HOW WE MET:

To me, the most important title Kurt holds is "My Buddy." We met in 1988 at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. It was outside the arena. Mom was busy trying to fit my wheelchair into the trunk of the small (understatement) Soviet-made automobile being used to being used to transport us from the hotel to the arena and back. I saw someone running out of the back of the building. It turned out to be Kurt! Because there was no such thing as accessible seating, my wheelchair was put on a platform at rinkside near where Kurt had accomplished his famous "Quad". That was a good thing. He wasn't very famous in those days --especially to an American, like me! I might not have recognized him.

He rapped on the car window, but they weren't electric... and I didn't have the strength to roll them down. So mom had to stop what she was doing to help me. I congratulated him on the Quad. Kurt simply said: "I just wanted to tell you... you are the best fan!" With that, he was gone.

Years later I found out others had told him about me. I had been attending competitions since 1981, and had been fortunate enough to be befriended by many skaters.

Our dear friend, Rosalynn Sumners has been instrumental in bringing us together.Thanks Roz! We love you!!!

With Olympic Silver Medalist, US & World Champion, Rosalynn Sumners.  @KURTBROWNING #30years March 26, 1988-2018

30 Years Ago Today In Budapest, Hungary my life was changed when I met Kurt Browning outside the arena at the 1988 World Figure Skating Championships. One day earlier he landed the first ratified quadruple jump (a toe loop) in competition. He would go on to win 4 Canadian and World titles, as well as many other honours...but that day he became my friend!
This is a short video I made to mark the occasion!
You can watch here Thanks to all who have been part of our journey!

Since then, Kurt & I have formed a lasting and enduring friendship, which has truly changed my life. I have been extremely blessed to experience the incredibly warm and caring personal side of this extraordinary man.