Richard
Access to QualityHealth Care
Rolling with Tenderness: Richard’s 6,000-Mile Wheelchair Journey is Transforming Lives
In this episode, we toast Richard, who is who is improving the health and quality of life of others by supporting their economic stability. Richard is founder of the Tenderness Tour, a double amputee with spina bifida and cancer survivor. He takes us through his 35-year mission to foster tenderness by journeying over 6,000 miles in his wheelchair and raising funds for others. This powerful conversation dives into trauma, resilience, and social change, focusing on how economic stability impacts health outcomes. Discover how Richard raised more than a million dollars for vital causes and overcame profound personal struggles—using every mile to reconnect with humanity. Tune in for inspiration, connection, and a reminder that slow journeys make lasting impacts.
Healthy People 2030 is the fifth iterative of a 40+ year initiative to help communities, organizations, and individuals improve American’s health and well-being. One of the key goals of Healthy People 2030 is to highlight the importance of the 5 Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) in increasing equity and reducing disparities in health; one of the five goals of Healthy People 2030 is directly related to the SDoH to “create social, physical, and economic environments that promote attaining the full potential for health and well-being for all” (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).
The SDoH are the non-medical factors and environmental conditions where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age. The SDoH influence up to 55% of our health outcomes including a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
One of the five SDoH is economic stability; 1 in 10 people in the United States live in poverty, making it difficult, if not impossible to afford nutritious food, health care, and housing. Having a stable job can reduce poverty and increase health, but it can be difficult to locate and retain employment with a livable wage. This is particularly true for people with disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions such as arthritis, who may be restricted in their ability to work. Further, many people hold steady jobs and still struggle to afford the necessary essentials to be and stay healthy, especially if they have medical debt. Interventions to increase economic stability can help address short and long term health concerns.
Episode Resources:
Book: The Hallelujah Life by Richard Propes
US Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030: SDoH
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Social Determinants of Health
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