thing becomes an adventure if you embrace it that way,” he said.

To follow Ryan and Nicole’s journey, you can visit their blog or Facebook page atwww.TwoAfloat.com or www.Facebook.com/TwoAfloat

To learn more about Ryan’s life you can visit his website at: www.RyanLevinson.com