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Tom Jessop, a 66-year-old Air Force veteran, suffered a major stroke in 2023 that affected his speech and mobility.

Despite his physical challenges, Jessop drives his motorized wheelchair from his assisted living facility in East Providence to Providence bike path for a sense of freedom.

The former truck driver and restaurant worker maintains a positive outlook, embracing a "live for today" philosophy.

I was cycling in Providence when I passed a shirtless middle-aged man on a motorized wheelchair-scooter, and I was intrigued but kept pedaling, not sure he would want to be bothered.

Then I thought, why not try? He was stopped at the time, so I did a U-turn, and pulled up next to him.

“I like the American flag you got there,” I said.

It was on a pole attached to

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