R.O.A.R Outdoors: Empowering Lives Through Nature and Resilience

(Mike Hudson, Founder (left) with fellow board member and longtime friend, Jeremy Chapman (right). Photo taken by Michal Parker, wife of Mike Hudson. He credits Michal as being his top supporter and and key part of the development of R.O.A.R Outdoors.)

In the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, Mike Hudson’s journey from personal adversity led to the founding of an inspiring nonprofit: R.O.A.R Outdoors. Founded in 2014, this organization is a beacon of hope, empowering physically disabled individuals to embrace outdoor recreation, rediscover their passions, and live life without limits. Hudson’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and a relentless drive to create inclusion for those often overlooked.

In 1995, Hudson’s life changed forever. A traumatic injury sustained while ending a night shift left him physically disabled, challenging his identity as a man of action who later thrived in law enforcement while serving in the Marine Corps Reserves. Yet, the outdoors became his sanctuary. “Every time I was out in nature, I saw light at the end of the tunnel. Everything felt renewed,” Hudson recalled. The healing power of nature wasn’t just a personal revelation — it became the cornerstone of his mission.

By 2014, Hudson had built a stable career in public relations for an insurance company and married his biggest supporter, his wife, Michal Parker. But something was missing. Encouraged by her to pursue his true calling, Hudson reflected on his love for the outdoors and his lived experience as a disabled person. He saw an opportunity to bridge these worlds, creating R.O.A.R Outdoors, alongside his friend and one of the board members, Jeremy Chapman, to advocate for physically disabled individuals and foster inclusion through nature-based activities.

R.O.A.R Outdoors isn’t just about access to the outdoors — it’s about rewriting the narrative for those with physical disabilities. “People with disabilities don’t want to be seen differently. We want inclusion. Let’s treat the person in the chair and forget about the chair,” Hudson said passionately. His organization focuses on empowering individuals to move forward, offering innovative workarounds to ensure that activities once thought impossible remain within reach.

From adaptive fishing to wheelchair-accessible trails, R.O.A.R Outdoors creates opportunities for disabled individuals to reconnect with nature and rediscover their spark. The nonprofit also engages families, particularly youth, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. While their resources primarily support physical disabilities, Hudson and his team guide those with learning or mental disabilities to appropriate resources, ensuring no one is left behind.

Hudson’s vision extends beyond recreation to systemic change. He points to everyday challenges, like the lack of accommodations at airports, where disabled individuals are often separated from their customized mobility devices. “There’s still no domestic airline that lets people like me stay in our own wheelchairs,” he explained. To address this, Hudson is developing R.O.A.R Outdoors’ property into a fully accessible haven.

What sets R.O.A.R Outdoors apart is its holistic approach. It’s not just about getting people outside — it’s about shifting mindsets. “Your life may be different now, but we can’t change the injury. We can change the mindset and show you new ways to do what you love,” Hudson shared. Whether it’s helping a young person find confidence or guiding a veteran to reclaim their independence, R.O.A.R Outdoors is about resilience and rediscovery.

The organization’s long-term goals are ambitious: expanding their reach, acquiring adaptive equipment, and creating more accessible spaces. Hudson dreams of a world where physical disabilities don’t limit one’s ability to live fully, whether through adventure or everyday activities.

Hudson’s advice to entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Live your passion every single day and become an expert in it.” His journey from Marine to nonprofit founder embodies this mantra. By combining his love for the outdoors with a deep commitment to advocacy, Hudson has built a legacy that inspires others to push past limitations and embrace possibility.

Join the Movement

R.O.A.R Outdoors is more than a nonprofit—it’s a movement to redefine what’s possible for the disabled community. To connect with Mike Hudson and learn how you can support or benefit from their work, email mike.hudson@roaroutdoors.org or visit https://roaroutdoors.org. Together, let’s roar toward a more inclusive world.