It has been my pleasure to call Heidi Von Beltz my best friend for over twenty years. Heidi was an actress/stuntwoman/model and aspiring movie producer, when she suffered terrible injuries from a car stunt gone wrong on the movie set of the 1980 action/comedy, "The Cannonball Run." When she awoke from the accident it was to find herself in a hospital paralyzed from the neck down. Doctors offered her no hope of ever being able to move again and even said she would probably die within five years. Well, Heidi found that diagnosis unacceptable. Now, twenty years of hard work later, this incredible woman can move all of her major muscles (something doctors around the world swore was impossible). She is also the author of a wonderful memoir called "My Soul Purpose," as well as being the founder of the Follow Your Heart Foundation, of which I am the lifetime chair.

Follow Your Heart Foundation is an organization dedicated to providing a helping hand to other individuals who have been challenged with sever neuromuscular disorders. The goal is to help these people gain functional independence through the use of electrical stimulation and lightweight, mechanical "Walking Braces." I am constantly amazed at her dedication, inspired by her courage and blessed with her friendship.