CRYSTAL, Minn. -- Budget cuts in the new Health and Human Services bill signed Wednesday will have a huge impact on Minnesotans with disabilities.
With fewer services and an uncertain future help from the community is needed now more than ever.
The organization Hammer is helping adults with disabilities live independently and realize their dreams.
One of those people is Deb Eaton, who says she is the Vikings' biggest fan.
Deb lives in a Hammer residence in Crystal where her room is the epitomy of purple pride.
Hammer's mission is to help each resident live life to the fullest, so when former Minnesota Viking and Hammer supporter Wes Hamilton heard about Deb's passion he got involved. He got Deb into Winter Park and made her a Viking for a day.
Deb's tour guide was Brad Madsen who is determined to make this a day she won't soon forget.
Madsen started by introducing Deb to Scott Studwell, the Viking who made the most tackles in team history and now is in charge of scouting.
After a tour of the front office, it's down to the locker room where Deb learns her favorite player, Adrian Peterson, is the only one allowed to wear special purple Nike shoes. He autographed a pair just for Deb.
When given the chance to meet a few coaches, Deb gives them some advice for her favorite running back.
"He needs to work on his grip," advises Deb. "Oh, he needs to work on his grip, to hold on. Ha ha ha, he's gotten a lot better."
Next up: the fieldhouse.
After scoring a touchdown on the practice field, Brad and the Vikings have one last surprise back in the locker room: a game-worn Jersey.
Hammer has it's annual "Reach for Ralph" event Thursday night at the BMW of Minnetonka.
It runs from 5 until 9 and features classic cars, food, music and all kinds of vintage fun.
Click here for more information.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)