To the editor:

Many people do not read the newspaper anymore. There is so much bad news in the world, and most people just want to block it out. But every now and then, there are articles that inspire.

On July 15, there was an article written by Tracy Agnew about a young man named Owen Anketell. He is 16 years old and has a muscular disorder that prevents him from having much strength, which makes him unable to support himself on his own two feet.

The fact that this young man decided to take his bike (handcycle) on a road trip for awareness, raise $50,000 and train for this adventure is amazing

When I read that he began this trip in Calais, Maine, and wants to end in Key West Fla., I became inspired, because I have a son named Christian with Down syndrome. We believe in Christian, just like Owen’s family and friends believe in him.

The type of determination Owen has really shows that people with different disabilities can do anything they choose, if they try.

When my son gets older, I would love to be able to show him stories like this. If the newspaper could be filled with articles focusing more on the good, rather than the bad, then people would be more optimistic about what goes on in the world today.

Justin Perry

Windsor