Wheelchairs are helping a local non-for profit agency raise money for people with disabilities. Seeing dozens of people roll off in wheelchairs isn't something you typically see. But today, wheelchairs were a must for RAMP's 21st annual Wheel-a-thon.

Caroline Seabaugh says, "when I was first diagnosed with MS I didn't want to be around anyone with a disability, but when I participated in my first wheel-a-thon I realized it was my way to make a difference."

This is Seabaugh's 16th wheel-a-thon. Similar to a walk-a-thon, the two mile event along the Rock River helps raise money for people with disabilities. Caroline hopes the event brings awareness to the 54 million people across the country who have a disability.

"Sometimes you face issues like people going in and slamming the door as you're going through," says Seabaugh.

That's not an issue that Kristin Pollock faces. You wouldn't know it by seeing her, but Kristin doesn't use this wheelchair regularly.  She says, "to be in a wheelchair, to have that feeling, it opens up my eyes to what they're going to feel."

Kristin, along with many other participants don't have a disability. They came out today to gain a better appreciation for the disabled. She says, "this really opens up my eyes, I just feel like I need to feel that."

Anthony Sander's admires people like Kristin. "To come out here in the community and see people with such outpouring appreciation."

After being diagnosed with a rare-spinal cord disorder, he's been in a wheelchair for several months. He says he faces numerous obstacles. "Going to facilities, being able to get around, transportation, going in and out of doors."

Because of their wheelchairs, many of today's participants say that accessible parking is their biggest barrier.

"Sometimes the handicapped parking is way along from the entrance of a restaurant I would like to see that changed," says Caroline.

Despite the many challenges Caroline faces, she says keeping a positive attitude helps her fight through her multiple sclerosis.

Today's fundraiser raised $51,000.