The story of Randy’s Way is a story about my dad’s love for the beach, his determination to continue to live life to the fullest, and his desire to provide a space for others to have accessibility to the beach as well.

Major Randy Hebert was diagnosed with ALS in 1995 after serving in Desert Storm. It was not long before everything Randy enjoyed in life was slowly being stripped away from him. As a young family, we went to the beach on a regular basis.  With the diagnosis, the beach and what it provided; connection, presence, and peace was one thing we were determined to not lose.

My dad slowly lost the use of his arms, then it wasn’t long before his legs started to atrophy as well. It was a short walk to the beach but soon the short walk became a struggle. We were fortunate enough to live in a neighborhood where everyone knew each other. There was only one access to the beach in this small-town neighborhood. The access to the beach was long but the worst part was getting to the end and taking a flight of stairs to the bottom. This was a challenge for all families, young and old. A normal beach day consists of chairs, coolers, totes and normal fun beach gear. It would take several trips up and down the stairs to get all the supplies down to your slice of heaven for the day. We went as much as possible, but it soon became a huge obstacle.  The neighbors recognized this and would rush to the stairs to help get supplies down to the beach, and most importantly, my dad. It truly was neighborly love.

At the time, my mom knew that time was limited getting to the beach.  She went to town hall and pleaded for help.  The city of Emerald Isle determined it was a project that she would have to take on herself-the funding, development, surveys, and approval.

At the time, Randy owned a 1976 White Stingray Corvette. He loved this car, but he knew, as the disease took over, he would no longer be able to drive.  Raffling off the Corvette, and the community coming together in support, became our family’s way to raise money to build what would bring so much joy.

In 1997, family, friends, and neighbors all gathered together at the completed, first, accessible beach access in Emerald Isle. It was then dedicated and named Randy’s Way.

My dad lived a challenging, but full life with ALS. It was the beach where he felt free. The sun, the roaring sea and the breeze on his face. He often said he could close his eyes and imagine he was running on the beach. 

The ending of this story is simple but hard for anyone to imagine.  Randy’s Way was a place of refuge, an escape from reality, a place of solace.  A place where cherished memories were created.  A place where hope was restored.

Randy survived 32 years with ALS.  His mission and light continue to live on.