Aron Ralston, Mitch Seavey & Martin Buser

At the age of 80, my father suffered a massive stroke, leaving him unable to speak, swallow, remember or walk. After a year of the most intensive therapy, all of his faculties began to return, except he was wheelchair bound. I sat down with him and asked what in life had he not accomplished? His reply was, "To see the Iditarod Dog Race."

In 2004, I took my dad to Alaska to fullfill his life long wish. In doing so, he was fortunate enough to meet that year's Iditarod champion, Mitch Seavey. He was also invited to the home of 5 time champion, Martin Buser. We also had a booksigning moment with Aron Ralston, the author of "Between A Rock and A Hard Place." It was a remarkable trip, for he just "blossomed" recounting his famous encounters to others. The best "medicine" was the human touch, compassion and ear of these gentle giants who spent quality time with their elder.