Edward Mays was awarded the Pathfinder 2009 by Safari Club International at the annual convention in Reno Nevada January 22, 2010. Pictured from the left, Gene Rurka, SCI Humanitarian Services, Yawan Kayali, Owner Ekland Safaris, South Africa, Edward Mays and his wife, Mary.

Pathfinder: “One who discovers a way into or through unexplored regions.”

This award is presented to an individual who is faced with overcoming a physical challenge or disability that is otherwise capable of interfering with a routine way through life; he or she must discover previously unexplored regions of self-esteem, self-worth, courage, persistence, and determination. The recipient is someone who has a “never quit” attitude and who is recognized as an ambassador for other “pathfinders” seeking leadership when faced with similar challenges. As part of the Pathfinder Award, Ed received an all expense paid 10 day safari with Ekland Safaris in South Africa. In July, Ed, Mary and their two sons, Paul and Alan will be traveling to London, South Africa for a 10 day safari and Paris before returning home to North Carolina. Ed's son, Sgt. Jeremy Mays, United States Army, has served in Iraq and is currently serving in Afghanistan

Born and raised in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Ed grew to love the outdoors at an early age, hunting, and fishing with his father Paul. He graduated from the Military Police School in 1979. While deployed on a humanitarian mission in 1980, Ed was struck by lightning on guard duty causing extensive nerve damage. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1981. Ed was diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis in 1993. He was confined to a wheelchair in 1995 due to paralysis of his right leg and problems with his left arm. In 1998, Ed was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis.

When Ed and his wife Mary retired, they moved to the Outer Banks, NC in 2003. He began to tirelessly advocate for disabled sportsmen. He founded the North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen in May of 2005, signed a partnership agreement with the NCWRC July 2006. In 2008, Ed helped the NCWRC Disabled Sportsmen's Committee develop a proactive strategic plan to address disabled sportsmen's needs. Ed helped raise over $140,000 to purchase 10 new Huntmaster lifts that were donated to the NCWRC, and purchased adaptive equipment for disabled hunters in NC. He continues to advocate for disabled sportsmen in NC working with local, state, national organizations and government agencies.