HOUSTON – Most of us can only imagine what it would be like to rappel Over the Edge of a 30-story building. Now imagine doing it without an arm, or without both legs. That’s exactly what adaptive athletes Faith Malton and Zack Ruhl did to support Camp For All, a 206-acre barrier-free camp for children and adults with serious illnesses, disabilities, or special needs. The camp, located in Burton, Texas, serves more than 9,000 campers each year.
Faith is a civil engineer known to many as the ‘One Arm Wonder’ through her social media videos showing how she lives her life with one arm. Whether it’s driving, tying shoelaces, using a vegetable peeler or working out, Faith is a natural engineer since she’s had to find her own path to adapt to the world for as long as she can remember.
Zack, also known as ‘Pitbull’ Ruhl, is a competitive adaptive athlete and world record holder in bench press. He started weightlifting in high school while playing football. Before getting his first wheelchair at the age of 25, Zack got around using only his arms -- and occasionally a skateboard.
“I crawled around on the ground; I know it sounds weird but it’s first-nature to me,” said Ruhl about his ability to get around without the use of a wheelchair.
The two friends, brought together by what most of us would consider obstacles, face life head-on, without fear or hesitation.
“I really think we get the most out of life when we have a curious mind and a willingness and a love of life,” said Malton, whose fearless sense of adventure has taken her to places like India, Tanzania and even Antarctica.
Next year, in the summer of 2027, an additional Camp For All location will open in Chappell Hill, doubling their reach to more than 18,000 campers.
“We have been meeting with dozens of organizations over the years who have been asking when we can accommodate more groups,” said Brian Frazier, Camp For All’s Chief Operating Officer, underscoring the demand from potential campers.
Watch the full video to learn more about why Faith and Zack are not afraid of the obstacles life throws their way, plus why COO Frazier decided to wear a chicken suit during his own rappelling experience.