We’d like to introduce you to our featured member, Dale Seibel. Hailing from Northeast Ohio, Dale has worked closely with the MetroHealth System for over thirty years. His resilience shines through as he manages spinal cord health issues dating back to 1992 and a recent recurrence of April 2025. “Dale’s journey with the MetroHealth System began in 1992, managing a spinal Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)—a complex tangle of blood vessels. While this condition can stem from birth, it can also occur from any number of traumatic accidents. For Dale, navigating this long-term health path has required both specialized care and personal fortitude.
“Dale carries on with his life in so many different ways, fueled by the deep connections he shares with his family. He was recently married to the love of his life, Tina, who has stood by his side—as he has by hers—navigating life’s challenges together with unwavering support.
Beyond his partnership with Tina, Dale’s world revolves around his family, including his daughter and son-in-law. He is also the proud grandfather to several grandchildren whom he loves to spoil and stay close to as often as possible.” “Dale is currently enjoying a vibrant retirement, filled with hobbies and new adventures alongside Tina. An avid photographer and enthusiast of adaptive wheelchair athletics, he is always looking for the next challenge.
The couple recently celebrated their honeymoon on a cruise, where Dale enjoyed discovering the accessible pathways to cruising. Whether he is capturing the world through his lens or exploring new destinations, Dale’s active lifestyle is a testament to his belief that life is meant to be lived to the fullest.” The couple’s favorite local adventures include visiting and seeking out garage sales, flea markets, and estate sales. They have a keen eye for unique finds from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, bringing vintage treasures home to enjoy or carefully rehabbing them to resell.
Dale is currently making his mark in the adaptive sports world as he prepares for his debut at the 2026 PVA Buckeye Wheelchair Games. As a non-veteran competitor, he is a testament to the games’ mission of bringing the entire community together through sport. While he masters the technical nuances of his sports chair, his drive extends far beyond the arena. For Dale, independence is most precious at home, where he and Tina continue their weekly tradition of hosting Sunday dinner for his mother and family.
Seeking to give back, Dale also visits MetroHealth in Old Brooklyn weekly to attend the CANN (Creating A New Normal) spinal cord outreach program. He initially joined for the camaraderie of those who share his journey, but he has since stepped into a vital role as a mentor. By counseling others and sharing his own experiences, Dale’s fortitude and commitment to his community prove that while his world has changed, his spirit and attitude remains unshakable.
