Man sets off in wheelchair on cross-country trek

In October 2007, Pensacola, Fla., resident Mark “Rowdy” Daniel flipped his truck in an accident that left him paralyzed, with serious injuries including five broken ribs, a collapsed lung and partially crushed spine.

A decade later, Daniel has vowed to show his disability can't hold him back.

On March 23 he left Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes for a cross-country trek in his wheelchair, traveling along the American Discovery Trail.

“Evidently, I'm here for a reason,” the 27-year-old said. “I'm just trying to prove to myself, and to everyone who might be having a hard time, you can do anything you put your mind to.”

After traveling nearly 7 miles on his first day, Daniel was upbeat as he talked about the journey ahead of him. He said he has a volunteer support system who will be there if he needs help, but he's hoping to raise funds to buy a trailer so he has portable shelter, which will also allow him to have 24/7 support from friends joining him on his journey.

Daniel said he hopes to reach San Francisco by year's end. To follow his journey, go to facebook.com/RowdyMCD, gofundme.com/rollacrossamerica, follow him on Twitter at @RowdyMCD or Instagram at rowdy.mcd, or email him at rowdyrollsamerica@yahoo.com.