During recent years, I have often asked the question, "What motivates someone to do something?" At the work place, a better salary or a higher position on the corporate ladder often motivates some to perform above and beyond the job description. Serving a higher cause or an ideal often motivates folks to achieve a goal. Personal conditions too, can motivate one to aim high.

At the Glenwood Community Center, I have had the opportunity to talk with some whose high level of motivation is an inspiration to all those around them. During the summer, I will periodically feature a center participant whose story is something worth sharing and learning from.

For Rick Rollyson, of Woodbine, it was no simple matter to be able to walk again. In 1997, he suffered a jet ski accident that resulted in a below-knee amputation of one of his legs. Before the accident, Rollyson was very much into sports, and ran daily.

Getting back on the track has taken some time, but today, he can be seen at the Glenwood gym working out on the weight machines and the treadmill with his prosthetic leg. Yes, he jogs on the treadmill, and says that he has now regained about 95 percent of his past ability.

The slow road to walking again came with many challenges. Not only had he to recover after the surgery, but he also had to go through several trial legs before he found the one that fit comfortably. Once he went through rehabilitation, he was not satisfied with simply being able to walk again. He wanted to be able to participate in sports and other activities he was accustomed to.

"The Glenwood gym has been a big help. Not only does it offer me good equipment, but also a great track to run on year round," he said.

He visits the gym four to five days a week, and is able to run about 2 miles and workout with the weight machines. He hopes that he will be able to participate in the center's upcoming Iron Man Challenge July 7.

Now that Rollyson has reached his mobility and fitness goals, he has his mind set into the future. For him, the goal now is to help other amputees to get up and running again. He is looking into helping those amputees who have recently served in battle in Iraq and other countries overseas.

"Your limit is up to you ... and exercise can help you push beyond your limit," said Rollyson, whose motivated spirit has taken him above and beyond the expectations of his doctors, family and friends.

The sky is the limit when it comes to fun this summer at the Glenwood Center. The Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks will be presenting its Travelin' Bands series throughout the county, and June 20 at 7 p.m., the Hula Monsters will perform at the Western Regional Park. Edy's will provide free ice cream while supplies last.

The Hula Monsters are a swing band with a Hawaiian flavor. Their repertoire includes Hawaiian, rockabilly, blues, country and jazz. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, your picnic, non-alcoholic beverages and the whole family for a fun evening.

This performance will be held in conjunction with Relay For Life (sponsored by the American Cancer Society) that brings together more than 3.5 million people to celebrate the lives of those who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against the disease. People form teams and take turns circling a path or track, during this overnight event.

Go to www.events.cancer.org/rflwesternhoward for more information.

E-mail Shyami Codippily Murphy at shyami1@comcast.net.

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