Paddling for a Purpose - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

Trempealeau, Wisconsin (WXOW) - Hector Manley is following a dream. He's paddling the Mississippi in a kayak. Difficult for anyone. Even harder for Hector, who lost his legs in a fire when he was only ten years old.

Hector was adopted by Don and Karen Manley after three months of recovery in a hospital in El Salvador. As a result, Hector has felt the need to contribute to charities whenever possible. That is why he is Paddling for a Purpose.

Hector came up with the idea about two years ago to make a trip from the beginning to the end of the Mississippi River in a kayak. His college roommate and friend Michael Weber paddled with him to La Crosse, his home town. The team is raising money for two charities during this epic voyage, the Wounded Warrior Project and the Wheelchair Foundation. They have already raised nearly $26,000 toward their goal of $50,000.

If you would like to help Hector reach his goal, visit:

http://www.paddlingforapurpose.org/