Patrick Rummerfield, the first fully functioning quadriplegic, climbs the Manitou Incline

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- To promote the efforts of kids with spinal cord injuries, Patrick Rummerfield climbed the 2,768 steps of the Manitou Incline on Wednesday.

Rummerfield is the regional ambassador for Mo-KIDS, a non-profit organization that helps student-athletes who are suffering from disabilities. He is also the first fully-functional spinal cord injured quadriplegic.

Rummerfield was paralyzed from the neck down in a car accident in 1974 when he was 21-years-old. He was advised to spend the rest of his life in a convalescent home but instead chose intensive rehabilitation. He then went on a 17-year rehabilitative journey that saw him go from learning to operate a wheelchair with his mouth to eventually regaining his ability to walk and jog without assistance.

Since regaining the ability to walk and job, he has competed in extreme athletic events including the IronMan Triathlon, a marathon in Antarctica, and the Gobi March, a 155-mile foot race across the Gobi Desert in China. He also is the owner of 43 world records and Firsts.

For the past 30 years, Rummerfield has brought attention to the work of organizations that help disabled athletes. He encourages those facing setbacks to set goals and always pushes the message of "never give up." He brought that same message and positive attitude with him as he conquered the Incline.

"The only time we fail is when we quit. Never give up! Never give in! With an iron will we will always win!" - Patrick D. Rummerfield.