Ayana Lolat-pažarauskienė Crushes Records in Guinness Dream Hike, Championing Disability Awareness adn Canine Assistance
Ayana Lolat-Pažarauskienė, a Lithuanian athlete wiht cerebral palsy, completed an remarkable Guinness Dream Hike, surpassing previous records and raising funds for canine assistance programs. Her inspiring journey highlights the power of perseverance and the invaluable role of assistance dogs.
A Triumph of Will and Determination
On the evening of May 30, Ayana Lolat-Pažarauskienė achieved a remarkable feat, walking over 19 kilometers in her Guinness Dream Hike and setting new benchmarks in her category. This accomplishment is particularly significant given her cerebral palsy, which presents considerable physical challenges.
Did You Know?
Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. CP is the most common motor disability in childhood. While there is no cure, therapies and assistive devices can significantly improve quality of life.
Three years prior, Ayana had covered 14.5 kilometers with the aid of crutches by 9:35 p.m. On this recent hike, she had already surpassed that distance, reaching 15.2 kilometers in the same amount of time. Despite the grueling nature of the challenge, her determination remained unwavering.
It’s hard, I would not like to repeat, but only in the morning, when my head is full of ideas,
Lolat-Pažarauskienė saeid, reflecting on the demanding section of the trip. She continued the Ginse’s dream march for two more hours, pushing through the maximum challenge posed by her disability.
Crossing the Finish Line: A Moment of Pride
At 10 p.m., Ayana triumphantly crossed the symbolic finish ribbon, marking the culmination of her arduous journey. Her achievement was met with immense pride and party.
I am very proud, a great result was achieved,
Lolat-Pažarauskienė exclaimed.A skier who still achieved his goals is the story of my life. Now I would support them. But I’m glad I managed to get a good heart in my life, as I was told by representatives of Vilnius University yesterday.
More Then a Hike: Raising Awareness and Funds
Beyond her personal accomplishment,Lolat-Pažarauskienė’s dream marches serve a greater purpose: to raise public awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities and to support the Mulan Foundation. This association trains dogs for missions in families with disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.
Pro Tip: Supporting Assistance Dog Programs
Donating to organizations like the Mulan Foundation can provide crucial support for training and placing assistance dogs with individuals in need. These dogs offer companionship, independence, and improved quality of life.
Professor Vilmantė Pakalniškienė, a Vice-Rector for Vilnius university, emphasized the profound impact of canine companionship:
There is a concern for others, the desire to achieve goals, the inner motivation of a person changes, and then everything – social life, psychology. People become much stronger,more motivated to pursue something,even when it is very tough.
Professor vilmantė Pakalniškienė, Vice-Rector for Vilnius university
Pakalniškienė highlighted that being with a dog, joint activity, its stroking positively affects brain activity, stress hormones are replaced by happiness hormones.
A Community United by a Dream
The Guinness Dream Hike brought together a community of supporters, including families with assistance dogs from the Mulan Foundation. The sight of these families at the VU Botanical Garden deeply moved Ayana.
The heart was shaking, tears accumulated when I saw our families with beloved dogs assistants together,
she shared.
Looking ahead, Ayana expressed her commitment to future endeavors:
I have thoughts to give meaning to another hike with the team we have formed. I see everyone’s efforts, I promise that I will come up with something else and go kilometers for all of Lithuania and the Baltic States. And now I will focus on my education because I recently received the knowledge that one of my scientific article has passed the first phase to be published in the international scientific journal.
Ayana’s husband, Paralympic champion justas Pažarauskas, played a crucial role in the hike, recording data and coordinating with witnesses. Vitalijus Osipov, head of Business Progress, oversaw the overall coordination of the event.
The Guinness Dream Hike received active support from various organizations, including digital services company Bitė Lietuva, TV3 media group, Power Hit Radio, AFFIDEA Lietuva, and Vilnius University.
Individuals can support Ayana’s initiatives by calling short numbers: 1403 (donation – 10 euros) and 1601 (donation – 5 euros). Donations can also be made by purchasing a special T-shirt on the page Svajoniuzygis.lt.
FAQ: About the Guinness Dream Hike and Assistance Dogs
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What is the Guinness dream Hike?
It is an event where ayana Lolat-Pažarauskienė,an athlete with cerebral palsy,undertakes a challenging hike to raise awareness and funds for disability support and canine assistance programs. -
Who benefits from the funds raised?
The Mulan Foundation,which trains dogs for missions in families with disabilities or autism spectrum disorder,benefits from the funds raised. -
How can I support Ayana’s cause?
You can support by donating through short numbers 1403 (10 euros) and 1601 (5 euros), or by purchasing a special T-shirt on Svajoniuzygis.lt. -
What is the role of assistance dogs?
Assistance dogs provide companionship, independence, and improved quality of life for individuals with disabilities, offering support in various daily tasks and activities.
