Guinness World Record Success

Back in 2010, we got a call about building a custom camera system for a world record attempt, crossing America in a wheelchair.  The requirements were pretty extreme but as we learned more about the person and the purpose, we couldn’t say no.

We had to build something that:
–    Continuously record for up to eight hours
–    Was water resistant
–    Didn’t interfere with the wheelchair operation or life support system
–    Could be removed and secured with ease
–    Was sturdy enough for rough terrain
–    Was light weight
–    Was adjustable
–    Was affordable

The final version was built from aluminum and stainless steel and all machined at the Duchin Productions workshop.  The design utilized standard thread hardware in case something needed to be replaced.  Interestingly, the entire system was only connected to the chair’s headrest in case it needed to be quickly swapped with Matt’s older, back up wheel chair (which happened quite a few times).   We were so inspired by Matt and his team that we decided to do all the work for no charge.  Compared to what the record setter had to do on a daily basis, this was a piece of cake.  Matt Eddy has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and is only strong enough to move two fingers. He’s confined to a wheelchair and requires a ventilator to breathe. The obvious question is why in the world would someone in his condition ever want to attempt this?

The true reason for this journey was to build awareness and funding for Matt’s Place (see below).  On June 5th, 2010, Matt and his small, unpaid, hard working, support staff departed Red Rock Park at Lynn Beach in Lynn, Massachusetts at 10:00 AM.  A mere four months later on October 9th, 2010, the journey was complete.  The stories we’ve learned about the journey are truly amazing.  From Rattle Snakes trying to hide under Matt’s wheelchair to a broken ventilator, you just can’t imagine how they did it.
We’re extremely happy to report as of 5/17/2011, the record is official.  Congratulations to everyone involved.  We encourage all our fans to check out the Matt’s Place website and also donate to this incredible organization.

Matt’s Place Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization which helps people with severe physical disabilities who are intellectually capable of directing their own care live independently in the community. Matt’s Place provides housing, caregiver training and scheduling and community education and awareness. Currently there are millions of non-elderly adults living in nursing homes and chronic care institutions simply because there is a severe shortage of affordable accessible housing. The programs of Matt’s Place are a win-win situation for all Americans. Enabling people with severe physical disabilities to live independently within their community not only provides a better quality of life for people with disabilities but also is more cost effective.

Contact information:
Matt’s Place
P.O. Box 305
Lynn, Ma. 01903
Phone: 1-888-70-MATTS (62887) or 781-581-2205
Website: http://officialmattsplace.org/
Email: info@officialmattsplace.org
This blog post used material from http://thetravelingwheelchair.com and http://officialmattsplace.org