High Fives foundation is an incredible organization! They helped me and so many others get adaptive sports equipment which is life changing for a lot of us. The equipment they provide not only improves the physical health, but also mental health of people after injury.
My first year ever receiving a grant from Hi5,
And I’m incredibly grateful for organizations like this. I have quite a few friends who have received funding from them, and I’ve always found it quite incredible how large of an impact they have. I’m incredibly happy to have received a grant, allowing me access to equipment, I otherwise wouldn’t have access to. Thank you!
High Fives is fantastic! They are helping me to get back into the outdoors with an adapted bike. The process was smooth, and the people helping are so nice.
High Fives has been so impactful on my life. Promoting an outdoor and outgoing lifestyle. Having people and an organization in your corner pushing you to do more. I’m grateful for what they have done for me and looking forward to meeting more people and hopefully the ability to impact someone else’s life. I can’t wait to get out on this new bike and rip up the trails!
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High Fives has given me the ability to enjoy one of my favorite things to do in my downtime which is camping. Since my SCI my friends and family have been lifting me into and out of my motorhome. Hive Fives with the help of a grant has helped me add a lift to my motorhome, so now I won't have to wait on or burden someone with lifting me in & out of our motorhome. Gaining back my Indepenedece is huge in my recovery. The support from team members and athletes has really helped me on this new journey. I can't wait to explore and make new memories with my family.
HighFives Foundation has changed my life in so many ways!! First they’ve offered me opportunities to get back into adaptive surfing by helping fund my travels and expenses to Costa Rica, Wako Surf wave pool, and Australia. They’ve given me a leg up to get back to competitive surfing, giving me the resources and financial help. I’ve also got a High Fives grant for adapted workout hours at the local gym so I can continue to exercise and improve my body strength to continue surfing at a high level. I don’t know what I would do without the support from High Fives Foundation Ohana! They’re truly the best non-profit foundation that supports adapted athletes!!
When I found out about High Fives foundation and heard about all the incredible work they do in the adaptive community, I was lucky enough to connect with them and receive such amazing support and be welcomed into their community! They have helped me continue to follow my passion and dreams after losing my leg from a shark attack while surfing, by helping me get a custom adaptive surfboard that could handle the abuse from surfing with my prosthetic. I feel so fortunate to receive all the support from this incredible foundation! Thank you for helping me live more on one leg than I did with two! With the help from High Fives I can continue to push forward in life and in the water!!
Colin Cook
High Fives is such a rad organization. They truly get people back shredding in the non traditional sports we all know and love. For disabled people there is an unfortunate but understandable tax on sporting equipment and just the overall effort required to do things. High Fives breaks down these barriers and shows people there is so much life left to live! Cannot say enough good things about this org.
Since my injury, sports have played a significant role in my recovery, and the High Fives Foundation has helped me with new equipment so I can enjoy the outdoors again.
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Seven years ago I was injured in a cycling accident when a fairly large pine tree fell on me while riding down a nearby canyon. Due to massive internal bleeding I was paralyzed at the T4 level. Since that time I have tried to maintain, as much as I can, my former love of riding by way of a handcycle. However, it has become somewhat difficult to maintain my latest bike and often I am unable to ride as a result. Thanks to the great people at High Fives I'll be able to obtain the upgrades I need to continue riding without interruption. I can't wait to get outside again. The process was easy and the communication was excellent. Thanks HIgh Fives!
My name is John, and I am 22 years old. I sustained a complete T4 spinal cord injury after an accident in February 2022. Since then, I’ve been working toward my dream of becoming an elite para athlete, and thanks to the High Fives Foundation and their Empowerment Grant, that dream is becoming a reality.
The application process for the grant was straightforward and easy to navigate, which made the experience even better. High Fives truly takes the time to understand each athlete’s journey and provide the support needed to help us succeed. Their generosity has given me access to the resources and opportunities I need to train, compete, and continue pushing my limits.
I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication to adaptive athletes and for helping me take the next step in my journey. Organizations like High Fives make a real difference in the lives of so many, and I’m proud to be a part of their community!
A bad dirt bike crash left me completely paralyzed at the T-4 level. The hardest thing for me while I recover is the feeling of loss for everything that I built my life around.
High Fives not only helps you financially be able to adapt your life, It shows you a community of people that are still doing activities they’re stoked on. That’s been one of the best forms of recovery so far.
I’ve had a great experience with the communication and guidance through the process of applying for and being awarded this grant
I became disabled from the result of an accident four years ago and life suddenly became very difficult to navigate. One of the many burdens I quickly learned was the financial one. A spinal cord injury can cost an individual anywhere from 1.5 to 5 million dollars over the course of their lives. It's because of foundations like the High Fives Foundation that people in need were able to afford life changing equipment and care. I am no different. High 5s recently awarded me one of their Empowerment Fund Grants towards a Permobil Smart Drive manual assist. Whether you are a donor or in need of assistance yourself this heavyweight of a foundation should be on everyone's list!
High Fives Foundation heard my story about wanting to increase my independence and self-reliance by purchasing an adaptive cycle for myself, and they granted me the Empowerment Grant. I'm so excited to have the freedom to spend time in nature whenever I want, and I can't wait to see how my body gets stronger, too.
I'm so grateful to be the recipient of a High Fives Foundation Empowerment grant. After I somersaulted 200 feet down the side of a mountain pass on a mountaineering trip, coming to a stop with bilateral compound ankle fracture/dislocations (and a concussion), I did not think I would walk again. I can, but my recovery is far from over. With High Fives' support, I will be able to continue to access physical therapy that helps me regain my strength and adapt to my new mobility limitations. The Empowerment grant is a huge relief and a gift I will never forget!
HighFives’s is helping me get a sit ski! After growing up as a ski resort kid, it feels like going home Big thank you to HighFives!
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Highfives has been there for me since I was in the hospital with a new spinal cord injury. They’ve supported me through community and funds to help me reach my goals of getting back into my sports, continue pursuing my physical recovery, and having the self-confidence to feel like myself again. When people ask me how I emotionally recovered so quickly from my sci, I say highfives :)
High Fives has deeply impacted my life for the better. Without the support of this incredible foundation, I would not have had the opportunity to get back to the sport I have loved my entire life.
I am grateful and honored to be a high fives athlete recipient! We need more entities like High Fives in the planet.
As you all can imagine, adaptive equipment is really pricey. Having their support so we can keep following our dreams is incredible!
Please support them if you can.
My injury is very recent (January 2025). I suffered a SCI while skiing and High Fives has granted me funds to start the basics of returning to my active lifestyle by supporting the purchase of a lift for me to have access to complete some personal care in my home as well as use this same multi lift to get access to our vehicle so I can be transported to all of my therapies as well as to the activities I enjoyed prior to my injury including working out at the gym as well as participating on a Special Olympics power lifting team. I look forward to getting outside with the warmer weather and trying out some adaptive equipment to be able to ride a bike, go hiking and someday even ski again! With this grant from High Fives I am able to get some assistance to start the basic process of learning to transfer and care for my body in this new way.
The High Fives Foundation has truly been a game-changer in my life. Their commitment to helping individuals like me regain independence and quality of life is unmatched. Thanks to their generous grant for a prosthetic foot, I now have the opportunity to get back to the activities I love. This prosthetic has given me the freedom I thought I had lost. The team at High Fives goes above and beyond to ensure that every recipient receives the support and resources needed to live life to the fullest. I’m incredibly grateful for their incredible work and the impact they’ve had on my journey. They are truly making a difference in the lives of so many people!
Y'all have been outstanding. I was injured just recently last yearand the support I've received just from your staff while communicating how to get back outside has been amazing. Grants aside, being able to have people to connect with and talk to about this has been incredibly helpful. That being said, I'm stoked to be getting back on a bike again and hope to be out there and getting in the mountains again soon.
High Fives impresses, yet again, by the efficiency of their operations and the generosity of their hearts.
I am incredibly honored and grateful to be a recipient of a grant from the High Fives Foundation. As someone who has faced the challenges of a spinal cord injury, I understand the physical, emotional, and financial hurdles that come with recovery and adaptive rehabilitation. High Fives has not only provided me with the resources to continue my journey toward regaining strength but has also given me the hope and motivation to push forward.
The grant I received will help me acquire an FES bike—an essential piece of equipment that will aid in building muscle, improving circulation, and ultimately preparing me for a future where I may walk again. The impact of this support extends beyond just the physical benefits; it reinforces the belief that recovery is possible and that there is a strong community behind me cheering me on every step of the way.
The High Fives Foundation has been exceptional throughout the entire process. Their team is kind, communicative, and genuinely invested in the well-being of their athletes. From the application process to the personal outreach and encouragement, they have made me feel like more than just a recipient—they have made me feel like part of a family.
This foundation is changing lives. They are providing opportunities that many of us could only dream of before, and they are proving that adaptive athletes and individuals with spinal cord injuries can continue to live active, fulfilling, and empowered lives.
I am beyond grateful to be a part of the High Fives community. This grant is more than financial support—it is a lifeline to independence, strength, and renewed purpose. Thank you, High Fives, for believing in me and so many others. Your generosity and mission are making a world of difference.
I became a paraplegic in May of 2033. At the time I was 69. I spent my 70th birthday in the hospital instead of being home.
I was injured in a simple fall on the ski hill. It was a warm spring day and the snow was sticky and very soft. My right ski broke through the snow and suddenly I was being sucked into a small stand of trees. That was my last memory until I woke up on my back with excruciating pain between my shoulder blades.
I became a T3 paraplegic and like all the other respondents, I was devastated and believed that my life was essentially over.
Before my accident I was an active person. My three favourite sports were skiing, hiking, and cycling. I got a taste for cycling with a hand cycle bike when I was at a sports camp run by Rocky Mountain Adaptive Sports in Canmore Alberta. I realized that I could participate in one of my beloved sports if I had an adaptive bike. Other spinal cord injury patients told me about High Five so I sent in a grant application.
Dealing with Hi 5 was easy. The staff have been great and I am thrilled and humbled to have been chosen for a grant.
The ability to great outdoors and exercise and get a cardiovascular workout is very important to me. I have been in a state of emotional upheaval since my accident and the fresh air and exercise is what feeds my soul and improves my outlook on life. Being 70 and a new paraplegic brings its own set of challenges. You are very quickly reminded of your own mortality and how the remaining years of your life will be spent in a wheelchair in a state of depression if you don't do something to change it.
Hi 5 has changed that. Their grant application process makes you think about your rehab goals and they ask you to set a meaningful goal that is measurable. This caused me to reflect on some goals and see the positive in my life not just the negative. They also directed me to another website which encouraged me to write my philosophies to live by. It was a meaningful experience to put those thoughts in writing.
Hi 5 has been more than financial support. It has provided incentive and support to review your life in a positive manner and make changes where necessary. They have also provided financial support to buy a bike so that I can ride on the trails with the smell of the mountains in my nose and the wind in my face.
I will be forever grateful.
I suffered from a spinal cord injury over 20 years ago. At that time, I thought that my life of running marathons, skiing and mountain biking was over. Thanks to the innovations of adaptive recreational equipment, I believed that those days may not be over. However, I found out quickly how cost-restrictive the equipment can be due to the complexity and custom design of the equipment. In came the High Fives Foundation to save the day ! Thanks to the generous donations to and from High Fives, I now can enjoy skiing and mountain biking just as much as I did before my accident. In fact, I used my sit ski and off road hand cycle so much that recently I had to replace them. High Fives once again came to the rescue to help me with the financial burden of the equipment. Thank you High Fives!!
I am so excited to have been selected as a grant recipient from the High Fives Foundation. So far, the experience with them has been amazing with very clear processes and communication. Since my SCI in August of 2023, it has been challenging to get back to the outdoors to enjoy the sports and activities that I love. This grant opportunity will help me to enjoy the outdoors more easily. I look forward to working with High Fives as I continue my journey of recovery and discover new adaptive sports and activities!
High five foundation is an awesome organization. They open doors for people with disabilities and make the impossible possible. Thank you so much for helping me out and being such a great support!!!
Thank you High Fives for the grant funding!! This grant will allow me to purchase a firefly wheelchair attachment, allowing me to get back to trail riding and navigating the town with ease. I was injured in a skiing accident on January 27th, 2024, which left me a complete t6-t7 paraplegic. This injury does not define who I am. I am an adventure seeking person with a great life ahead of me. Thanks to the High Fives Foundation, I am able to continue my journey!!
Since my SCI high fives has provided me with grants for both a sit ski and a hand cycle. Being able to get back out there and engage in my favorite sports has been tremendously helpful for my mental and physical health. Thanks so much High Fives!
The High Fives Foundation has been such an amazing group of people to work with. They have given me the opportunity to try new sports after a life changing spinal cord injury. They have given money towards a sit ski, electric mountain bike, massage therapy, acupuncture, and other adaptive equipment. This foundation wants to get you back outside enjoying what life has to offer. I can't thank the High Fives Foundation enough for everything they have done for me and continue to do for me. If you're looking for a worthy foundation then look no further. Please donate to them and know that you're helping people like myself. I am High Fives athlete # 441 Eric Leversen.
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I was involved in a dirt bike accident 11/30/19 and as a result am a T1 Incomplete SCI victim. I reached out to High Fives regarding a grant for a new sit ski and was awarded $3,500 which is a huge help. This foundation is so amazing and I'm honored that they have helped me get back outdoors where I belong. I would recommend anyone who loves the outdoors and is going through a life altering injury such has a SCI to give High Fives a call.
This foundation has given me the opportunity to keep competitive spirit alive!!
After having a spinal cord injury at 17, while racing motocross, I found hand-bike racing to be equally satisfying. This sport helped me stay active and enjoy outdoors at the same level as I enjoyed before my injury. Thanks to this foundation I’ll keep pushing my limits while staying healthy.
Before my injury, I loved to snowboard with my friends. I remember I would go every week to the ski resort near my home, and it was something that I really loved. However, after my accident, I felt like I would never be able to get back on the slopes. In an effort to still participate in the sports I loved, I went through a few programs, where I learned about sit skiing. Hoping to have a sit ski of my own, I did some research, but I quickly realized, in order to get a sit ski for my-self, I would have to pay a lot of money that I didn't have. Then I discovered the High Fives Foundation, I applied for a grant , and I was awarded one, which will allow me to return to doing the thing I love, and to have fun with my friends again. My injury has been hard to deal with at times, but thanks to the High Fives Foundation, I am able to enjoy the things that give me joy again. This means so much to me, and I can't wait to get back to doing what I love. Thank you so much High Fives! You guys are truly amazing, what you do is life-changing for many!
High Fives Foundation has played a significant role in my recovery and journey to returning to outdoor activities since suffering a C5 SCI from a ski accident in 2022. Through several grants, which were simple and straightforward to apply for, they’ve helped me purchase equipment to build a therapy room in my rural mountain home that has allowed me to have access to regular workouts that would have otherwise been impossible. Now I’m back out there and getting stronger every day thanks to High Fives!
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High Fives Rocks!! I’ve been an avid outdoor enthusiast my entire life and sustained a spinal cord injury at age 47 in a ski accident in March of 2022. While at Craig Hospital I learned about the foundation through a group zoom call and became immediately excited about the opportunities they provide. I received a grant for an exercise bike that has me pushing my fitness levels almost everyday. I’ve recently been able to return to easy upright biking with great success so far. Next up, getting back on skis. Thank you High Fives!
High Fives is an incredible nonprofit! After suffering a spinal cord injury on November 26, 2022, they’ve been by my side, supporting me every step of the way. They’re even helping me get a bike that will allow me to return to the trails. I’m so grateful for their unwavering support!
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With High Fives support I am able to continue my therapy at a specialized facility. And I’ve already seen such great progress. I’m so thankful for this opportunity.
After suffering a spinal cord injury skydiving, I realized how expensive adapted equipment was. Luckily foundations like HighFives make sports more accessible for athletes like myself to purchase adapted equipment. The HighFives grant allowed me to purchase my very own sit ski. Sports have made a huge impact on my recovery, and I wouldnt be able to ski if it weren't for HighFives.
Thank you so much HighFives and all its donors!
Shawn Burnett
I have been under the best sponsor anyone could ever imagine (HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION) for just over 5 years now. Right out the get go I became in contact with this amazing organization that welcomed me with open arms to keep the stoke alive and keep me moving in a positive direction after I was injured. I have received endless support over the years ranging from new friends and community to amazing adaptive equipment to get me back outside living my best life. I leave this review here to hopefully reach many other like minded individuals to keep on pushing and reach out if you get a wild hair. Thank you thank you High Fives. Your endless support is more than appreciated by everyone.
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In July o 2019 I suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury at L4/L5. Pretty early on I heard about high fives at Craig Hospital. High Fives got me stoked on getting back the sports I love sooner than ever and I have been working hard to get there. I was awarded an empowerment grant and I am so stoked to keep working towards my goals with such great supporters. Huge huge shoutout to High Fives you guys are awesome and so inspiring. Thank you again for stepping in and providing support so early on in my recovery.
I have had the privilege of being served by High Fives in 2 separate fashions. The first was a trio with High Fives called Military 2 Mountain. During this trip High Fives treated us to a ski trip to Granby, Co with instructors that supported me on my ski journey.
The second is I have been a recipient of a grant for an eMTB. This organization has done us much to support me in my pursuit to live a life of activity and providing me with the necessary equipment that I wouldn’t not be able to have access to if it wasn’t for High Fives.
Wonderful organization
After being injured in a skiing accident where my sciatic nerve was crushed, I have been working my way back through rehab. I stumbled across High-fives and asked some questions. They have been great to work with! Their process for application has been straightforward but thorough. I just got approved and, though now I will be sitting down, I will be riding waves again!
Thanks so much.
Nathan.
Best non-profit out there! They have supported me in my athletic endeavors through the years. The camps are amazing and everyone from the top with Roy and the front office all the way down are hands down great individuals. Thanks for your support through the years.
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High Five to High Fives Foundation. They have helped me get back and stay on the snow after an injury. Roy and Steve have been my main points of contact and are always on it for communication and checking in to make sure things are going well and that they are fulfilling their mission. Thank you so much to High Fives Foundation and the work they do getting people out on the snow after an injury and sticking with their athletes through it all. Thanks so much.
My Ohana! What an incredible foundation. I've been with High Fives as an athlete for 5 years, the amount of positive change this foundation has brought into my life is indescribable. Tangible things that High Fives has awarded to me: Countless hours of physical therapy, athlete camps to expand the reach of possibilities, a wheelchair that has unlocked a new level of life for me, and most recently a brand new sit ski that I'll be using every chance that I get. Being on the slopes is my strongest passion, and High Fives made that possible. Stoke!
This is such an amazing foundation! Therapies can be so expensive with this injury and they have helped me continue progressing to hopefully one day becoming fully independent and get me back to doing the sports I used to play. Thank you so much High Fives!
Living with a physical disability is like playing a game on nightmare difficulty. However amazing organizations like High Fives put in the hard work to improve the lives of so many people. It's not just the individual receiving the grant that feels the positive effects but everyone around them as well. Truly the High Fives Nonprofit Foundation is having a positive impact in countless communities across North America.
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I had a spinal cord injury in 2001 when I crashed mountain biking. I was 17 years old and I thought my life was over. Wheelchair rugby gave me my life back and for that I am forever thankful. Now 20 years later High Fives is empowering me to take my journey in wheelchair rugby to the max by helping pay for a top of the line rugby wheelchair. The High Fives Foundation is without a doubt a life saver, helping cover the high cost of adaptive equipment to empower individuals to be active is a game changer.
I had an above-knee amputation in 2021 after a traumatic knee injury in 2019 and 9 subsequent surgeries. I raced bikes for 20 years prior to my injury. I became a High Fives athlete in 2022 and they have helped me get back to riding and even racing bikes. This organization is at the top of the list for supporting athletes with disabilities and helping them reclaim their active lifestyles. Keep pushing forward! Full gas!
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My name is Dave Cummings and I can’t say enough good things about the High Fives Foundation. I had my leg amputated, above the knee, in July of 2021 after battling through 9 surgeries over 2 years to save it. I raced bikes for almost 20 years prior to my amputation and was worried I wasn’t going to be able to ride again. Enter the High 5’s Foundation and their amazing crew. I received a grant for a new bike which is adapted to let me easily get on and off and now a grant for equipment. They are incredibly supportive and committed to their athletes! If you are able, please support this organization and the athletes they help. They allow us to do amazing things with disabilities!!
My name is Christopher Schmidt and I sustained a T3 Spinal Cord Injury on November 7, 2021. I received a couple High Fives grants in the past, and recently just another one. I am so grateful to be a High Fives Athlete and part of this amazing Foundation. Thank you to all of their supporters as well. If it wasn't for everybody supporting such a great cause, I would not be able to have the ability to progress further in my recovery. Please spread the word about this fabulous Foundation to help support other Athletes as well!
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Thank you High Fives Foundation for my first grant. My name is Christopher, age 14, and I was involved in a motocross accident on November 7, 2021. I am so grateful towards your foundation for providing me with financial assistance to continue my healing journey. This will give me the opportunity to push towards my recovery goals. I hope with your assistance I can look forward to being my outdoor adventurous self again. Please consider supporting this foundation so athletes like myself can continue to do what we love best!
With Hi5s Foundation support> My canoe club annual fee for two seasons in a row has been covered. Alleviating a huge expenses. This allows me to put more focus towards training and competitions. The less I have to focus on expenses the better I perform
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High Fives Nonprofit Foundation is incredible. They gave me my first grant for my mono ski. I was so happy that they gave me the opportunity again to do the thing that I love most. 3 years ago I was in a ski accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. High Fives were so kind enough to take me in and support me on my journey to ski again. They believed in me and that is why I am proud to be a High Five Athlete.
I'm so stoked that there are nonprofits like High Fives who help people get back to being active after an injury. I broke my back and suffered a spinal cord injury mountain biking and I was worried I'd have a hard time getting back on a bike, and I am so glad that High Fives can help me with both getting a bike and also getting out on the bike.
High Fives always comes through helping me recover from my spinal cord injury with grants for gear to get me into nature. People arent meant to live in the concrete landscapes we've created, we're animals that need green time. If it wasnt for high fives I wouldnt be able to get outdoors the way I need to.
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High Fives is a great organization that helps people get back into the outdoors and recreating again after life changing injuries. Individual grants, recreational sports camps, and partnering with other great non-profits are all ways they have helped me and others rebuild their lives through sports. Thanks High Fives!
For over a decade now, High Fives has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my journey in ways I never could have imagined. It all started around 2014 when they reintroduced me to skiing, igniting a spark that quickly grew into a passion for adaptive sports and an entirely new outlook on life. Since then, they’ve opened doors to a world of incredible activities like mountain biking, road cycling, fueling my sense of purpose and adventure.
Beyond the sports, High Fives has been a lifeline through some of my toughest moments. Their support during my recovery from injuries—connecting me with top-notch medical and holistic resources in the Reno/Tahoe area—has been nothing short of life changing. I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. They’re a game changing resource for anyone in a wheelchair, but especially for wheelchair athletes who want to push their limits and find what’s possible.
The people behind High Fives, along with the community and events they’re tied to, have completely reshaped my perspective on living life in a wheelchair. When I first moved here, I was battling clinical depression without even realizing it. Fast forward to 2025, and the shift in my reality is profound—my day-to-day life is filled with joy, purpose, and gratitude. High Fives didn’t just help me adapt; they helped me live again.
I’m endlessly impressed by the work they continue to do, year after year. Their impact goes far beyond physical rehabilitation—it’s about building a community, and inspiring a passion for life. I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of their story, and I can’t recommend them enough to anyone looking for support, connection, or a way to reclaim their spark.
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High Fives continues to change my life
I might not be working out with any consistency if it werent for their gym and the training sessions they provide to me. When i've been injured they've always funded acupuncture and massage, and the connections i've made through high fives are second to none. Not to mention all the mountain biking and sports access they give me. High Fives is the best!
High Fives has been here for me for years - helping me get my first custom wheelchair and helping with therapies throughout years of surgeries since my injury. I can't emphasize enough how appreciative I am of their support. It has allowed me to continue to fight my way forward and has given me tools that opened up my world.
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After my unusual leg injury following a bike crash in 2016, I fell into a gap in support systems where I was unable to receive many grants because my injury wasn't a single diagnosis. High Fives has helped fill this gap providing me a custom wheelchair that helps me access the outdoors in ways I couldn't otherwise, and helping fund therapies.
High Fives Foundation is amazing! I had a paragliding accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury, a truly life changing experience. They have helped me access therapies for rehab and have helped me get back doing the outdoor sports I love. Can’t say enough great things. Thanks so much!!
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In September 2022 I crashed my speedwing and fractured multiple vertebrae resulting in a T11 level spinal cord injury. High fives foundation is helping me obtain therapy to maximize my potential. I have goals of returning to outdoor sports and high fives has been fully supporting this goal. I am very grateful they are willing to help me out!
This organization made it possible for me to pursue dreams I once thought were out of reach. Having the chance to get out on the water last summer reignited my passion, and I knew I wanted it to be a lasting part of my life. Thanks to this foundation, I received the financial support needed to make accessibility more affordable. Without their help, setting up my own adaptive fishing canoe would have been impossible. This was an opportunity I wouldn’t have had any other way and fishing would have remained a challenge. Now I can be right in the water wherever the action takes me.
High Fives has provided me with the opportunity to access nature trails once again, improving my mental health and aiding in my recovery journey. Kudos to this great organization and the work that they do.
As a recent below the knee amputee due to a paraglide crash, I was stoked to discover the High Fives Foundation and see all the great athletes they had already helped through their recoveries and return to adventure sport. By receiving the Empowerment Grant, I can purchase adaptive ski equipment and return to one of my passions within 5 months of my amputation, which wouldn't have been possible without the help.
Many thanks and high praise to the High Fives Foundation.
The High Fives Foundation has been an incredible asset to my development as a professional para athlete. For veterans athletes like myself, it can be difficult to access the equipment I need, and there is a grey area between VA support and the elite sporting level. High Fives filled that gap for me, and their support encourages me to continue pushing myself to be a better, stronger, and more resilient athlete. I would recommend any adaptive athlete who needs assistance with equipment to learn more about the support of High Fives.
High Fives Foundation is more than just an organization—it’s a family.
From the moment you connect with them, you realize they’re not just here to help; they’re here to uplift, empower, and challenge you to see what’s possible. The experiences they provide aren’t just about adaptive sports—they’re about pushing limits, building confidence, and creating lifelong connections.
Whether it’s through camps, training opportunities, or simply bringing adaptive athletes together, High Fives makes sure no one feels alone in their journey. They create spaces where you can test yourself, learn new skills, and remember what it feels like to be strong, capable, and unstoppable. The impact they have on people’s lives goes far beyond sport—it’s about finding purpose, community, and a renewed sense of adventure.
If you ever get the chance to experience what High Fives offers, take it. It’s life-changing.
An incredible organization! After a skydiving accident left me disabled, I heard about High Fives and how they helped people return to sport after injury. Sport was such a huge part of my life, and returning to sport after becoming disabled was the biggest help for my mental health and healing journey. Could not recommend this organization enough - they do incredible things!
The High Fives Foundation Empowerment Grant is an incredible resource for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other life-altering conditions. I was honored to receive a grant that directly supports my adaptive sports and rehabilitation journey, and the impact has been life-changing.
High Fives goes beyond just financial assistance—they truly invest in the well-being and progress of every grant recipient. Their support has allowed me to participate in programs like Ability 360 and Shirley Ryan Sports and Fitness, both of which are crucial to my continued growth as an adaptive athlete.
What sets High Fives apart is their commitment to building a community. From their uplifting messaging to their dedication to helping athletes push boundaries, they create opportunities that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. This grant has helped me regain independence, build confidence, and continue doing what I love.
If you’re considering applying for the High Fives Empowerment Grant, do it! Their team is amazing, their mission is inspiring, and the opportunities they provide are life-changing. I can’t recommend them enough!
The High Fives foundation has been supportive of me and my injury since I applied for a grant through their program. The support they are able to provide action sports athletes get back to what they loved most before a life changing injury is priceless. I know without their help my dreams of riding mountain bikes after a spinal cord injury may have never been possible. Thank you to the generous donors and the High Fives Foundation for making dreams come true for so many injured athletes!!!
High Fives Foundation is an incredible Nonprofit that goes above and beyond to support athletes with disabilities to receive funding for adaptive equipment and experiences!
Hi, I am Richard Julian. I was struck by a drunken driver, lost my sister and girlfriend and became a T-10 paraplegic. I have been involved in wheelchair sports since my accident. I have been blessed to participate in such sports as surfing, canoe paddling, basketball, tennis and marathon racing. Staying active and participating in community and sports has enabled me to thrive in life despite the life changing circumstances. High Fives Foundation is an incredible well run non profit which I have had the pleasure of watching grow since 2009. I know and surf with Roy and Alana and they are a truly powerful force for people living with life changing injuries. High Fives is my favorite non profit as I have seen and felt the direct impact of their work. I am forever grateful for their contribution to help push adaptive surfing and adaptive canoe paddling to new highs. Please support them continue their mission to provide hope and resources to adaptive athletes and water men like myself.
High Fives Foundation is truly a lifeline for those of us who have experienced life-changing injuries. Their dedication goes way beyond just providing financial support; they offer genuine community, encouragement, and opportunities to get back to doing the activities we love. Through their grassroots approach, High Fives creates a powerful impact that feels personal and deeply supportive.
Their grants have been instrumental in helping me and many others access treatments, adaptive equipment, and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. But what makes High Fives exceptional is how they foster a sense of belonging and possibility—whether through their incredible events or one-on-one support, they are with you every step of the way on your recovery journey.
High Fives embodies its mission to create a shift in adventure sports, showing us that limitations can be overcome and the outdoors are for everyone. I’m endlessly grateful for the life-changing support they provide.
I’m thrilled to have recently received a grant from the High Fives Foundation, and my experience with them so far has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very start, they’ve been incredibly supportive, helping me take the next steps in my adaptive sports journey. Although I haven’t had the opportunity yet to receive the funding, I’m excited to use it to acquire equipment that will elevate my skiing abilities and further my recovery goals. The passion and dedication of the High Fives team is evident, and I’m looking forward to continuing this relationship as I work toward becoming a more advanced adaptive athlete. I highly recommend High Fives to anyone seeking support in adaptive sports—they truly care about empowering individuals to thrive after life-changing injuries!
The High Fives Foundation has been instrumental in my recovery journey. Their incredible support and the adaptive equipment grant have given me hope and the opportunity to get back to the outdoor activities I love. Thank you, High Fives!
High-five’s has shown me that nothing is impossible. Life doesn't have to end after an injury. What high-fives does is truly amazing. Not only do they help provide equipment they are also a community. They give plenty of opportunities to meet people that are going through the same struggle as you, which is one of the most important things after an injury. They make you feel a part of something again and give you purpose to keep doing what you were doing without feeling out of place or different they allow you to feel normal again. Thanks to highfives they have brought me one step closer to independence and back to the things i love doing !!
Thank you High Fives Non-Profit Foundation for the Empowerment Fund Grant! I am proud to be a High Fives Athlete! With the help of High Fives I will be able to purchase an adaptive mountain bike so that I can get out and ride with my friends and family!
My name is somchai lurak I was injured august 10 2019 when I was rear ended by a drunk driver during the accident is when I sustained my c5 spinal cord injury making me a incomplete quadriplegic and also losing my three daughters it’s through programs like high five that showed me my life was over and I was capable of still doing amazing things such as mountain biking and many other recreational and outdoor activities they also help with grant funding for your own equipment if you do fall in love with any activity I’m actually going for a mountain bike right now
I was injured 19 months ago after a dirtbike crash. I sustained a spinal cord injury. I loved mountain biking, riding dirt bikes, and camping. I tried to get outside as much as I could. After becoming injured, I thought I could not do these fun things anymore. I learned about High Fives foundation through social media. I began following the foundation and other people with disabilities. I quickly learned that I can still do so much stuff. Since my injury, I have been able to do water skiing, camping, and mountain biking. There are so many people in this world willing to help people with disabilities and challenges to get outdoors and live life. I applied and received a grant from the High Fives foundation . The money will go towards an adaptive mountain bike so I can get back out on the trails. I am beyond grateful for the high-fives nonprofit and those who donate I wouldn’t be able to get out and enjoy things if it wasn’t for people who cared. Thanks High Fives!!
I am filled with so much gratitude for High Fives Foundation. Living with a disability comes with many costs and often the cost of adaptive sports equipment is beyond what my budget can afford. High Fives saw my need and they have delivered a grant that will help me to be able to purchase equipment that can get me back to my happy place of being active in the outdoors. Thank you High Fives for all you do, I am so grateful.
The High Fives Foundation is an amazing organization that has helped so many athletes recoveries! I suffered a spinal cord injury in 2018 that has left me paralyzed from the chest down. The High Fives Foundation has assisted me with a grant that helped me pay for an adaptive MTB that has allowed me to hit the trails again like before my injury. This gives me such a sense of freedom and enjoyment that helps my mental health drastically. Having their help has literally changed my life and I can’t thank them enough.
I just got excepted to be a High Fives Athlete. After my spinal cord injury I wasn’t sure if I would be able to do something fun again. I am ecstatic to get back to the sports and freedom I used to love. The process was extremely easy and the team at High Fives is amazing. Thank you!!!!
High Fives Foundation is an amazing foundation, they have empowered me to get back outdoors and enjoy the sport I love the most mountain biking. High Fives Foundation has provided me with the tools and skills to get out on my own. As a person with a spinal cord injury High Fives Foundation truly changes people's lives and I can't thank them enough for what they do for the disabled community.
I cannot be more grateful to this awesome nonprofit for helping me fund a mountain handcycle. After my SCI, I didn’t think I could find an adaptive sport that could give me the same thrill, workout and freedom to explore outdoors as I had before my injury. The Bowhead RX is a game changer for me and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of High-Fives.
So far my experience with High Fives has been awesome! Applying for a grant went smooth and the instructions were easy to follow. Thank you so much for funding towards my mountain bike!!
I applied for the High five grant and was accepted which will change my active lifestyle for the rest of my life. I have a BKA and have been unable to snowboard ever since my accident. I couldn't be happier to receive this grant and can not wait to get my new foot. Working with the foundation has been very easy and would recommend them to anyone.
I am overjoyed to be working with the Hi Fives Foundation, they have enhanced the quality of my life by assisting me in getting a bike that will help me return to the mountains that I love. I am forever grateful.
High Fives has provided an opportunity to expand my recovery after an accident. Because of High Fives, I'll be able to get back into doing the things I enjoy the most. I'm very grateful for them!
High Fives is a fantastic organization that has helps people return to bike riding after spinal cord injury. Their generous grant allows me to return to the adventurous person I was before my accident. I am also able to race and participate in events with my son, which allows me to show him that you can overcome anything life challenges you to do.
High Fives Foundation has provided me with so much joy and hope! Following my spinal cord injury, it's been a difficult process to reintegrate into my family life in a way that I would like. Funding from High Fives will help me purchase equipment that gets me back to doing things with my family that we love. I'm very much looking forward to riding trails with my son, daughter, wife, and friends on my new adapted mountain bike.
Working with High Fives has been a great experience. The Foundation contacts are accessible, dependable, and always helpful. The website and links are easily accessible and straightforward. Overall an amazing experience every step of the way.
Thank you High Fives!
I suffered a spinal cord injury and have been rebuilding my life every since. Part of my rebuilding process has been trying to figure out how I can get back outside and have adventures. Outdoor equipment that is specialized for spinal cord injury is expensive and difficult to acquire. I am an avid outdoorsman who purses new adventures with passion. I am constantly looking for new equipment that will let me go further, go faster, and go up that next mountain peak. My passion for having new adventures and finding ways around my injury keeps me awake at night. I recently applied for a grant from High Fives Foundation and received funding for a new Coyote Outrider. I am so excited to use my new e-bike to get outside and have incredible adventures! I am very thankful for High Fives Foundation and their support towards me reaching my goals.
High Fives is the greatest organization because they really care about the community and how disabled athletes succeed in their goals. I've been to many events they put on and there's nothing but positive vibes and energy from everyone around. The amount of self worth that I have left there with has been levels that I didn't think was possible. Nothing but respect for everyone involved and for those who haven't experienced it yet, I hope you get to!!
The HighFive foundation has been able to help give me a grant towards my first Sit Ski and get back on the mountain after a spinal cord injury!
I thought I would never get to surf again but thanks to High fives it’s goin to happen! They got me back into the water and words can’t describe how grateful I am!
Awesome people helping others get back to living life! They helped me get an adaptive wakeboard seat to get back out on the water with my friends!
A fantastic organization that provided me with a grant to get the outriggers I needed to get back on snow. For four years I have been working to figure out how to get back riding with my family. As soon as I learned to snowboard again I needed my own pair of outriggers and High Fives was right there to provide me with the grant to get them!
High Fives has given me back my love for the outdoors by providing a grant towards an adaptive adventure bike. After my skiing accident, and discovering I would likely never walk again due to a T3 complete SCI, I thought I would never be able to get out on trails again.
This grant has got me one step (ha!) closer to my goal of getting back out into nature for my physical and mental health. So grateful for this opportunity!!
Wow, just wow. No joke. After my accident I was in the hardest place of my entire life but High Fives gave me the opportunity to get back to the things I love. There’s no way I could have afforded a recumbent bike without them. HF’s has given me hope, hope for my future and hope for humanity. I am sooo incredibly thankful for this organization and ALL that they do for those of us who have felt that life and adventure are over. Thank you!!!!
High Fives Foundation has truly made a life-changing impact for me! After my spinal cord injury, I never thought I’d be able to get back to the sport I love. Thanks to their support, I’m already planning my first trip to ride the Katy Trail in Missouri with my buddies. This donation will enable me to once again join group rides and reconnect with my community. I can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunity to reclaim my independence and passion! Thank you High Fives!
I was introduced to High Fives through two friends that I used to race with that were High Fives athletes. I was able to see the impact that the grants that were awarded to them provided.
High Fives allows individuals that may not otherwise be able to afford outdoor activities the chance to be able to get back out and explore in a way that otherwise might not be possible.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive the High Fives grant that will allow me to purchase a new sit ski and be able to shred the hills the way that I want.
I was introduced to High Fives through the Adaptive training foundation. Im a surfer from florida, who had never even seen snow. I participated in their military to mountains program, and absolutely fell in love with snowboarding. Even though i had never been snowboarding, let alone since losing my leg, i learned a lot about myself during the program. It was an amazing experience, and I would do anything for these people, as they would do just about anything for adaptive athletes that fall in the parameters of their programs.
What a great organization. They truly understand what it means to get people with disabilities back to the outdoors and being active. I feel truly blessed to have been awarded a grant to purchase snowboarding equipment that works for my disability and continues to support my goal or competition and teaching others how to enjoy the sport. Organizations like this not only support the physical issues, but allow to continue to mentally be outside and be physically active without the barriers. I have had a passion for snowboarding and wake surfing before I lost my leg. Now with organizations such as high fives I am able to get the proper equipment for snowboarding and surfing as an amputee and continue the love of the sport without barriers.
Their support has been amazing. I am so grateful for the recognition and granting me money toward my recovery.
I'm Brennan Noeth a 29yr old male and I learned about High Fives Foundation shortly after experiencing a T10 spinal cord injury whilst snowboarding. I was looking for ways to get back onto the mountain and stumbled across this organization. I had applied for a grant and within a short few months they had reached out to let me know I was approved! This whole journey has been tough but High Fives is making this easier to navigate my new life as a paraplegic.
I learned about High Fives shortly after sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2019. I knew I needed to get back to skiing - a sport I began at 2 years old and that governed my winters for the next 29 years. Learning to sit-ski has been challenging and rewarding. It has been harder than I hoped it would be to become independent, and I wanted to wait until I knew which ski would work best to apply for funding. I am incredible grateful for the support from this organization. Now that I have found a sit ski that will allow me to ski independently again with friends and family, the grant I received from High Fives will help turn my dream into a reality. I can't wait to love winters again!
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I’m so excited to be awarded the High Fives Foundation Empowerment Grant! This grant will go towards a IND Echair.
The Echair will give me independence and freedom to help navigate me in my new life. I’ll be able to walk my dog again and spend more time outside with family and friends. I won’t be limited by rough sidewalks and uneven ground anymore.
I want to give a shout out to High Fives! A year and a half ago I landed myself in a wheelchair and it's been tough. Not the wheelchair, but it's limited capacity to hit the trails and stay connected to my community of trail runners and hikers. For me, that loss of community, and in a way loss of self, has been hard, but now thanks to Dani, Landon, and everyone at High Fives, I'll soon be back on the trails in my own Mountain Trike and reconnecting with my trail running community that I miss so much. I can't wait!!
After being paralyzed from the waist down in May 2023, I felt my spirit crumble, fearing I would never experience the adrenaline-pumping sports I once cherished. Then I discovered High Fives. This incredible foundation goes above and beyond to support injured athletes like me, offering a chance to return to the activities we love. I am deeply grateful for their support. Thank you, High Fives!
At The Patriot Fund, we heavily vet each potential partner via a rigorous 12-point Due Diligence Process to assure that we only support best-in-class nonprofit organizations who are making a substantial impact on the lives of Military Veterans and their families - TODAY. We are proud to support our friends at The High Fives Foundation and the great work they are doing to impact the devastatingly high suicide rate amongst our Military Veterans by helping our injured Veterans get back to doing what they love through education and recovery of life-altering injuries in outdoor action sports.
As a result of a paragliding accident in October 2023 - I became a paraplegic as a result of an L1/T12 incomplete ASIA B spinal cord injury. Through the difficult process of rehabilitating from this type of injury HighFives has been a beacon of hope towards what this new version of life can entail. Coincidentally around the time of my accident did the film Full Circle, which HighFives foundation was a key partner of, debut in the BANFF film festival. Although I was not able to attend given my inpatient rehab - I was excited to watch it for the first time in Jan 2024. Since then I've continued following the HighFives Foundation and their athletes. Recently I was awarded a $2500 Empowerment grant towards my very on mono sit-ski rig!
Thanks to High fives foundation for a grant to get into adaptive skiing following a spinal cord injury. Lifetime skier who can finally get back out on the slopes with my family thanks to High Fives!
I'm deeply thankful to the High Fives Nonprofit Foundation for the grant that provided me with an e-bike after my life changing biking accident, which resulted in the amputation of my left leg.This Foundation has been an incredible source of support for athletes who have experienced significant injuries, helping them to reclaim their passion and improve their quality of life.
Skiing, surfing, mountain biking, motocross, UTV's, etc.- High Fives Foundation is a true leading advocate in helping paralyzed athletes like myself return to our desired elements and live fulfilling lifestyles.
I can't even begin to define the impact High Fives has had on my life. But because of them I will be back on the mountain enjoying my life to the same extent I did before my accident. I recently applied to their spring grant cycle and was awarded assistance in funding my first monoski. I can't wait to see what memories and progress are made this coming season. Thank you High Fives team
The High Fives Foundation has been so amazing in helping me get back to doing the activities that I love to do. Because of their support, High Fives is making it possible for me to have some amazing crutches and compete in amputee soccer at a national level. They have helped so many people and I am honored to be a recipient.
The High Fives Foundation has been instrumental in its support of my return to the surf, the mountains and streams where I fill my cup. HFF has allowed me, like so many other athletes, to continue to grow our passion, share it with others, and contribute positively to the communities in which we thrive. A huge thanks to the High Fives Foundation, its leaders and community members for allowing me to join the team!
I was in a dirt bike accident 2 years ago at the age of 14 that resulted in a paralyzed arm. Thanks to High Fives Foundation, they are helping me to be able to ride again safely. They are awesome at what they do and how they work to get severely injured athletes back doing what they love. Thank you so much for this opportunity - it means alot to me.
High Fives does an unprecedented amount of good for the SCI community. they enable people living with disabilities to try new things, and access equipment that might otherwise be financially unobtainable.
With the High Fives Society support I was able to get back to doing the sport that I love the most, mountain biking. Without their help this would have been increasingly difficult to obtain. It is giving me back my ability to enjoy the outdoors which is important for physical and mental well-being. I cannot thank them enough for their support. They have changed so many people's lives and will continue to. Cannot thank them enough, forever grateful
High Fives has supported me in my spinal cord injury recovery twice! The first time through funding for an adaptive bike and the second with funding for physical therapy. I've also gotten to hang out with them at Adapt in Carlsbad, CA and it is a wonderful community of athletes. Honored to be a double High Fives Athlete!!
High Fives Foundation was so easy and supportive through the grant process. I spend all day in a wheel chair which was a loaner. Thanks to High Fives Foundation and its donor they assisted me with my share of cost toward my new Power Chair custom made just for me. Next I want to someday be able to ride one of those cool 3 wheel bicycles I see other High Five recipients riding. My life may have changed but my passion for riding has not.
High Fives has awarded me the empowerment grant and I am so happy to get to this step of my recovery process where I can feel like I am living again doing things I want when I want. I have only heard of how good it feels to rejoin the community. I am ready to keep the ball rolling!
Tim from High Fives contacted me in the first weeks after my injury. It was helpful to have someone with a similar injury to learn from. It’s good to know there’s a group like this out there for support. High Fives help is making it possible for me to live at home with my family when I get out of rehab.
High Fives foundation has truly empowered me with new hope since my injury to pursue my love of the trails and the outdoors. I believe again in my ability to set greater goals for myself, improve my athleticism and reach beyond the horizon.
The high fives foundation has helped make something in my life possible again after thinking it would never be. Before breaking my neck and becoming a quadriplegic I was always playing and riding bikes with my three children. Now to do so a hand cycle is needed but the funding wasn't there. They have made that dream now a reality.
In February of 2023 I went over the handlebars of my mountain bike, head first into the dirt. My whole body went numb and my whole life changed. Since that accident I've had my C3/C4 vertebrae fused, endured 3 weeks in ICU, spent 10 weeks in a rehab hospital and come out the other side.
On the other side, as a quadriplegic, I was introduced to adaptive mountain biking. This involved riding a three wheel recumbent trike set up with wide aggressive tires and suspension. While I was initially only able to pedal along slowly in low gears, I was immediately hooked. I did not have to give up on the sport that I love! The only downside to this program was that the organized rides with loaner trikes only ran on Saturdays, once a week, weather dependent. Almost immediately, I set the goal of buying my own trike.
This is when I discovered the High Fives Foundation and the Empowerment Fund Grant. This grant it set up specifically for athletes who sustain life changing injuries so that they may obtain the equipment they need to get back to participating in the sports that they love. I reached out to the Foundation and was met by enthusiastic, supportive and empathetic staff. The application process for the grant was streamlined. I applied relatively early in the application process so there was some nail biting while I waited for the awards announcements. The announcements came out on exactly the scheduled date. I was so pumped to learn that I'd received the grant that I needed to reach my goal, a recumbent mountain bike!
This organization is awesome. I am super grateful for what they have done for me and for being part of this family. They have given me a great tool for me to use in my recovery. I can thank you guys enough.
I feel very fortunate to have found high fives. I love what they're doing for our community. They are supportive, generous and motivational. They help provide the foundation and tools to help people recovering from a traumatic injury get back to doing the things they love. Thanks high-fives!
Before my injury I lived a very active life, rock climbing, biking, running, and so many other things. A spinal cord injury left me paralyzed and unable to do any of the things I used to love. With the help of High Fives I will be able to purchase a new hand cycle and start my journey to return to a life filled with movement that I once lived.
I stumbled across the high five foundation website last fall. It caught my eye as I had experienced a spinal cord injury 11 years ago and thought what a great service and community these people had built and continue to grow. I applied for some funding for some mountain bike equipment that I think will improve my confidence and experience on my bike. I was approved and am in the process of getting set up with some new magnetic pedals and special shoes. The people I've interacted with through the foundation have been great. I'm stoked for this spring / summer to get back out on my bike with my new gear.
Thanks High Five!
I wouldn’t have guessed that I’d be given another shot to further my recovery 22 years post injury (L1 incomplete paraplegia). Normally, I’m the one motivating my peers, but High Fives Foundation have managed to inspire me to keep pushing and innovating! I’m so grateful to have encountered a group of like-minded, hardworking, and passionate people. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. Thank you High Fives!
In 2018 I fell 40' from a ledge. Several rocks cushioned the landing (please note the heavy sarcasm here). The result was paralysis from the belly button down. Being as independent as possible is extremely important to me. This group is helping me to do that with cycling. Thank you guys!
Huge High Five to this foundation for providing me with the support I need to participate in much needed personal training after the SCI I sustained in 2020. I have been racing motorcycles since I was 7 years old competitively and in 2020 during a sand drag race in Michigan - what I thought would be like any other event, things took a terrible turn for the worse. The custom built machine I was racing experienced a mechanical failure. The last 3 1/2 years of my life have been very difficult, it has been tough to go from a weekend after weekend competing athlete to a man in a wheelchair. Without the support of organizations such as the High Fives Foundation I know I would not be back on the road to recovery like I am today!!! My goal is to walk again - I have so much gratitude for this organization and the supporters who believe in people like me and want us to live our best lives! Thank you.
High Fives Non-profit foundation has been great to work with! I received a grant for a recumbent bike to allow me to return to adventure sports and pursue outdoor activities that are otherwise not accessible for me. I am so grateful for their grant programs and their generosity to help athletes get back to what they love post injury. This work is critical for athlete physical and mental health and returning to a healthy lifestyle post injury, it wouldn't be possible without them!
Grateful beyond words for the High Fives Non-Profit Foundation Empowerment Grant! Thanks to their support, I will soon have my adaptive hitch bike rack for my mountain bike.
High Five! See you on the trails!
G. Snieski
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High Fives is an incredible organization. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities they have afforded me and others in the disabled community. This organization has been and undeniable bright spot in my recovery journey.
High Fives Foundation has given me so much of my life back. They have brought great joy into my life again after suffering from a spinal cord injury that occurred from a biking accident. During my darkest time, they brought back the light by rewarding me with a grant to better myself and get stronger to become more independent and navigate through his new life.
I was injured back in May 2023 while mountain biking and sustained a neck fracture with spinal cord injury. As a power and manual wheelchair user, I often have to sit in my power wheelchair because it was hard to wheel myself around in my manual due to carpeting in my home. I always needed assistance with pushing and wanted to find ways to become more independent while in it. It wasn't until I came across High Fives Foundation in which they helped me fund power assisted wheels for my manual wheelchair. These wheels will help me become independent so that I can enjoy going on walks with my wife and kids without hassling someone to help push me around. Thank you High Fives for being there to help people in need.
I was injured while in service to this country and High Fives Foundation provided me with a grant to accomplish my goals and move forward from my disability. Even though my right leg is amputated just above the knee I am still able to conquer all the things I have done before injury and even more because of organizations like this one. They have empowered me to take on new challenges and stay consistent with the sports I love to do.
After sustaining a Spinal cord injury that left me a C6 quadriplegic, High Fives allowed me to meet and connect with other Sci peers my age. They also were huge help in allowing me to get the physical therapy needed in order to get my body where it needs to be to be as independent as possible in my daily life.
I suffered a SCI in a side by side accident. High five has helped me so much in pursuing outdoor independence while I continue to live my dreams. I am an athlete and I know I can do anything. Amazing nonprofit to help people not so fortunate to get out and enjoy this beautiful world.
My name is Brock Leitner and I suffered an SCI injury while racing professional motocross and supercross. I have always been an athlete and I was not going to let this injury stop me! Thanks to the High Fives I am able to still be a competitive athlete at a national level. Having an organization that has the same views and passions as I do is so amazing! Just when you thought sport was going to be difficult and expensive the High Fives is there to help make your dreams and passion a reality!
I am so incredibly grateful to the High Fives Foundation for this grant that will not only allow me to continue to ride a bike but will open up so many more trails and opportunities for me to explore and adventure the outdoors! This grant will allow me to continue to live my "life by design" and hopefully inspire others to live their lives to the best of their ability! High fives all around!
These guys are responsible for creating a safe work environment for me. Because my ankle rolls from my spinal cord injury, I somewhat often will roll my ankle and fall off of ladders at work, resulting in mild injury from time to time. They are helping me get the AFO that I need to be able to feel safe and secure at work, and also just to create a much healthier stride and preserve my joints.
These guys got me back in the water for my first time after my SCI (T-10 Complete). As a lifelong surfer this was an incredible moment for me to realize that I hadn't lost surfing. They are truly a wonderful group doing great things for the SCI community.
After being injured in 2009 while serving in 3rd battalion 4th Marines I wasn’t sure if sport would be accessible to me anymore. Thanks to this amazing organization I am now able to get back on snow Nordic skiing as a recipient of a grant to cover the cost of skis and poles!
This organization has given me my life back post-injury. After I broke my neck, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to return to sports. I was completely lost, since outdoor activity was such an essential part of my being. High Fives Foundation has not only enabled me to continue doing the sports I love, but do them alongside an incredible community of like-minded individuals. I’m not sure what I would have done without High Fives. They’ve been with me since the beginning and will be with me until the end.
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My name is Kailyn and I was a semi-professional skier. I got injured at the age of 15 and my life changed permanently. Being in a wheelchair is not something you hear positive information about, I was terrified when I was forced into this new community where I thought I had lost everything. Eight years later, High Fives has done more than just fund activities but has also opened doors for me that I would have never been able to accomplish on my own. Realistically, being in a wheelchair is expensive, also something nobody ever talks about. It is because of High Fives that I am able to be on the mountain again but also have an entire community who has also benefited from High Fives. I will be forever grateful for their team but also the impact they will forever have in my life.
The High Fives Foundation has been the most powerful force to enter my life since my crash. I couldn't be prouder, more energized or motivated to call myself a #highfivesathlete. When first making contact with Roy and Steve in Nov 2016 after the dust had settled from my injury I felt like I had found gravity again. Fast forward to winter 2023 and I find myself having conquered many challenges, spending time in the outdoors and finding stability in community & simple living. I am inspired by the Ohana daily and am excited to uplift the community as I pursue living life once more.
High Fives had directly helped me with therapeutic services, PT expenses, adaptive sports equipment, community, experiences and so much more to get me living life again.
For anyone going through a spinal cord injury the mental trials are taxing and the brightnesss that High Fives has brought to my life has completely changed the game. THANK YOU High Fives for all that you do for the mountain sports community and more importantly for SCI awareness! Charging forward and grinding!
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The High Fives Foundation has quite simply saved me. They have provided funding for countless sessions of physical and occupational therapy to help me recover from a freak ski crash in May 2017. They've also shared their wisdom, direction and infrastructure to help me navigate the complex world of Neurological injuries. They have stood by me, motivated me and given me hope by helping me combat the intense pain that has come with my injuries as well. The community, healing network and overall energy that High Fives brings to the lives of their athletes is unsurpassed and is a model not just for the Non-profit space but our healthcare system as a whole. Truly the safety net of the outdoor sports world. Thank you, High Fives.
In 2019 I survived a c-6 spinal cord injury, after reaching out to the High Fives, I found support and community dedicated to helping me return to an active lifestyle. I've now been awarded my 4th grant from the HF ohana and I'm stoked to take on more adventures!
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I've grown up chasing danger and adrenaline mostly in the form of skateboarding and cycling. After a near fatal fall left me paralyzed from the chest down, I was forced to look at my adventures differently. I applied for a grant to help me fund expensive adaptive equipment through the hi-5 and I was rewarded! Their staff has been friendly and attentive along the way. I'm so grateful to know there are camps to look forward to aswell. Cheers hi-5 and thank you!
High Fives Foundation is an amazing non-profit organization they awarded me with a grant for something I been wanting for years I'm forever grateful I can get out and do the things I love. Thanks High Fives
I recently won a High Fives grant to help with purchasing a sit ski, I'm so excited to try it out and take my skiing to another level. Thanks High Fives!
The people at High Fives were very supportive helping me find the right grant to apply for and ensuring that I had everything I needed for a strong application. Thank you!
I have had a good experience working with the people at High Fives. I am currently in the grant award process with them, and they have been both very receptive and responsive to all communications.
Can’t say enough good things about High Fives. I am an above knee amputee and all of the foundations I have dealt with seem to be more orientated on the disability aspect first, and the sport aspect second. I have been snowboarding and skateboarding most of my entire life, and this is the first foundation i’ve found with the mindset of putting the shred first, and the disability second! My kind of people!!
I had sustained a t12 injury 2 1/2 years ago, with the help of high fives, I was able to purchase a Bowhead Rx. It has helped me to get back out in the mountains and feel alive again. I recently received an additional grant for upgrades and repairs. Without high fives, I would not be able to afford this equipment which is vital to my health. Working with them was a very positive experience, thanks High Fives!!!
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Just over a year ago i sustained a t12 spinal cord injury in a mountain biking accident. I started researching adaptive mountain biking and came across the bowhead reach. This is a revolutionary piece of equipment. I contacted high5's and spoke to Landon. We had alot in common and understood my passion and confirmed that this was something i needed! he reassured me that they would help, and i was awarded with a grant that covered a big chunk of the cost. I have yet to get my bowhead, but have great excitement and am dreaming of once again being on top of a mountain and dropping in on a line. Thank you high5's for inspiring me and helping me get back to life!
This March while surfing with my family in Nicaragua I suffered a spinal cord injury. I was rescued by my children and spent the night on a remote island until my wife was able to get me a flight to the mainland. I had surgery in Managua to decompress my spinal cord but never awoke. Amie was told I needed to get to Canada asap. I was flown to Vancouver and was in a coma. I had a bunch of surgeries. They fused my c2-c7 and gave me a tracheotomy. I was told I was c4 A and probably not getting off a vent. I worked my butt off and even made them put me in a manual chair. Although I still have no feeling from shoulder down. I had a nerve transfer surgery in September and in 10 months to 2 years will hopefully be able to move my fingers. I was told by my roommate at gf strong that high 5 organization helped him in the early days and kept him in sports. I am a ski guide and red seal carpenter. I have spent the past 20 years living in the mountains and surfing in the tropics. My drive and dream is to continue to live life and play hard. High 5 has helped me do this by giving me the opportunity to buy adaptive equipment to do so.
Thank you
When I was injured in 2018, a friend told me about High Fives. Seeing the community of High Fives Athletes encouraged me and inspired me to return to outdoor adventure sports and pushed me to achive my goals. I received a grant for a sit-ski and it changed my life. Being able to return to skiing allowed me to regain my identify and was an imense source of joy in such a dark period of my life.
High Fives has continued to support me over the years and thanks to them I am acheiving my goals of representing Canada internationally in Para Alpine Skiing.
I am just one story of hundreds of disabled athletes who High fFves has supported and I am foever grateful to be part of this comminuty!
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High Fives is the most amazing organization that supports injured bandasses through funding their rehab and adaptive equipment. I grew up skiing and it was my favourite thing in the world. In 2018, while backcountry skiing I was caught in an avalanche and sustained a spinal cord injury. After my skiing accident I immediately recognised I now had the chance to ski in a different way, so I set myself the goal of representing my country at the winter Paralympics. Adaptive skiing equipment is reeeeaally expensive, the grant from High Fives means that I can continue pursue my passion and goals. Thanks to High Fives I can afford to do the sport I love.
I was hurt a little over a year ago. I lost a lot. High Fives got me back into a bike and out into nature with my friends and family again. Could not be more thankful.
The The High Fives Foundation is truly an amazing foundation. After moving to Arizona and finding it is possible to enjoy all nature has to offer. I was able to try a mountain bike on a trail I would have never imagined possible for me to ride on again. The feeling of being free to venture on trails I never thought possible has been made possible by The High Fives Foundation. The ease of the application and the friendliness of the staff has made the grant process a wonderful experience. Thank you.
After my spinal cord injury in 2019 I couldn’t afford rent for my apartment in Denver Colorado to be able to continue physical therapy. High Fives stepped in and helped me out and changed my life forever and continues to be there for me helping get back to the outdoors.
I am so greatful for high fives foundation they have helped me compete in adaptive surfing competitions. This year they also helped me get a board so I can be more competitive.
I am so excited about the support that high fives has offered me and the 83 other athletes. I'm still learning about the company and meeting the staff. Thus far, everyone has been great. Really great.
And just between us... I am really looking forward to seeing the looks and hearing the comments. "dude you only have one leg?" "what?" "no way!" There's nothing more gratifying than getting a comment from an able bodied person who's doing the same activity, when they have to stop stop because they are blown away that I'm doing it too. Me and the other athletes, doing it too, and sometimes, just sometimes, we're even doing it better. . . . with less working parts, in my case a leg. Thank you!
The High Fives Foundation is such an amazing foundation and has provided me with the tools necessary to pursue my para snowboarding career. Because of this foundations generosity I am going into the season with the required tools and equipment needed to train for the Paralympics. This winter I will be training with team Utah and traveling all around the world for snowboard competitions in boardercross and banked slalom. I was nervous to go into the season with my current prosthetic setup because it was not as robust as some of the other athletes. With this foundations generosity I am now going into the season more confident than ever! I will never forget how the High Fives foundation stepped up for me when I needed it most. Forever grateful!
Huge high five to the high fives foundation and all of it amazing crew. 21 years now in to my injury and this is my first time applying for sporting equipment grant. They made things so read and super friendly to bet everything arranged for me to complete all requirements for the grant.
Injury wise I sustained a t8 spinal cord injury from mtn biking. Riding and racing my bike has been a long life passion beginning at the age of 5. Now almost 39 years into life I continue to embellish in all my out door pursuits. Main go to’s skiing and biking.
Following my love and passion, I obviously shill rode and ski along side working in the industry as a professional technician, coach etc….
To keep things sweet and short the high five’s foundation sure can help to take skipping leg day to a whole other level of enjoyment!!
Alway remember “ don’t let an injury get the best of you get the best of it” . Never set limits on your self and for sure don’t let others hold you back. Love your life the way you want, some day maybe toffee than others, but that goes for anyone, able bodied or not. Life- LIVE IT , LOVE IT
On July 1, 2021 I was riding my motorcycle when a deer jumped out in front of me. I broke several bones and ended up with a C6 spinal cord injury. My life was shattered on that day. I thought that I would never be able to ride again, but then I discovered that there was the hand bike. In researching them and finding out how expensive they are, I thought I would never be able to afford one. Then someone told me about High Five. High Five is an amazing foundation that helps people with life changing events obtain equipment like the hand bicycle. With their help, my dream to ride again can be achieved. Thank you High Five.
I am incredibly grateful for the support and assistance I received from the High Fives Foundation. Their generous grant has made a life-changing impact on my journey towards recovery from a recent spinal cord injury.
High Fives Foundation not only provides financial aid but also empowers individuals to regain their independence and mobility. With their help, I was able to purchase an adaptive bike, a crucial tool in my rehabilitation process. The freedom and joy this bike has brought into my life are beyond words.
The application process was seamless, and the staff at High Fives Foundation were compassionate, understanding, and truly dedicated to helping people like me. It's heartwarming to see an organization that genuinely cares about the well-being of individuals facing challenges.
This foundation's commitment to improving the lives of those who have experienced life-altering injuries is truly commendable. I can't thank High Fives Foundation enough for their support, and I highly recommend their services to anyone in need.
Thank you, High Fives Foundation, for being a beacon of hope and a source of strength during this challenging time in my life. Your generosity has made a world of difference, and I am forever grateful. Keep up the incredible work!
On June 12, 2021 my car hydroplaned on my daily commute to work. At T-11-T-12 spinal cord injury resulted changing my life. I discovered the High-Five foundation recently, and couldn’t be more grateful such a blessing exists. I was recently approved for my grant and couldn’t be more pumped. The sense of family and the self esteem they foster as touched my heart.
I am so grateful to the High Fives Foundation for their support in achieving my independence and dreams. Through High Fives, I am able to pursue my love for skiing and sports. I am so excited to be a High Fives athlete and meet others like me. Since my accident, I have been through a lot of hard times, but High Fives has been one of the most positive experiences. Through this experience, I am excited to begin a new journey and become a better me.
This grant will allow me to purchase an adaptive mtn bike. I’m super excited to get back to shredding on the trails. High Fives is super motivating group of individuals that push you to be active.
I was in a motorcycle accident in 2009, resulting in a complete SCI. I haven't been on two wheels since, mostly 4 wheels now. Though I have had the opportunity to be on 3 wheels via handcycles over the past several years. I love being outside, but a wheelchair is a hurdle to taking advantage of activities available. A second hurdle, adaptable equipment is expensive. I haven't seen a tight trail or stood in the middle of an open field since my accident, save where a automobile can get me. High Fives is giving me that opportunity again, and I can not be thankful enough to the organization and the people that graciously give so that myself and people like me can get as close to "normal" again as possible. Thank you!!!
In 2018 I suffered a spinal cord injury due to a motorcycle accident. I am now paralyzed from c7 and in a wheelchair with no movement below my chest. I am lucky to still be able to talk and have movement in my hands. Thanks to the High Fives foundation, I can now get out of the house to enjoy and see new things. If not for the generous donation, I wouldn't have been able to afford this and enjoy the outside like I will now. Greatly appreciated!
High Fives Non-Profit Foundation is a game-changer for athletes like me. They recently gave me a $2500 grant to add electric assistance to my recumbent hand cycle, allowing me to finally cycle despite my physical limitations. I can't express how grateful I am for their support. Their mission to empower athletes from all walks of life is inspiring, and they're making a real difference in people's lives. Thank you, High Fives, for helping me get back to the activities I love! Soaking in the sun and riding along the Pacific coast.
I am a young man who suffered a spinal cord injury. Things are not easy for me but thanks to high-fives. I will be able to get back to the things I enjoy like going on mountain bike trails or to the beach. This wonderful organization has been very helpful. I can’t wait to show the world my off-road wheelchair.
The High Fives grant application wasn’t too bad to go thru. The money I’m awarded will go towards getting an adapted handcycle. Very expensive so the grant is sooo important to get. Frankly I wouldn’t be able to purchase the equipment if it weren’t for the grant monies.
I can’t thank High Fives Foundation enough for their generosity and help towards the disabled community. Their grant will allow me to continue to focus on my goals as it relates to mind, health and purpose. I appreciate the support and am proud to be part of such as amazing organization. Thank you High Fives for all you do!
After my accident one year ago life has become fairly uncomfortable, physically as well as mentally. However, I realized fairly early on that when I'm churnin' and burnin' up a canyon on a handcycle or zipping through the forest on an adaptive mountain bike that I forget about my disability. Recently I received a grant from High Fives to help me purchase my own handcycle. I can't thank them enough for their eagerness to see me outside again doing the things I love, and living life.
On April 23, 2017, I experienced a devastating motorcycle accident that resulted in the immediate amputation of my left leg and severe damage to my right leg, including multiple fractures/broken bones and internal organ injuries. Following this life-altering event, I underwent a four-month induced coma, numerous life-saving surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, additional knee surgery, and further rehabilitation just to regain the ability to walk and eventually receive a prosthetic limb.
Throughout my entire life, I have been an active athlete, participating in semi-professional indoor soccer and coaching. However, my amputation inspired me to return to school and pursue a career as a prosthetist/orthotist, enabling me to help others regain their mobility and independence. I was determined to advocate for individuals facing the challenges of obtaining adaptive equipment and support. As a result, I pursued a master's degree in prosthetics and orthotics at Northwestern University, and I am currently in my first-year residency.
During my time in Chicago, I had the opportunity to visit Bittersweet Mountain SKI Resort in Otsego, Michigan. It was there that I discovered my passion for snowboarding, although I faced difficulties without having my own equipment, making it challenging to make adjustments to a rental board.
Fast forward to the present, I have learned about the remarkable non-profit organization known as the High Fives Foundation, which provides crucial support to adaptive athletes. This foundation is truly dedicated to the well-being of individuals who aspire to remain active, return to their favorite sports, and foster a community that genuinely supports one another. I am immensely grateful to have received a grant from this exceptional foundation. The grant process is extremely straight forward and seamless to follow. With the help of this grant, I can once again engage in sports and, hopefully, serve as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. I have had the privilege of meeting individuals who have benefited from the High Fives Foundation, and now, I am proud to be a part of this supportive community. Thank you, High Fives, for everything you do!
I am incredibly grateful to the High Fives Foundation and all of the work that they do! The organization and all of their staff are very caring, always willing to help and extremely accessible.
I suffered a series of recurring knee injuries while playing sports and staying active as a child. Ultimately, this resulted in severe atrophy of the muscles in my legs and limited range of motion, leaving my knees fused in extension. Through much of my childhood and teenage years, I felt very limited in what sports I could do and how to stay active. Over time, I have learned to be comfortable with my disability and engage in more adaptive sports. The grant from High Fives will further reinforce that, giving me the freedom to explore the outdoors and join friends and family on the ski slopes!
High Fives is an incredible entity that provided so much support for me to get back into those sport activities that I love, and once I thought I lost after my accident. Besides the programs and grants that they offer, they also have created an amazing community that helps adaptive athletes to be motivated and even challenged to become better. Their network with other organizations is very large as well, providing even more opportunities for personal growth. I am so grateful for the grant that they provided for me to acquire a mountain bike and pursue the next chapter in my training journey.
An absolutely amazing organization that will allow me to pursue my dreams of being a snowboard athlete. Ever Since I lost my leg in a tragic motorcycle accident, I've been chasing the idea of feeling like myself again. It wasn't until I strapped myself onto a snowboard and felt the snow beneath my feet (technically foot) that I felt like I was really alive. Ever since then I felt I had this purpose to pursue this feeling and continue my passion for snowsports.
High Fives awarded me a grant to receive an adaptive mountain bike which will allow me to hit the mountains like I did prior to injury I sustained in Afghanistan and multiple surgeries. I am so grateful for this grant and the people of the High Fives Fountain and their contributors who make these grants possible for adaptive athletes like myself and countless others. Thank you High Fives for all you do!
I am so grateful to have heard about and connect with the High Fives family. Having spoken with them briefly, they are a group of kind people who are ready to help out people affected by spinal cord injuries. They not only provide me with the tools to get into great health to live a long life, but they give me access to freedom. As a permanent wheelchair users, I am limited to the places I can go; like the beach, uphills, grassy areas, bike trails, etc. The mornings that I am out riding in my own, it never feels like I’m disabled. It’s a freeing feeling to be able to feel the breeze while your heart is pumping strong with the warm sun on your face. Because of High Fives I have many events to look forward to, thankful for a brighter future.
High Five Foundation is truly an amazing organization and they have opened up an opportunity for me to futher advance in my recovery and as a athlete and there helping the community in ways words can't even begin to describe!
In a world where compassion and inclusion reign supreme, High Five non-profit foundation stands out as a beacon of hope and support for the disability community. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to making the world a better place for all, they have proven time and time again that disabilities do not define a person's potential or limit their dreams.
High Fives awarded me a grant to receive a adaptive mountain bike and enabled me to have fun in the mountains like a was before any sort of injury. I am so grateful to have this and it will bring a lot of joy and happiness for me but also the people around me. Can't thank High Fives enough!
Starting your life over after a spinal cord injury is a huge adjustment. In the beginning stages of my injury, I wasn’t sure how I would remain active or be outdoors as a previousLy very active 18 year old. I quickly learned that adaptive sports and equipment would help me do that. For people who don’t have an endless amount of finances, grants and scholarships are extremely important for life changing equipment and experiences. High Fives helps people with disabilities get equipment & find community while they get back to living life. I am incredibly grateful for this organization!
I’m very grateful for the grant that High- Fives has awarded me! In 2018, I was in a motorcycle accident and sustained an Sci; this altered my life completely. I worked really hard to get to where I am today and in that journey I was blessed to become a father of wild little boy who has grown to love bikes (I think its because he likes the wheels on my chair). It’s a matter of time before he’s off the strider bike and on a normal one, so I needed something so that I can keep up with him as well as expand my personal independence. High- Fives helped make that possible! Great group of people, great organization. Very grateful for what they do and couldn’t speak higher of them! Thank you High- Fives
By receiving a grant from High Fives for an off road handcycle, this will allow to me continue my effort to maintain a healthy and active life. Biking was my #1 sport prior to my spinal cord injury in 2016. My husband & i can enjoy this activity together again. I'm also now connected with others in the community in wheelchairs who strive to continue to live their lives despite theses enormous life changes. I live in beautiful Colorado and look forward to continuing to explore the roads and trails out my back door!! Thank you for this enormous gift High Fives!!
High Fives is an amazing organization that I'm proud to now be a part of! I sustained a spinal cord injury in 2018 in a car accident, and ever since I've been working hard to rebuild my life and get back to the things I love. High Fives is funding a Freewheel wheelchair attachment that will help me get back out onto nature trails in my wheelchair. I'm extremely grateful for this organization and the incredible work they do to help athletes like me return to the things we love most. Thanks High Fives!
I have been a quadriplegic for almost 10 years. Early on I received a grant for a hand cycle. Unfortunately, parts are starting to wear out, particularly the seat cushion. I am so incredibly grateful to the High Fives foundation to help me keep my hand cycle journey alive. I have been suffering from pressure sores lately and the grant for a new upgraded cushion will allow me to keep cycling. Thank you for everyone at the High Fives foundation. Their support for injured athletes is making a huge difference in all of our lives.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for High Fives generous grant provided to support the acquisition of an adaptive mountain bike.
Your support has made an incredible impact on my life and has opened up new possibilities that were once beyond my reach. The adaptive equipment has become an invaluable asset, enabling me to overcome the challenges I face daily and empowering me to lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
With this equipment, I now have the means to participate more actively in daily activities, pursue my passions, and achieve personal goals. It has not only enhanced my physical capabilities but has also boosted my confidence and self-esteem, knowing that I have the necessary tools to navigate through life with greater ease and efficiency.
I am truly grateful for your organization's dedication to empowering individuals like me who are living with unique needs. Your commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility is inspiring and has made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals.
Once again, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your belief in the potential of people with disabilities and for providing the resources needed to make a positive impact. I promise to make the most of this opportunity and use the adaptive equipment to its fullest potential, striving to achieve my dreams and contribute to my community in meaningful ways.
Your generosity has touched my life profoundly, and I will always cherish this gift of independence and empowerment. Thank you for making a difference and being a catalyst for positive change.
Elsa Lalonde
I’ve been an avid skier, equestrian and outdoor adventurer most of my life. It’s been a part of how I’ve raised my kids and we’ve all enjoyed being outdoors. I grew up in Montana before moving to Minnesota when I was 13. In the last few years I’ve been spending more time back in Montana when my schedule allowed.
I had a ski accident on March 7, 2023 in Big Sky, Montana. It was a fluke – which is what an accident is – but it is hard to come to grips with the idea that everything changes in one moment. We were on a blue run heading down for lunch and I caught an edge that sent me into the air. I flipped over and landed in a way that the helmet didn’t protect. As an emergency room physician, I unfortunately knew on impact that I had broken my neck.
I was taken by Ski Patrol down the mountain and was immediately air-lifted to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. They were able to get me into a Halo to relieve the pressure on my spinal cord and I went into surgery overnight to deal with an exploded C5. They fused the back of my neck from C3-C7. My spinal cord was not severed, which was the hopeful news at that point.
I was in the Bozeman hospital for almost a week, and thanks to what seemed like many miracles I was accepted to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado. They are one of the best in the nation for spinal cord rehabilitation and it’s an incredible facility that I had never heard of prior to this accident. I was transferred on a stretcher by a medical jet to Colorado on March 15th. At that time I had almost no movement in any of my extremities.
I spent 12 weeks at Craig Hospital. I was fortunate to have a team of family and friends who came to stay and participate in therapy with me at Craig for the entire 12 weeks. I worked hard to regain as much neurological connection to my extremities through Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy as possible – capitalizing on the opportunity to work with the therapists and equipment in that environment.
There’s a scale for spinal cord injury called the ASIA scale. When I was admitted to Craig I was an “A” which means no movement below the level of injury. At the end of the 12 weeks I was able to get to a category “C” which felt like a major accomplishment based on my original intake status. I now have movement in both of my arms, a little more control over my upper body and a long way to go.
From there I spent two weeks in Craig's outpatient facility, starting to apply what I learned in OT and PT in a more independent environment. I left Craig Hospital on June 15th in an electric wheelchair, flew on a commercial flight, and returned to Minnesota to a new apartment since there was no way to make my home accessible.
I’ve been in a profession where I unfortunately have seen a lot of catastrophes and the impact that they have on patients and their families. No one ever expects that something like this will happen to them or someone they know. That’s how it should be. I am grieving the life that I had before while remaining hopeful.
With spinal cord injuries, they say you have two years to recover as much movement as you can through work and determination. I intend to think of this journey as the most important work of my life so far.
Living on Oahu, I was enjoying all of the excellent outdoor activities available in Hawai'i when disaster struck. On September 23, 2018, I suffered a catastrophic C2/3 Spinal Cord Injury from a shore break accident body boarding.
Fortunately, I was in the surf with my nephew, a US Army Nurse. I was resuscitated on site with emergency transport to Honolulu’s Queens Hospital to repair bone fragments and occlusion of the left vertebral artery from the C1-C2 through C2-C3 levels due to forehead impact and subsequent hyperextension. I learned much later that the surgeon was reluctant to operate due to the severity of the vertebral artery injury. I am thankful he did, but when I regained consciousness in the intensive care unit three days later, I was intubated, I couldn’t speak and I couldn’t move anything but my eyes. I wished I had not survived the accident.
Lying in the hospital bed alone and completely paralyzed I was living my worst nightmare and wondered how I could end everything when I couldn’t move a muscle. When my wife and daughter entered my hospital room everything changed. I knew I needed to be strong for my family. First, I moved the pinky on my right hand the slightest bit. The next time I tried I could move it a bit more. By the time I left the ICU & was transported to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado I could move my right hand a bit and the toes on my right foot even less.
I spent the next three months in inpatient care and a fourth month in outpatient care re-learning how to breathe, eat, and move my arms, legs, hands and feet. I experienced some of the darkest times of my life at that time. I don’t even remember smiling until late October when all the hospital staff went to great extent to dress and decorate for Halloween. Here, I also experienced some of the most powerful encouragement and support. The doctors, nurses, therapists and support staff worked together as a team to ensure whole-patient recovery, growth and reintegration. My medical and physical rehabilitation began there under guidance from my own personal team of therapists. These amazing professionals were determined to push me as hard and far as I could go, and I was determined to walk out the front doors when I reached my four-month discharge date.
On December 26, 2018, during a simple standing exercise on the therapy room parallel bars I felt strong enough to take my first steps. I was able to walk the length of the parallel bars on that day. On January 26, 2019, I walked out the front doors and flew back to Honolulu with my wife. I returned to the ICU at Queens Hospital on the 1-year anniversary of my accident to say thank you to the doctors and nurses that saved my life that first week when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to live or die.
Today I have regained enough functionality to enjoy our beautiful surroundings here in Hawai’i and even kayak and surf with a local accessibility organization, AccesSurf and thanks to The HighFives Foundation I have a new board. The reality for any spinal cord injury survivor is that they will never live their life the same, but for me, I can enjoy my new life with my family with a new perspective and a new determination that guides me in all new challenges I take on.
I’m very grateful for the High Fives Foundation and the opportunities that they are providing for me. I’ve been living with a spinal cord injury for 22 years and recently got back into skiing about 3 years ago. Being back out in the mountains has been an incredible experience, but finding the right monoski equipment to use is both challenging and very expensive. The High Fives Foundation recently approved me for a grant to help fund the purchase of a new monoski which will make such a huge difference to my life and allow all my para skiing dreams to come true.
I couldn’t be more thankful to have support from such a great organization. SCI recovery never ends, both physically and mentally, and it’s amazing that this outstanding organization is there to support adaptive athletes no matter what stage of their journey they are on. Thank you High Fives for everything that you do!
High Fives has been a huge help through my SCI recovery. They are so understanding and passionate about supporting people in doing what they love, moving their bodies, and connecting with a nature- a truly healing place! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work with them, they have helped supplement PT for me when my insurance maxed out. I have been connected with so many other outdoor enthusiasts through High Fives who have also experienced an injury, and having that community on my side has felt like home. Thanks again High Fives!
I had just arrived in Puerto Rico for an epic beach trip to cap off the end of 2022 with about ten friends. We had to make a last minute change of AirBnBs and with that, we lost our surf boards too. The next morning, we go body surfing instead of surfing. The first first wave of the trip? Smack, right into a rogue sandbar. I didn’t know it yet but I broke my neck and I’m completely paralyzed. I end up getting my arms and hands back by some miracle, but it leaves me paralyzed chest down.
Fast forward through months of physical therapy, surgeries, and doctors appointments, and your left with tens of thousands of dollars needed to pay towards medical equipment.
I’m so excited that the High Fives Foundation stepped in and is helping me get an FES Bike that allows my legs to get the exercise they used to get so much of. It’ll prevent atrophy, increase my blood flow and well being, and perhaps my favorite, reduce muscle spasms — allowing me to regain my independence & continue to pursue my passions.
The High5 foundation family has been a catalyst for my recovery! Athletes helping athletes get back in the game. Movement is my medicine. I can’t say enough good things about how having likeminded folks ready to pick me up has given me hope and community.
Last year I have sustained T4 spinal cord injury while mountain biking. It left me paralyzed from the chest down and unable to enjoy outdoors. I'm incredibly grateful to High Fives Foundation for contributing to my adaptive bike purchase and helping me to get outside!
Thanks to High 5s I'm able to well on my way towards my long time goal of acquiring a Bowhead off road handcycle, before my motorcycle racing accident which left me with a Spinal cord injury at the T4/5 level I was an avid mountain-biker who rode multiple times a week for exercise and recreation and got great enjoyment and purpose from it. The High 5s foundation are great to work with and make the process of receiving assistance very straight forward. I look towards growing as an athlete both physically and as person, working on my mental resilience and self belief with the other athletes and staff.
High Fives foundation has helped me tremendously. I thought my life changing head injury was going to be the end of me. Thanks to their efforts and support, I'm on the path to getting my life back and feel more confident than ever to pursue my dreams and passions. I couldn't be more grateful for what they have done for me. Truly life changing, truly inspiring. Thanks, High Fives!
I’m so grateful for the Hope and opportunities High Fives gives to outdoor athletes! What a necessary and valuable organization! Outdoor passions are key to many people’s mental health including my own. Post concussive syndrome made my life challenging after a couple concussions mountain biking. High Fives is helping me dial in my recovery at the Brain Rehab Center so I can continue to pursue mountain biking and snowboarding passionately. I’m so appreciative of this opportunity and the support High Fives gives to people in need! What a fantastic organization!!
I am so incredibly grateful to have been blessed by this foundation for sports equipment. Thank you for everyone at the high five foundation that has helped me fulfill this dream. thank you !- Michael porter
I recently received a grant from High Fives and am beyond grateful for the incredible support they provide to individuals like me. Earlier this year I sustained a spinal cord injury while snowboarding, leaving me paralyzed from the waist down. Thanks to this grant, I can continue focusing on physical therapy which has helped me regain feeling and motor control below the level of my injury. I’m looking forward to joining the community and eventually getting back out surfing again. Thanks High Fives!
The High Fives crew is amazingly supportive, enthusiastic, and fun to be around. Their stoke, energy, and effort was ever present in the grant application process which was wonderfully efficient. These grants have allowed many friends to continue exploring beyond boundaries, and I am full of appreciation for their offering of support to get me new surf gear to help me chase more dreams in every season!
I was injured 18 months ago, which left me with a SCI at my C7 level and my right leg paralyzed. As an avid athlete, it obviously was devastating to me knowing that I wouldn't be able to participate in my favorite sport of cycling. A friend recently told me about High Fives Non-Profit Foundation and I was surprisingly chosen a grant to contribute towards a new handcycle. The foundation has been wonderful with communication and their overall process so far has been very easy. I am thrilled to have this opportunity and cannot wait to get back into my favorite sport, thanks to my new friends at the High Fives Foundation!
I am a survivor of a serious spinal cord injury that occurred while pursuing my passion for the outdoors in rural Alaska. The High Fives Foundation has allowed me to extend my rehabilitation and bring me closer to regaining the life of motion that has defined who I am for my entire life. Thank you for the support, High Fives!
I am so stoked to receive an Empowerment Grant from High Fives. As a lifelong surfer and waterman who has suffered a C5/C6 SCI, my life is forever different. However, with the help of High Fives I am determined to get back in the water at whatever level I can achieve.
This January I fell over 100' of cliffs while skiing a high consequence line in the Lake Tahoe backcountry. After breaking my L1-L4 and 3 ribs which punctured my left lung, tearing open my low back and hamstring, in addition to blowing up my ACL, I need a lot of help in my recovery journey. You can learn more about my accident here: https://www.tiktok.com/@sammyaucella/video/7211668808518520110
I am forever grateful for the Empowerment Grant which will help fund my expensive and extensive recovery. SCI injuries are no joke, and it will take a lot (and a lot of help) to come back from this experience. As a private contractor and photographer, I was unable to work for 4 months and it continues to take a toll on my body. Paying for expensive medical bills while unable to work has been a challenge. As times I felt helpless and frustrated that I could not fund my healing journey like I desperately need. High Fives has helped ease some of this burden and I feel so much more optimistic for my future and return to sport. Not only that but I feel supported by the team far beyond the monetary benefit. It is clear that they are invested in my healing journey and I am so grateful I don't have to go at this alone.
As a Lake Tahoe native, I was skiing for the Sugar Bowl Ski Team back when founder Roy Tuscany was a freeride coach and had his accident. From afar I witnessed how he grew High Fives into what it is today, and although I hoped to never have to lean on this amazing team for support, I cannot thank High Fives enough for being here and for all that they do - my gratitude is more potent now more than ever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My name is Andre Barbieri, I became an above knee amputee on a snowboard accident in 2011. I'm a surfer as well, and have been on an amazing life journey. With the help of entities like High Fives I can keep living my dreams, always inspired! Thank you High Fives for trusting in me and I look forward to many adventures to come!
Biking is Life! I've been on bike trails since I was an infant in a trailer behind my dad's bike. Life changed a year ago due to a spinal cord injury sustained in a mountain biking accident. I'm now a quadriplegic. While in rehab, I participated in an adaptive cycling program and realized that I can cycle again! Adaptive equipment is quite expensive, so I was so glad to find out about High Fives Foundation grant opportunities.
Working with High Fives Foundation has been amazing! Their associates were very helpful and responded to emails in a timely manner. The application process was very straightforward and provided clear timing for submissions and decisions. They kept me informed about the status of my application.
I am so thankful to have received approval from the grant selection committee for a High Fives Foundation Empowerment Grant to be used toward my adaptive sports goals. The High Fives Foundation was very generous and will help me reach my goal to get back on the trail (tri)cycling this year.
I’m proud to be part of #HighFivesAthletes!
I am, by virtue of misfortune, new to the world of nonprofits and foundations. Due to recent dirt bike accident I have been paralyzed from a destroyed T4 and T5 vertebrae. Leaving my virtually stripped of the ability to continue my beloved hobbies, my escapes and pursuits of adventure. This obviously carries with a negative effect on ones outlook and without High Fives the outlook can become your life pretty quickly.
High Fives is non only so well organised and equipped to help people like me with outdoor and extreme sports passions, filling a void that is often created by such activities in peoples lives. But they were also the first organisation to reach out and begin to support me in my recovery journey. That support has been continued through a grant that will help achieve my goal of getting back into my passion of spearfishing, a goal that keeps me going on this journey of recovery.
Pushing forward to this goal has virtually saved my life. What more can I say.
Thank you High Fives
Dylan Taylor
I Applied for an equipment grant in order to purchase new wheelchair rugby equipment. I broke my neck in a snowboarding accident in 2009 and started playing wheelchair rugby in late 2010. I had always used hand me down chairs/equipment. I managed to fundraise enough for a chair once but you can only ask friends and family for financial support so many times... I had applied to other organizations for funding but the process always felt extremely bureaucratic and personally invasive. The High Fives application process was extremely simple and straight forward. The Staff were super helpful with any questions I had and the the whole thing took less than 60 days from the date I applied until the date I was informed of my approval. Having applied for other equipment grants in the past, I have to say that this was by far the most efficient process I've ever encountered and feel that they are truly in it to positively impact the lives of people with disabilities. I'm extremely grateful to the High Fives for assisting me in the pursuit of my goals not only in sport but in life!
These guys are great to work with! They make the grant process very easy to understand. I'm so grateful they chose me to receive this grant! I am now able to afford the mayo cycle. They definitely have this system down to a science.
High Fives has supported me for over a decade and I can't speak highly enough of their impact on my life and on the adaptive athlete community as a whole. Initially, they helped me to get back on the mountain skiing after I was paralyzed at age 25 while working as a ski patroller. Since then they have supported my competitive adaptive surfing career, welcomed me in their adaptive ski camps, provided me with a grant for a free wheel that will allow me to get out into nature in my wheelchair, and will be supporting me in some exciting projects ahead. Most importantly, High Fives has pushed me to reconnect with my identity as an athlete and as a strong, confident, resilient, and worthy human being!
I am a person who thrives in a positive environment filled with adventure. When I had my accident, I thought that life was over. Then I learned about HighFives and witnessed the amazing things they do and I knew I had to be a part of it. I’ve seen firsthand how they positively impact athlete’s lives and I’m so grateful to be one of their athletes!
I am incredibly grateful for the continued support of the High Fives Foundation, without which, I would not be able to afford the critical therapy's that I need to navigate my day-to-day life.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for this community!
Nice to have the High Fives Foundation providing support for me during my recovery from serious skiing accident. They help provide funding for a FES Bike used with my therapy to improve my arm movements and possible legs in the future. I really appreciate the grant.
The High Fives Foundation has been a huge support for me during my long recovery from serious injuries resulting from an indoor climbing gym accident. Getting my mobility back has been arduous and frustrating at times, but the financial assistance and positive rehab community that High Fives has provided to me has been very important and I will be forever grateful for it. The staff have all been so warm and helpful, it truly is a wonderful organization that I am proud to be associated with. Thank-you High Fives!
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High Fives Foundation has given me a new surge of hope & motivation for my recovery & rehabilitation since my catastrophic fall & injuries that occurred in October 2020. I fell 33ft onto the floor during an indoor rock climbing gym accident, resulting in two very mangled ankles & 2 fractured vertebrae, but thankfully no paralysis. It has been a very painful & very emotionally difficult 9 months as I struggle to get my mobility & life back, with more surgeries & extensive rehab remaining. I am very grateful for the financial support HIGH FIVES is providing to help give me the best shot at a full recovery. Connection to their support network & goal orientated framework is also helping with my motivation & hope; two things that have been dwindling lately as I struggle to get my mobility back. I am looking forward to brighter days ahead and trying to focus on activities & adventures that I CAN do for now, instead of getting upset at all the things I CAN’T do. THANK-YOU HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION!!
picture is me playing wheelchair tennis a couple months after my accident, trying to make due :)
This foundation has taken a huge burden off our family. Thanks to them BB will have more opportunities to stay in top physical health and allow him to participate and be competitive in Paraclimbing World Cups and World Championship!
So grateful for an organization that helps support recreational goals and allows people who have gone through life altering injuries the opportunity to strive for greatness and live our best lives!
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I was injured in a downhill skiing accident and sustained a spinal cord injury which left me a paraplegic. Prior to my accident I was an avid hiker, traveler, skier, kickboxer and yoga teacher; needless to say, being active was a huge part of my life. Now that I am a full time wheelchair user my recreational and fitness options are more limited. But being able to participate in adaptive sports and activities has been essential for my healing and re-adjustment to life after injury.
This foundation is incredible and I am extremely grateful for the support they have given me. Not only financial support; but also the emotional support, and network needed to achieve goals after life-changing injury. I am so thankful to be part of a community of like minded adaptive athletes who are chasing their dreams and living life to the fullest.
Major props to the High Fives Foundation for making this possible for myself and many others. Thank you for allowing me to get back to activities that I enjoy and fulfill me, it means the world!
On October 17, 2020, I was in the mountains of northern New Mexico, doing what I love the most: being outside on my bike. Unfortunately, it was the last run of the day, and I was speeding down a gnarly trail at Angel Fire Mountain Bike Park and crashed.
The crash resulted in my left leg being amputated above the knee.
The following months after my accident met the High Fives family, and they were there to ensure I returned to what I love.
Movement has been my vehicle to experience freedom and discover how beautiful life can be, no matter the challenges life throws me. Movement has been my outlet to navigate and survive adversity, hardship, and pain through every stage of life.
When I am out riding at sunrise, crushing mountain passes, or competing in the Paratriathlon National Championships, I am not disabled. I am an athlete and a human living to experience freedom.
Over the past year, I have found deep healing, purpose, and a sense of belonging in Triathlon. Because of High Fives Foundation, I can chase my dreams as an elite para-athlete and represent the USA on the world circuit.
The High Fives Foundation is the essence of charity. They have helped so many people, including myself, with getting back to the life they love. Whether it's providing financial assistance or more hands on with getting participants back into their adventure sports, The High Fives Foundation is a noble cause. One that is making a huge impact on my life, by supporting me in my outdoor adventure goals and by helping me make a full recovery! I am blessed to have come across the foundation.
Thank you High Fives Foundation for the 2023 grant! In 2014 I suffered a spinal cord injury resulting in Paraplegia from a motocross accident. This grant will provide me with the resources to purchase equipment to further my physical therapy regimen, fitness program, and the pursuit of outdoor recreational activities. Strength, good health, and a positive attitude all lead toward attaining greater independence!!
The High Fives Foundation has supported me in so many ways, I am beyond thankful to be an athlete on their incredible roster. A little over a year and a half ago I broke my neck and after inpatient rehab I was left to navigate what would be my new life... Since then, High Fives has helped immensely with this very challenging transition, from assisting me in purchasing rehabilitative equipment that helped build my strength and independence, to now providing me with a manual wheelchair that I will use everyday. It's hard to describe the major impact that High Fives has had on my life since my injury, but it is nothing short of amazing. Please consider donating to this charity, it has changed my life and so many others lives as well.
We are looking forward to working with High Fives. My husband Darryl had a backcountry ski accident March of 2022 and suffered a traumatic brain injury and a broken Tib/fib, he spent 7 months in the hospital at Craig in Denver and QLI in Omaha. We are so happy to be home now and getting back to life! We are so thankful for this grant that will help with therapeutic treatments for Darryl so he can continue to heal. Thank you High Fives!
My name is Caleb Wilson and I can't believe how much the high five foundation has helped me and my family out. 2 days before Christmas in 2022 I had a life-changing snowboarding accident at Sugar Bowl that has left me paralyzed. The help that we received from high five started with Roy Tuscany. He talked to my dad and myself to guide us through everything that we should expect going forward. Landon McGauley helped guide my dad with all the necessary paperwork that needed to be filled out for the grant. The help didn't stop there... The most recent help we received was a grant to help pay for the bathroom modifications necessary for me to shower properly. Everyone involved with high five team that helped my family and I out, thank you so much! I am grateful that there is a foundation out there as good as high five!
High Fives has been a huge help to our daughter pursuing activity after her accident. She lost her lower right leg doing what she loves, climbing boulders in the foothills. This year, High Fives has awarded her a grant for a Mountain Bike. Callaway could not be more excited to ride in the foothills again. We are so thankful to High Fives for providing a bike that she can trust... for the empowerment in the great outdoors! THANK YOU!
High Fives gives me hope I can get back to doing the activities I love. The one activity I love the most is monoskiing and after a mountain biking accident left me with a higher level injury than I had before, I was not sure this was a possibility.
I am still recovering, so I cannot go out and monoski yet. But, thanks to the grant from High Fives I will be able to have a custom-built monoski bucket. This will allow me to ski faster, harder, and with less fatigue.
I had a serious mountain biking accident and sustained a spinal cord injury, resulting in quadriplegia. High Fives has been a huge part of my physical and mental recovery. Shortly after my injury, they helped me receive the physical therapy needed to improve my strength and increase my independence. Once my strength improved, they are helping to fund a hand cycle so I will be able to get back on the trails…a dream I have had since day one of my injury. I would not be where I am today without their support. They are a vital organization to the SCI community, filling a huge void in SCI recovery.
In July 2020 I misjudged my footing and fell down a waterfall while hiking and broke my back, becoming paraplegic. I had no movement in my legs at first, but by the end of my 3 month hospital stay, I had just started to walk with forearm crutches. I live in a small town surrounded by vast forest that is very challenging for me to access as a wheelchair user, as even my forearm crutches can't get me very far. Enter the High Fives Empowerment grant! The grant is going to do just that -empower me to get back out exploring! I cried when i got the email telling me my application had been approved, as I felt so seen in my struggles and my dreams. It is more than just the money towards an adaptive mountain bike, it's being welcomed into a community. It's being surrounded by other adventurers who get it, who have gone through what i am going through and are doing life in this new adapted way -still badass, still getting out there and totally rocking it. I can't wait to meet other High Fives athletes at adaptive mountain biking events and other camps and share in that sweet disabled joy. Thank you High Fives!
Accident in 2020 left me in a comma for the first month and in and out of the hospital for the better part of the year. I am still partially blind but fortunately sable to walk. Learning how to do some of activities that I used to love doing has been a difficult modification and recovery. I can walk and hike and even run with a guide. I have returned to biking on a trike and hope to return to mountain biking with a new off road trike. Made possible by a very gracious grant from the High Fives Foundation.
High Fives has helped continue my journey as a para-athlete! I will be able to continue training to compete as a one legged ski racer!
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It is an honor to be part of the High Fives family! I am a Marine Corps Veteran as well as a prior law enforcement officer. I am now an “above the knee” (AK) amputee and keep pushing forward, one step at a time.
While in the Marine Corps, I injured my knees and then in 2005 I began a surgical journey that would soon lead to 23 surgeries on my left leg, eventually resulting in a life-changing above the knee amputation. This ended my career in law enforcement in where I was a Field Training Officer, Mounted Patrol Officer, Evidence Technician, Field Investigator, and SWAT member.
While it has been a long and hard road, I continue to overcome each and every obstacle that comes my way, yet I still seek new challenges because that is what keeps me going! I am now a “three track”, or one-legged alpine ski racer with goals of becoming an elite athlete. My dedication and life experience helps me to succeed and endure through times of challenge and injury.
With the help of High Fives, I am able to continue pursuing my passion and goals! Thank you again to all of the High Fives staff and family!!
I broke my back in a climbing accident in 2014 and sustained a life changing spinal cord injury. Purchasing adaptive sports equipment is extremely expensive, and support from High Fives is making it possible for me to stay active. I am also really excited to be more involved in high fives community as a whole, and participate in activities with other adaptive athletes.
After my bicycle injury in 2021, I was paralyzed from the chest down.
High Fives has helped me return to the sport of biking with a grant to help me afford a bike. They have also supported me in my continual therapy efforts.
High Fives represents the best of what adaptive sports in the community surrounding it is. Family.
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After my bicycle accident in June 2021, I was Paralyzed from the shoulders down because of a spinal cord injury.
High-fives is financially helping me get back to biking with people that I love so that I can live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
It means so much to me and my family that this opportunity again.
I broke my neck in April 2022. While I was recovering, high fives reached out to me with open arms. My injury is C4 and I use a power wheelchair, but luckily I have gotten stronger to be able to use a manual wheelchair. Thanks to high fives, I now have a grant to put towards the purchase of a manual wheelchair. I am beyond stoked!
Last year I had a bad spill racing motocross that left me paralyzed from the chest down. The high fives foundation has awarded me a grant which will allow me to continue extensive physical therapy.. this with my hope of walking again allows me to chase that dream! So thankful for High Fives!
I broke my back in april 2022. Almost immediately high fives reached out and wanted to help. In under a year they have helped me get a mountain bike along with so many other things. They have helped me so much and this is one of the best non-profits out there. Thank you for everything you do
I was hurt in a rock climbing accident in June 2020 and had to get however High Fives has helped me get back into my love for the rivers and get back into fly fishing. Thank you High Fives.
I got an accident when I was 15 years old doing something I fell in love with at a young age BMX. i broke my neck at c5-c6, im now 36years old. After my accident I Gave up on a lot in my life and lived a very sedentary lifestyle for Many years. I went to a wheelchair rugby practice And a whole new world opened up to me. My 1st hand cycling experience was with my rugby Coach. And now I've been handcycling for 10 plus years. Unfortunately, they don't tell you How expensive it becomes to try and Get into adaptive sports Especially the equipment. For someone in my situation on a fixed income this presents a real challenge. And if it wasn't for organizations like high fives foundation, I wouldn't have opportunities to try equipment out and To get the financial help needed to obtain equipment that is safe for me to work with. The High Fives foundation also offers incredible community for people With disabilities that love the outdoors And want to remain active In action sports. In my opinion this is far more valuable for your mental and physical health than any therapy Especially after a life Altering injury. The high five's foundation offers hope, inspiration, community, and support To individuals with disabilities that still want to have adventures and shred. I greatly appreciate High Fives foundations help In purchasing a off road full suspension hand cycle to take my riding to a new level. I can't wait to take this new challenge on and help the off-road hand cycling scene and sport grow. On a side note, the process of writing a Grant through high five's foundation is really easy, Straightforward and their Extremely efficient about getting back to you and help you with the writing process.
After I sustained a spinal cord injury in a motocross accident I wanted to get back to racing more than anything. High fives provided me with a grant to help with the cost of getting my handcycle ready for racing for the 2023 season.
Hello, my name is Luke Sharp . In 2015 I was in an accident that left me a C3-C4 quadriplegic. Highfives awarded me a grant that I am using towards my physical therapy. This helps me become stronger which makes taking steps and transferring easier. I am so grateful that they were able to help me out and I’m excited to be a part of this.
Five years ago I woke up in the hospital stitched together while simultaneously falling apart after an off-road accident...only to leave said hospital without my lower right leg. Now, while I've figured out how to be athletic again, I desperately lack the equipment necessary to recover back to the athlete I once was. Today....I found out I'm a recipient of a High Fives Foundation grant to gift me the top of the line prosthetics I need (but frankly can't afford) AND I COULD NOT BE MORE STOKED! Many more days to add to that Ikon pass that wouldn't otherwise be there, and I can't wait to share my progress along the way!!
I am very excited to receive my high fives grant. The grant will be put towards purchasing a bike that will get me back into the outdoors with friends which will increase not only my physical health but also my mental health. I'm super excited to go explore new places!
I was one year into fulfilling my dream of living in the Rocky Mountains when I sustained a spinal cord injury from a mountain biking accident in those same beautiful mountains. My life changed in an instant. I had to move back across the country to Pennsylvania, back to my parents’ house. High Fives immediately helped me and my family with home modifications. Now, a little over two years later, I’m healthy and comfortable enough that I want to travel. They just hooked me up with funding for a shower/commode chair so I can get back out of my little corner of Pennsylvania and see the world again!
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High Fives reached out to me while I was at Craig Hospital after a SCI from breaking my C5 vertebrae in a mountain biking accident. They assured me that my fun on the mountain is not over, but may have only just begun. With exclusive access to camps and funding to keep the stoke alive, I am super pumped to be able to call myself a High Fives Athlete.
High Fives has been an instrumentl part of heping me achieve my goals as a para athlete. I am about to compete at my first ever World Para Snowboard Championships in La Molina, Spain, and without the help of High Fives, I never would have been able to make it.
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I just received my first High Fives grant, and I am ecstatic! My right upper arm shoulder were paralyzed in a snowboarding accident in 2003. Almost 20 years later, snowboarding is still my passion. I’m hoping to be part of the first class of women’s UL snowboard athletes at the 2026 Paralympics, and I’m so thankful to High Fives for helping me along my journey. Every interaction I’ve had with the organization has been wonderful. The staff are quick to respond and communicate clearly. The grant application process was straightforward and easy to use. I can’t wait to get my adaptive boots and bindings so I can up my training this winter. Thank you, High Fives!
At 19, I was racing my dirt bike in Florida when I had a rough accident that result in paralysis from the chest down. The following months were some of the most depressing of my life. I was afraid I was never going to able to participate in any form of action sports again. I thought this was true until I was introduced to the HighFives Foundation. This foundation is one of the leading foundations in the SCI world. They showed me that even with my injury, I would still be able to participate in the spirts that I loved and even try some new ones as well! Through this foundation I’ve had the privilege of working with the staff to help me get back on a dirt bike and even provided me with a grant to one of there camps to learn how to sit ski. I couldn’t be more happy to be associated with this foundation. They are truly life changing.
At the age of 66, I was injured in a freak skiing accident that has changed my life in ways I could never have foreseen. Paralyzed below T4, it has been a struggle to relearn how to do practically every aspect of my life. Add to that the loss of the ability to do so many of the outdoor activities I used to love - cycling, skiing and hiking. I am now beginning to relearn in this area as well. With the support of High Fives, I am purchasing an adaptive mountain bike that will allow me to be in the woods, exploring trails that have not been accessible to me, and to enjoy the challenge of getting over rough terrain. I look forward to the joy of undertaking this challenge!
I cried this morning once I read my grant acceptance letter. I can't explain in words how amazing this foundation really is. I'm so excited to be a part of this foundation and I hope to keep in touch for events and outings to show my support.
In 2019, my life changed forever in the blink of an eye when I suffered a spinal cord injury due to a skiing accident.
Two days later, while on life support in the hospital, High Fives was already in my corner. They paved the way to attend a top rehabilitation program, and has been by my side ever since.
4 years removed from my injury and High Fives has continued to positively impact my life in every way possible.
High Fives is an oustanding family of people, pushing the limits of adaptive sport. Their support has helped me get back out onto the snow and cross country ski with my wife.
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This organization has not only helped me financially by providing a grant for a nordic ski bucket, but also by building a community. I have been able to meet amazing friends through this family. People that have been dealt a difficult situation, and conquer it. Continually pushing the limits on adaptive sports and showing that living with a disability doesn't mean you can't live life to the fullest.
The High Fives Foundation has helped provide me with funding for things that I had nowhere else to turn to. My quality of life is significantly better because of my HF's family and I am so grateful for their love and support.
The High Fives Foundation is an amazing organization. It gives opportunities to so many disabled athletes. I heard about the grant through my buddy who got a grant through them. I saw how much freedom and opportunities he was able to have with using the equipment he got through high five foundation. Having organizations like High Fives allows athletes like myself to be free and try so many new sports and activities like wakeboarding. Having this resource will for sure expedite my recovery and lead me to have a more fulfilled life. I love to meet other athletes through the organization as well and try so many different activities i could of only dreamed of without an organization like High Fives Foundation.
The High Fives Foundation is truly an amazing organization to work with. Four months ago I suffered a spinal cord injury (T12) in a rock climbing accident. I was introduced to the High Fives Foundation 2 months ago and immediately began training at the CR Johnson Healing center in Truckee, CA. The opportunity to interact with so many other High Fives Athletes on a daily basis has been invaluable. My road to recovery has been made so much smoother thanks to the advice, support, and positive energy from the High Five Athletes and staff.
I heard about this foundation from another patient at Craig hospital in Denver. He told me that this is a great foundation to possibly receive funds for acquiring medical equipment. I applied for the grant, it was an easy process and fortunately I received a grant which I was quite excited to acquire. Being a C4 quadriplegic and I have Asia D mobility, I’m able to have some arm and leg movement which I’m so happy maybe to purchase a new step machine, which would help facilitate my continued improvement
I am looking forward to working with High Five. Such an amazing mission statement and a great team. A lot of disabled individuals do not know these organizations exist and I believe it is essential to get the message out to our community. Thank you to everyone at High Five for what they continue to do for those looking for community and for assistance.
High Fives is an amazing organization that is so passionate about their athletes! Thanks to them, I am able to get back to skiing with friends and family. Having the right equipment that fits me was critical and High Fives made it happen!
A climbing gym accident in 2018 resulted in an L1 burst fracture, which impacted my spinal cord. The lasting effects have been paralysis in my calves and hips, which makes it very difficult to hike without danger of twisting or even breaking an ankle, and the braces I currently have are often too inflexible for hiking. High Fives has provided funding for me to secure specialized braces that will better enable me to get back into the backcountry and realize my dream of climbing Pingora in the Wind River range. I am extremely grateful for this organization and its dedication to getting outdoor enthusiasts back out there following severe injury.
I am truly appreciative of the High Five Foundation and the work they do to create and expand opportunities for participation in adventure sports and recreation for people with life changing injuries.
I am also grateful for being a recipient of an Empowerment Fund Grant to assist with the purchase of a new Handcycle.
I was injured in a skiing accident in 1983 and sustained a Spinal Cord Injury at level T-11, leaving me with paralysis from the waist down. It was a very scary time at the age of 26 to say the least.
I was introduced to the world of Adaptive Sport shortly thereafter. Adaptive equipment in those "early days" was a bit rudimentary and archaic. Advancement in equipment technologies, teaching techniques, and the willingness of Athlete's to continually "push limits" has enabled us to do more, creating opportunities for increased participation and "WOW" moments for all to experience and see.
The High Five Foundation Empowerment Grant Program provides the means for individuals with disabilities to continue participating, growing and advancing their physical and mental well-being amidst camaraderie with their peers, family and friends through participation in sport.
For me, the purchase of a new Handcycle is only possible due to the assistance of the Empowerment Grant, enabling me to continue my journey of physical and mental wellbeing while giving back to others in similar situations.
"HIGH FIVES" ALL-AROUND!!!!!
High Fives is truly amazing. It has been a challenge adapting back into mountain biking but the grant High Fives is providing will help those times when fatigue and mental dismay start creeping in. I am so deeply grateful for the folks at High Fives. Looking forward to thriving in this sport.
My experience with everyone at High Fives has given me hope in the most challenging times. What they make possible for people is extraordinary! For me, they've made feeling like an athlete again, possible.
I suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 17 and the best thing to happen to me since has been finding the adaptive mountain biking community. Thanks to High Fives I will be able to get a bike of my own - something I never thought was possible. They truly change lives!
I have been involved in sport since I could walk and it has always been a large part of my life. After the accident sport became harder to participate in, however organizations like High Fives break down those barriers and help people get back to doing what they love.
High Fives is an amazing organization that has helped give me the opportunity to get back on the trails! As a previous ATV and Dirt Bike woods racer as well as avid mountain biker getting back in the woods means everything! After suffering a spinal cord injury I never thought I would be able to get back on the trails again. High Fives has given me and so many other wheelchair users opportunities we could not experience without their help. They have developed a great process that is easy to follow and well communicated. Thanks High Fives!
Incredible non-profit making it possible to get adaptive equipment needed to enjoy the outdoors. After I was paralyzed I thought my ability to engage as a mountain-biker was over. Thanks to technological innovations and non-profits like High Fives I am able to do more than I I ever imagined possible!
High Fives has been nothing but a true miracle for me. I was not aware of such organizations before I talked to a fellow wheelchair user at my therapy place and I was totally not expecting the process to be so smooth and easy! Organizations like High Fives give people hope and the ability to live an active life after serious injuries that turn lives upside down. It is very important to realize that life goes on even after such a life-changing experience and High Fives enables people to be truly them and do what they love most!
High Fives is truly a fantastic organization. After sustaining a life altering spinal cord injury, I felt like I had no drive or passions left in my life. Then I discovered adaptive surfing- which has given me the motivation to keep going. High fives has changed my life by giving me the ability to keep pursuing my dreams as a professional adaptive surfer not only by awarding me a grant to pay for the expenses associated- but by amazing encouragement , offering invaluable resources and a real sense of a belonging.
The second I got to inpatient rehab I started hearing about the high fives organization and how much they do for the disabled community. Two years later I applied for a grant to help pay for an adaptive mountain bike to alow me to return to one of my favorite hobbies. I'm excited to continue to work with the high fives organization and to get back onto the trails!
5 years after my accident I found out about High Fives. I applied and they didn't hesitate. It's an amazing thing they got goin here. It's been a long time since I lost the ability to walk. I've been watching my kids grow so fast all the while doin all I can to stay with them. Just keep up. The beauty is, they don't know me any differently than in this chair. On the flip side I feel as though I've gotten to run around with everyone else's kids but my own. The help I'm receiving from High Fives is nothing short of a game changer for both my family and I. The piece of equipment in goin for is the Coyote by Outrider. I'll be able to get back in the mountains again. Hike, bike and 4by with my kids. Family bike rides through town, hunting and fishing with my Uncles. High Fives truly is helping a dream come true.
High fives is a truly amazing organization. I was injured in paragliding accident in 2020 resulting in injuries so severe I had to be airlifted to a hospital. I shattered my pelvis and 14 other bones, in addition to suffering a permanent spinal cord injury. I've been trying to find my new normal since the accident, and have really taken a keen interest in riding a recumbent bike.
The grant provided by high fives enabled me to purchase a recumbent bike, so that I can continue to enjoy outdoor activities. Thank you high fives for helping me get back outside!!!
Truly an amazing organization. Providing equipment, support, and hope to people who have suffered traumatic injuries, allowing them to get back out there and pursue their dreams and have fun through sports. I suffered a C6 spinal cord injury that left me in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. I was distraught and afraid I'd never be able to get out on trails and mountain bike again. High Fives has awarded me grant to get an adaptive mountain bike though which allows me to rip down hills, race, explore, and have fun again with my friends. Truly life changing!
I sustained a spinal cord injury during my military service. This injury has decreased my mobility and has affected my ability to enjoy cycling and overall life. I tried a tadpole trike but my injury is slowly getting worse. I was directed by a social worker at the VA to reach out to Hi-Five. OMG! they are a lifesaver and GOD send. They are making it possible to modify my trike with an adaptive device to allow increased activity and quality time with my family. Without them and their generous contributions, many people with SCI or similar injuries would be sidelined. These grants improve overall mental health and well-being not only for the individual but also for family members as well. Continue to keep doing good things for good people. As a medical professional, I approve!
I have loved skiing since I was a child. I started racing in high school, then joined my school's team in college. I broke my back on the last day of a winter training training trip, and am now paralyzed from the chest down.
Five and a half years later, I have never been able to replace the level of connection I felt with the world on skis. I have been trying to learn how to sit ski since the winter after my injury, but have consistently had issues getting rental equipment to provide the level of support I need. High Fives is now empowering me to get my own monoski that will provide me the level of support I need and allow me to make any necessary personalized adjustments, and thereby remove the limitations on my progress imposed by equipment. I am absolutely stoked to get out this winter and start working my way back to that feeling I love, and to appreciate the beauty and joy of snow again!
This is a wonderful foundation that is willing to help people get back to what they loved to do. This foundation is helping me get a street bike, so I can continue to exercise on it and go on rides with my family. After checking my email and receiving the email that I got the grant made me tear up. I can't wait to get my new bike thanks to the High Five Foundation.
This is an incredible foundation that has helped me to get active again after a spinal cord injury. I applied for the grass not really expecting to get anything and to my surprise I got the full amount to purchase a trike that will allow me to be riding every day! I had a scooter to get around but I wasn’t getting any exercise that I wanted, the strike is going to be life-changing in this organization is fantastic, I am forever grateful.
The High Fives Foundation have created a profound and lasting sense of purpose and hope out of senseless random accidents and suffering. Unless you or someone you or someone you love has experienced a severe spinal cord injury, it is impossible to understand how devastating they can be. I suffered a spinal cord injury while I was skiing that nearly killed me and left me paraplegic. There will always be a BEFORE time and and an AFTER time. BEFORE, I worked hard all week, all month, or all year to help others and spent as much of my off time as possible skiing, hiking, diving, wakeboarding, paddling, exploring, and having fun. "Work hard, play hard." AFTER, so far, has been extremely difficult. I spent months just focusing on survival and basic skills, hospitalized. In the months following the injury, my life was all about rehabilitation, but no matter how hard I pushed myself, the improvements leveled off and it began to set in that I was not going to get much better. I'm still struggling with that. I'm fortunate to BE ALIVE, but I really only FEEL ALIVE when I'm outside wheeling along a bike trail, out on the water, or out in nature. Unfortunately, the adaptive equipment required to do something as simple as hand biking down a bike trail costs thousands of dollars. You can't go to Wal Mart and buy a $200 bike for a paraplegic. I feel trapped in a body that doesn't work anymore. I long for exploration, adventure, outside exercise, and freedom, but it is hard to justify spending money on what seems like a selfish luxury when I already am spending money on adaptive modifications on everything for daily life, my ability to earn a living is so much less than it was, and I'm drowning in medical debt. I feel guilty that I need help every day from the people I used to provide for. I know it is a lifelong sacrifice for them to keep caring for me. The High Fives Foundation has been a game-changer. Complete strangers, many of whom with similar stories or worse, have donated a grant that will purchase a hand bike attachment that will allow me to be outside and feel alive again, and I'll be able to have fun with the people I care about again. I started following a guy on Instagram who was injured around the same time as me, and he went on some excursions with the High Fives team, and his posts inspired me to keep pushing myself and to apply for the grant. We never met in real life, but he was in the same hospital with the same therapists and doctors at the same time. The hope High Fives gave him has now spread to me, and I hope that I will be able to inspire others to donate or to accept help. The people at High Fives are dedicating their time, passion, energy, and money to help people like me be able to focus on actually enjoying life instead of simply surviving . I am now inspired, hopeful, and I am very grateful.
After being in a motorcycle accident that left me as a T4 Paraplegic in June 2020, I thought I’d never be able to do the sports that I love and explore the outdoors that I grew up in again. Shortly after my injury I was connected with High Fives Foundation and found that all the things that I used to do were most definitely possible! Everyone at High Fives has shown such an incredible amount of support in my recovery and helping me get back out doing the sports that I love. This year I decided that I was ready to get back into downhill mountain biking and High Fives is making that possible with a grant towards a new Bowhead Reach bike! I’m so thankful for this foundation and what they’ve done for me and how much they do and help out other injured athletes in the community. I’ve never felt so welcomed by a group of people, and I truly can’t even put into words how much this foundation means to me! Thank you High Fives for changing my life and giving me the ability to get back on a bike and start shredding again!
After sustaining a series of injuries and other medical complications I have been a wheelchair user for over a year. Sports have been a huge part of my recovery so far to find community and confidence with my disability. I attended an adaptive surf event and fell in love. Although I never thought I would be able to independently surf but with the support of High Five I have the chance to get out on the water. Being able to go to the beach has been a part of my coping with the drastic life changes from my health. Now I don’t just have to watch surfers but can get out and join them! I can’t wait! I couldn’t be more grateful for High Five’s support.
The High Fives Foundation provides disabled athletes both network and funding opportunities to get back into various adaptive sports. Through their annual grant program, they helped me purchase a Bowhead RX handcycle and ultimately allowed me to get back out on the trails and ride with my able-bodied counterparts. This organization has been nothing but helpful and encouraging to me during my grant application and reward process and I am incredibly thankful that such an organization like this exists!
-Paul S.
I just received a grant to help maintain my adaptive mountain bike and also upgrade my wheels to a bigger size. This will all help me improve my skills and help my enjoy the outdoors as much as possible. This grant also will allow the purchase of a new battery that will double the distance and time of my adventures and open more opportunities. Mountain biking has been my favorite outlet after becoming a paraplegic T7 complete. On 12/09/2020 while cutting firewood I was hit by a dead tree. I hope to inspire others with disabilities like the High Fives athletes that have inspired me. I can’t thank the High Fives and the donors that make this all possible for me and all adaptive athletes that benefit from this great nonprofit foundation.
Thank you
Grant
I applied to this foundation because I needed help with funding towards getting a hand cycle. This nonprofit was able to graciously grant me funding to get closer to my dreams of exploring again! I haven’t been able to get back into nature or exploring in nearly 2 years since I was paralyzed! I’m so grateful for this foundation for giving me this opportunity again. Thank you so much!
I just received a grant to help me get an adaptive mountain bike and I am stoked! Couldn’t be more grateful. Adaptive sports equipment is expensive and without High Fives Foundation I would be able to get a bike. This opportunity is life changing. I cant wait to get in my bike and hit the trails! Thanks High Fives!
I’ve known about High Fives for years. I’ve met so many of the athletes they’ve helped get back to doing the things they love. They’ve all spoken so highly of their experience that I applied for a grant in the most recent cycle myself. I just found out that I was one of the many new High Fives athletes to receive grant funding. With their help I’m going to be able to get outdoors again and enjoy time with my wife and little girl. Thanks High Fives for all you do!
When I became a quadriplegic from a cervical spinal cord injury sustained in a water ski accident it seemed my active life I loved was going to be but a memory. With the support of High Fives Foundation I am learning that I was wrong and am engaged in outdoor active sports again. Having an organization like High Fives walk alongside you in your journey to adjust to a life changing injury offers not only financial support but also key encouragement and connection with others which empowers you to go beyond what the hospital and doctors stated was "as good as you're gonna get" and reclaim your life as you want it to be.
I live in Calgary Alberta, Canada.
I have always loved the outdoors and been an active person my whole life. I enjoy skiing, swimming, cycling, and walking with my family and friends. I am an ecologist, and up to 2019 I conducted tours by bicycle.
In 2019, I was in a bad accident that left me with a partially amputated leg and neurocognitive issues. I was cycling with a friend when I was hit by a transport truck. I was in a coma for two weeks and spent six months in rehab and in hospital. The journey has been hard. I have strong supports in my family and friends, and I continue to pursue the activities that make me who I am.
In addition, I have two children and a husband whom I must keep up with.
I have returned to cross- country skiing as well. being in the silence of the snow and the mountains is my happy place.
I am grateful to High Fives for the work they do to help people connect with community and sport. This grant for adaptive sports equipment will allow me to ride together with family and friends. Thanks a million!
The High Fives Foundation does an amazing job empowering athletes with various disabilities engage in high level athletic opportunities. I was injured surfing that resulted in paralysis below the waist. High Fives has presented me with chances to get back to doing what I love!
Took a hard fall mountain biking on November 23, 2021 that resulted in quadriplegia. A whole new world started that day with lots of challenges and questions ahead. As an outdoor addict, what would even be possible? Many of those questions are waiting to be answered but with access to a group of like-minded individuals at High Fives that have met their own challenges with success, it shows me what can be done. With my grant from High Fives I can get equipment I need to reach my short and long term goals and eventually get back to what I love, being on my bike....just a different model this time :)
Thanks High Fives for your work, generosity and support!!
When I was 20 years old I had my right leg amputated below the knee after a bad snowboarding accident. Shortly after that, I moved to California for a new job and a fresh start in life. Shortly after the move, I received my first surfing lesson and my life completely changed from there. I slowly began to build my surfing ability and it became a true passion and therapy to help calm me down. Over the years I have started to compete and represent my home country Canada at international surf competitions. For the past several years I have seen the presence of High Fives at these competitions. Everyone involved with this organization has always been full of stoke, support for everyone involved, and all-around happiness. They have a very warm and accepting community that I am drawn to, and that makes people with differences feel accepted, and valued. I am so fortunate to be a recipient of one of their grants to enable me to train more and be able to push my physical and mental limits as an amputee.
After my mountain bike crash in early 2022 I was left paralyzed from the chest down. I didn't think I was going to be able to get back on a bike anytime soon. With the help of High Fives I will now be able to get back on a bike, ride with my friends, wife and dog just like before my accident. I am very grateful for the support High Fives has given me. Just amazing.
Since I was paralyzed, I had been watching Trevor Kenniston and others sit ski via social media’s and never thought I could get to that level. But after 2 seasons of skiing I feel like I am improving exponentially. But my instructors were constantly telling me how old and outdated my monoski is. Coming in to save the day, High fives accepted my grant application and gave me money towards a new Hydra monoski! I was literally speechless and cannot wait to order this bad boy. Thank you for High Fives, for everything you do for the action sports community.
In October 2020, I was hit by a pickup truck and dragged for 50 feet while a was riding my bike. I sustained 14 fractures and was paralyzed from my chest down. I was 15 yrs old and did not know if my life would ever be the same. And then I discovered High Fives. They helped me get a monoski as I was an avid skier before my injury. These people are so kind and its still hard to believe that a place like this exists. Thank you High Fives!!
Before my injury I was extremely active in a variety of outdoor sports including mountain biking, backcountry hunting (both on foot and MTB), backpacking, sea kayaking, fishing, sailing, Nordic skiing, etc. In February 2022 I was involved in a mountain bike crash on a trail near Bend Oregon which resulted in paralysis in my legs and arms. I now realize that I’m on a different fork in life’s trail and am committed to regaining as many of the outdoor activities that I love. While rehabbing at Craig Hospital in Denver I learned of the High Fives Foundation’s Empowerment Grant opportunity. I am completely impressed by the enthusiasm and goals of the High Five Foundation. Their grant process will allow me to purchase a recumbent bike that will help me get back on the trail where I belong.
I am paraplegic and an adaptive surfer, and High Fives has just helped fund a beach wheelchair for me! Until now, I've had to use my everyday wheelchair to go to the beach, which doesn't get through the sand very well, and which very quickly wears and is damaged, causing me to require frequent repairs - not to mention the sand and salt it leaves everywhere! This Crossfire wheelchair High Fives has funded will help me get to the beach, get down to the water, and make surfing an all-around easier experience for me. Thank you High Fives!
I have had a great experience every time I do anything with high fives foundation.
I went on a military to the mountain adaptive ski program that blew me away. Camp was well thought out and executed. It was fun and safe.
Now they approved a grant for a adaptive mountain bike and I can't be more excited!
The amount of support, dedication, and community this family of friends provides is immeasurable.
I feel lucky to be a member.
Hi Fives has been a true blessing. On July 3rd I broke my neck at the C5 level in a diving accident. I love being outdoors enjoying activities like surfing, hiking, and biking. My passion for bikes led me to averaging between 75-100 miles per week with various cycling groups. Not being able to enjoy any of these activities has really taken a toll on me mentally since my injury. I can’t wait to get my new Top End hand cycle that High Fives is funding for me. I also am very excited to come out to Truckee to have the opportunity to further progress my recovery and learn more about the options available to help lead and exciting life. Every interaction I’ve had with High Fives has been first class and has gave me hope that life can be amazing post injury.
I recently was paralyzed from the nipple level down, in a downhill mountain biking accident at Whistler Bike Park in August of 2021.
7 months later, I applied and was awarded a grant from High Fives Foundation towards the purchase of a Bowhead Adaptive mountain bike. I can't believe I'll be able to hit the trails again so soon. High Fives is a foundation that gave me a lot of hope during my recovery. They are awesome!
I broke my back riding motocross in 2001. It left me paralyzed. Over the years since my accident, sit skiing has replaced my passion for dirtbikes. I gradually got better and have had the opportunity to become independent on the ski mountain. Reaching out to High Fives has absolutely helped me by gaining access to resources and equipment to help me continue to get better and live a more fulfilling life as a person with disabilities. I truly wish that others like myself would reach out and apply for assistance to gain access to pursue fun things that fulfill! Thank you Hive Fives!
I have been truly fortunate to spend my life outdoors enjoying snow skiing, backpacking and kayaking. These activities, and more, were at the forefront of my retirement plans three years ago. That all changed with one non-spectacular fall while skiing in 2019. My incomplete C4 SCI left me with significant physical challenges that prevent almost all of the outdoor activities I love. Since then I have been astounded by the shear number of people, especially young people, who are impacted by similar injuries. I learned of the High Fives Foundation through rehab and friends that have directly benefited from their generosity. I was fortunate to be selected for a grant to help me with a recumbent e-trike. The ability to go fast and feel the wind in my face again is truly wonderful! Being able to get outside and have fun makes a huge difference in my life. I'm currently working on my endurance to be able to participate in the Cycle to the Sea fundraising ride (for ASAP adaptive sports) from Charlotte, NC to Myrtle Beach, SC. Seeing the number of people that this organization has helped is remarkable and life changing. My thanks to all who help bring so much hope to me and those who need it.
I was injured mountain biking in 2019. For the last three years, I have struggled to find anything's positive; adventure and independence defined me. I am finally starting to look forward to the future and step one is to become as self reliant as possible. High Fives awarded me a generous grant that will allow me to make my bathroom accessible with the goal of becoming completely independent in my personal care. This is a huge step for me and will really allow me to move forward with a purpose. I am so very greatful to this organization and look forward to the positive experience they bring to all of us.
The High Fives Foundation is so amazing and what they do for people with paralysis is so heart warming. I am finally able to get out on the ski slopes with the freedom and independence of having my own sit ski that they funded! I am so excited!
In fall of 2020 I was injured while riding my mountain bike. The injury left me with total left arm paralysis. This new reality has effected every aspect of my life, and I have been struggling to retain the things that give my life joy. Mountain biking was a big part of that, and High Fives is helping to make it possible for me to afford to get the specialty equipment I will need to make riding again a reality. I could not be more pleased with the assistance and support High Fives is providing for me.
After my injury, I had so many things taken from me, High Fives has provided me, along with so many others, a great chance to get back to living a normal life. Truly an incredible organization!
The work that High Fives does makes huge impacts on the lives of so many - including mine. High Fives is providing me support to help me reach my goals and I cannot thank them enough for what they do. I am forever grateful!
High fives has helped me get back to doing what I love!
January 18th of 2021 I broke my back at T12 in a skiing accident, at the time I was 17. Although I loved skiing upon further reflection I realized that my biggest loss was my ability to go on camping and fishing trips with my dad. High fives is helping me regain strength in my legs to navigate campsites and fund an adaptive canoe seat to help me paddle just as strong as I did before the accident. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with high fives and look forward to working with them in the future!
In 2011, I suffered a T4 spinal cord injury leaving my paralyzed from the chest down. After years of medical issues, recently, I was finally able to get in a sit ski. To say skiing completely changed the quality of my life would be an understatement. Nothing compares to the freedom and joy sit skiing produces. However, I quickly realized that without my own equipment, I would not be able to progress to the level of skiing I know that I am capable of, as I cannot get on the mountain frequently enough and it is hard to tailor program's skis to meet my level of injury. Thanks to the High Fives Foundation, this is no longer an issue! I will now be able to ski freely and unlock a level of freedom and happiness that I have yet to experience. Words cannot express how grateful I am to the High Fives Foundation and their life changing work.
My name is Brenden Doyle, I sustained a spinal cord injury two years ago while skydiving. I am an Army veteran of nine years and a hard charging athlete. After receiving the diagnosis that I would never be able to walk again I thought my life was over. A few months later I found out about the HighFives foundation and applied for a grant for a piece of adaptive equipment that would get me back into the mountains with my friends. Without the HighFives foundation I would have never been able to afford this piece of equipment. I will forever be grateful to them as it will provide me with years of independent fun and adventures!
I am a injured first responder and Marine veteran. The injury changed my life, I'm still trying to piece it back together. The daily struggles can be quite depressing. High Fives has offered the help I need to get back on track. I was introduced to them with an invitation to participate in their Military to the Mountains program. It takes disabled veterans into the mountains to learn how to ski. I cant even describe how energizing it was for me when I had my first lesson. They also provide grants to purchase adaptive sports equipment, I'm hoping to get a adaptive bicycle that will enable me to ride the trails with my K-9. I can think of no words that adequately express my appreciation. Thank you for putting life back in my life.
I am constantly amazed at the world and how generous it can be. To my surprise I was blown away that an organization like High Fives existed and could help someone like me get back into active sports. I've been an athlete my entire life. Started martial arts and Kendo and golf at the age of 5. Ran nationally for cross country and track and played a lot of different sports growing up. One of my favorite things was of course skiing and snowboarding - I got injured when I was 19 snowboarding and it changed me life in an instant. I was paralyzed and suffered massive injuries - about 2 years and 15 surgeries later I had to really shift my mindset on what I wanted to do with my life. I could sit around and feel sorry for myself or do everything I can and live my life to the fullest. I started monoskiing about 6 years ago and loved it. I try to go with my friends every season and didn't think I could one day own my own ski and shred around the world! Thanks so much! This is a life changer!
High Fives Foundation has made my life much easier! After an ATV accident in 2019 resulting of a spinal cord injury & brain injury. Every day life is not always easy. While my wife is a full time working mom, I am responsible for our two boys during the day. Both are now in school so getting in and out of my truck taking my wheel chair completely apart is such a hassle. Especially in inclement weather. I am so looking forward to the improvement of my day to day life that High Five has helped me achieve. I am so honored to be chosen for this grant. I can't even begin to say thank you enough. So, a big warm thank you for this opportunity.
High 5s has awarded me some much needed funding to support my adventures. These funds are helping me get closer to having a Bowhead of my own. Having a custom sized piece of adaptive equipment is expensive, but makes getting outside so much more fun. Next spring it's full steam ahead! Thanks to High 5s!
I was injured in a motocross crash in 2012 that left me paralyzed from T5 down. I have been wanting to get back to riding off-road in any capacity since then. High Fives Foundation was kind enough to award me a grant to help me get a motorized mountain bike. I cannot state enough how much this means to me and how excited I am to get back to riding. The amount of people they help every year is truly incredible! Thanks for everything!
Hi my name is Joe Maher!
All my life I've had a passion for riding BMX, mountain bikes, and motocross. Back in 2001 at the age of 28 I was injured in a motocross accident that left me paralyzed from the waist down. That day forever changed my life by taking away my ability to walk and leaving me confined to a wheelchair.
However, I chose to overcome adversity by persevering and not letting my disability stop me from being an athlete and achieving my goals in life. Now my life passions and goals have taken a different direction. Over the years, I have competed in several adaptive sports. But, it wasn't until I was introduced to adaptive mountain biking that I was able to feel the thrill and adrenaline rush I got from racing motocross.
As we all know in the wheelchair community that adaptive sports equipment can be very expensive. Therefore, this year I applied for the High Fives Foundation grant to help with the purchase of a adaptive mountain bike. To my surprise, I was fortunate and blessed to be awarded the grant.
This grant will allow to be one step closer to reaching my goals and making my dreams a reality. Having an adaptive mountain bike will give me the freedom and independence to explore places that I am not able to in my everyday wheelchair. Now, I will be able to get back out riding with family and friends enjoying nature and local recreational trails. I will be able to travel and go on new adventures riding mountain bike trails across the country and visiting national parks.
I just want to give a shout out and say thank you to the High Fives Foundation for helping me to continue living life to the fullest and return to my passion of mountain biking enjoying the outdoors and nature.
I can't say enough good things about the High Fives Foundation. I recently applied and received a grant for an adaptive mountain bike. Mountain biking was a big part of life before my spinal cord injury in 2006. Since then I have not been able to enjoy mountain biking. Until now! I wanted to get mountain bike that fit all my needs from quick bike park rides to overnight bikepacking trips. The bike that fit that need is way beyond what I can afford out of pocket but with the help of a grant from the High Fives Foundation that is now a reality. I can't wait to receive my bike and begin tearing up the trails. Thank you High Fives!!
I sustained a T8 spinal cord injury from a head on car collision with a semi-truck during my senior year of high school. I had always been very active competing in varsity sports all through out high school and was lucky enough to get involved with a community group of fellow wheelies early on in my recovery who helped me realize that I could still do the same things I did before, just adapted. However one thing that never quite felt the same was hiking. I was fortunate to grow up near the mountains and loved being outside and going on trails, but the adaptations for doing such just wasn't the same. Either the pathways were too flat and paved or someone had to carry me. It wasn't until I discovered adaptive mountain biking that I realized this was the solution to my longing for the mountains. When looking into how much freedom would cost me it was demoralizing to say the least. As people with disabilities we already have higher expenses than the average person because of health reasons or just daily living modifications that are needed, so to add additional modifications to a bike is not easy to afford. Luckily, someone told me about High Fives Foundation and they gave me a grant to go towards my mountain bike to help offset the large cost. Now because of High Fives I am able to return to the mountains that I once loved and access trails I didn't think I'd ever see again. Not only that but they offered their help with anything that I may be interested in and also introducing me to outdoor sports I didn't even know existed for someone in my position. Because of them I am able to figuratively and literally reach higher mountains. Thank you High Fives!
Hey y'all,
My name's Harjot Thandi, but I go by the nickname Happy. 28 years old and living in Squamish, BC my entire life.
For those of you that don't know, Squamish is referred to as "The Outdoor Capital of Canada" and the people that live and visit here are just as amazing as the views and activities. With plenty to do here, a lot of the residents are highly active in a lit if sports. Snowboarding is a huge passion of me, along with Kiteboarding with I just got into a few years ago, but those boards are gonna have to be hung up on the wall as I switch to a sit-ski and find some way to fabricate a "sit-wakeboard" for myself. But aside from these sports, there's one that really stands out out here and that's mountain biking.
A motorcycle crash back in April of 2021 left me completely paralyzed below my T3 vertebrae. While adjusting to ever at rehab, and getting used to my capabilities, I was introduced to this organization through another patient. After doing a bit of research and seeing the positive results of their athletes I couldn't help but check to see if I qualify for a grant.
Thank you to this organization, for helping me out by partially funding a sick new Bowhead bike! I'll be back up in those mountains drinking that end of the day brew while enjoying a sunset in no time!
And thank you to all of the sponsors for making that happen, you've all helped out a lot of us and we can't be more grateful.
And to all the future High Five Athletes, can't wait to see y'all send it
Cheers
Getting paralyzed was never on my bucket list. Especially when i was only 16. I have always loved the water and boats, I had a sitski that I really enjoyed but after jumping it, i realized i needed a wakeboard. My dad and I made a wakeboard using the cage from my skitski and some Velcro to hold my feet on. It got the job done but over the years my experience level has grown and the homemade board is no longer enough for me. Thanks to High Fives foundation I will be able to keep improving my skill level and also have the ability to teach other people with disabilities how to enjoy the water on a board! Thanks High Fives.
On July 17, 2021, I was involved in a horrible mountain biking accident rendering me a T-5 complete paraplegic.
Just a few days after my accident, I found out about High Fives. I knew I wanted to return to mountain biking and High Fives would be a part of that return. Mountain biking has brought me so much joy in my life, I can't imagine not being able to enjoy the sport. Having a Spinal Cord Injury doesn't mean I can't mountain bike, it just means I'll be mountain biking using different equipment.
One of the most critical things for me in the early days of my injury was knowing that there were other people in the world with similar injuries living full lives. Seeing the High Fives community thriving and growing has been phenomenal. I am excited to receive a grant to get back to doing what I love to do. I am excited to be a part of the growing inclusive High Fives Ohana!
My name is Brady Sprik and I used to be extremely active in sports prior to my accident that left me an incomplete T5 Para. I played, baseball, basketball, football and track. I really didn't have the opportunity or want, to participate in adaptive sports initially because of the location of where we live and opportunities that were available to me. I applied for a grant to help purchase a hand cycle and I am so excited that I was one of the lucky ones to have my grant approved from High Fives. I am very excited that High Fives is giving me this opportunity to help purchase an adaptive bike , to be able to get outdoors more and to get some exercise in too. Thank you High Fives Brady Sprik, Platte SD
In 2017, four days before my senior year of high school, I was injured trying to preform a stunt on a trampoline. I unfortunately came up short and broke my neck resulting in a c6/c7 spinal cord injury. Before my injury I lived almost every second of everyday outside experiencing nature, adventure, and adrenaline. To say I was an adrenaline junkie would be the say least so of course I flocked to mountain biking. Mountain biking quickly became my number one passion in life and I rode almost everyday and was planning to race in college. After my accident I quickly came to realize that my love for adventure, the outdoors, and mountain biking was all stripped away from me, or at least that's what I thought before I found the High Fives Foundation. What drew me towards High Fives was not only were they giving people like me the opportunity to get their lives back but their mission statement and the things and sports they promote is parallel to my life and the strive for adventure. Becoming a High Fives athlete and being awarded a grant to pursue my passion and be able to obtain an adaptive mountain bike has absolutely changed my life and has brought back a love that was thought to be unattainable after my injury. The High Fives Foundation truly changes lives. Thank you High Fives!
For years I have watched and admired this organization. I would read or hear stories of High-Fives athletes that would lift me up, motivate, and inspire me. Now, 18 yrs after a dirt bike accident that forced me to adapt my whole life, High-fives was here to help me when I needed them most, as they welcomed me into their community of incredible athletes.
As most adaptive athletes will agree, the accident that caused us to have to adapt is only the beginning of our challenge. Particularly, in the SCI community, many of my peers agree that we would rather live without the ability to walk, than with the residual effects that our injuries have had. People always ask “what happened to you?” And always before answering I think, ‘what hasn’t happened to me!?’ People often see only one of our challenges, but almost all of us continue fighting a lot of other challenges that no one sees. When High-fives sees something in us as athletes it means so much more than getting financial support to afford adaptive equipment we might not otherwise afford on our own, but we become part of an amazing community that holds each other accountable to our goals and pushes each other constantly to be the best version of ourselves despite any of the residual challenges any of us face.
In addition to helping me get back on my own mountain bike, and back on the trails doing the activity I love most with people I love most, High-fives has made me part of something so much bigger than my own passion and I am so excited to journey forward with them, and spread their stoke to everyone.
I'm so thankful to HighFives for helping my daughter pursue a sport that she found after her accident. In February of 2021, she was climbing boulders with her brother in the foothills of Albquerque when some boulders moved, pinning and crushing her from her hips down. She had 22 injuries, spent 5 weeks in the hospital, and has had 7 surgeries so far. As of yet, her leg is not fully healed and she is not able to wear a prosthetic, so being able to be granted a sports chair is MORE THAN AMAZING. She's so excited to have her own "sports car!" We're very grateful to High Fives for making this process simple for us and for helping our sweet girl to get a chair personally fitted to her. BIG BIG BIG thanks to High Fives.
On January 8th, 2018 I was driving home from picking up my brother's ashes who had just passed away in a road rage incident 3 weeks prior. An hour into my trip, I hit a patch of black ice and flipped the vehicle several times before ultimately wrapping it around a tree. I was partially ejected, pinned underneath the upside down vehicle, and had broken my back. I was paralyzed from the chest down instantly. My 5 year old son made it out of the crash without a scratch and ended up saving my life by going for help as I had fallen unconscious. I was rescued by paramedics and later given life saving surgery to stabilize my spine. fast forward 3.5 years, I was given the opportunity to try adaptive surfing in the pacific north west where I reside. This instilled a confidence in me I had never experienced before. I have been training since May of this year. Through another adaptive athlete from my hometown, I learned about High Fives and was recently awarded a grant from them. This grant will help me further my training and help make me as independent as possible on the ocean. I cried at the news of this grant being awarded. High Fives is making a tremendous impact on my life and the lives of so many other adaptive athletes. There support means the absolute world to me.
It takes a village to achieve some of your biggest goals so to have the support of High Fives means the world to me. At 16 years old, after a motocross accident, I thought my life was over. I thought that sport was no longer going to be part of my life. Now, I am here chasing big dreams, in hopes to compete for Canada, and I couldn't have done it without the support of nonprofits like High Fives.
As an avid outdoors person, I was doing what I loved to do…hike! It was a beautiful fall day in Oct. when my feet slipped on loose gravel & I fell 80 ft. down a mountainous terrain shattering my T7 vertebrae. Now living a different way of life as a paraplegic and years of set-backs and surgeries, I am so ready to “GET UP, GET OUT, GET TRAIL BIKING” in the beautiful Colorado mtns. with my TrailRider handcycle . Thanks to High Fives Foundation I get to again! That’s independence at its best & living my best life with a disability!
I grew up riding dirt bikes and have always loved the outdoors. I was paralyzed from a bike accident when I was 15. I'm now married and have a 2 year old daughter that I want to explore the mountains with. High Fives has made that possible with a grant for a Mako Off-road Handcycle and we are so excited! Thank you High Fives for making this possible!
High Fives Foundation has offered me a grant to help me get back out into the mountains of Colorado via funding for an adaptive mountain bike. Seeing how they offer funding throughout multiple times of the year is incredible and it's great to see how many people they've served. I also appreciate their care for the people they give their grants to. Having me fill out my goals for my future equipment really helped me get clear on my aspirations and of what is possible!
Overall High Fives is a great foundation!
I had just turned 25 when I was in an accident in Mendocino National Forest that broke my neck and left me paralyzed with a C6-C7 cervical spinal cord injury.
Growing up I spent all of my time outdoors with my family hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, snowboarding, horse-back riding, zip lining, visiting the beach, and so much more. We tried everything imaginable to our young minds! I spent every summer at camp and had a strong passion for the outdoors. Before my accident I had always imagined sharing these experiences with my own son throughout his years growing up. He was only 6 years old when I was injured and I started to believe I would never have the opportunity to do any of these things with him ever again.
That was until High Fives empowered me to take my life back! Their support has provided me with an opportunity to receive an all-terrain wheelchair so that I can visit the sand, the snow, go on camping trips through rough uneven terrain, and so much more. High Fives made the impossible seem possible again and this organization not only positively impacted my own life, but my sons young life too.
High Fives is an amazing organization. They not only provide the financial resources as well as support to help those fight the odds to recover from life changing events and injuries but they provide a community and family for like minded individuals. They help athletes return to where they belong and encourage people to push beyond what they were told possible. High Fives inspires people everyday through their organization and their athletes. I could not dream of returning to the trails again to ride if not for the support of High Fives. I feel so welcomed and apart of a family. I feel like I have a purpose again thanks to High Fives and the opportunities they have created.
High Fives has been nothing but amazing. What they do for individuals with life changing injuries is life changing. I would not be able to get access to the mountain bike equipment without their contribution. They are going to help me get back to the trails finally and on my own equipment to explore wherever I like. Additionally, they have helped many of my friends and I have only ever heard good things about what they do or even those that work for them. The environment is always loving and giving everyone the best opportunity they can post injury.
I was injured in 2006 when I was 20 years old. I was on a camping trip with friends when a drunk driver drove through our campsite and ran me over while I was sleeping. As a result, my spine was crushed, and my spinal cord was severed at T10.
Prior to my injury I spent most of my feee time in the mountains of Northern NM. Camping, hiking, skiing you name it. I always felt most alive and at peace in nature. Having that taken away from me for the past 15 years was really difficult and frustrating for me. The all-terrain hiking wheelchair I was awarded by the High Fives Foundation will allow me to once again access the mountains I’m surrounded by and grew up in. Finally having the equipment I need to get up hills, over rough terrain and through sand and snow will allow me to fully enjoy the place I live once again. Most importantly, thanks to the High Fives Foundation, I’ll finally get the opportunity to experience countless new adventures with my 10 year old daughter.
In 2015 I was in a motor vehicle accident that left me paralyzed ( C5 spinal cord injury). Before my accident I spent all my free time in the mountains skiing, hiking and dirt biking. With the severity of my injury, it's been much harder to get back out doing mountain activities. Receiving a grant from The High Fives foundation for an adaptive Mountain bike gives me the freedom to explore the Mountains independently like I did before I was injured! I am incredibly grateful to High Fives for giving me this opportunity!
When I was 15 years old I was injured in a car accident near my fathers ranch in Idaho. Ever since I have been a T3 paraplegic. While I have been able to remain active in a variety of ways the one thing I have missed the most is hiking in the mountains. However, now 15 years later, thanks to the High Fives Foundation grant I am going to experience the mountains again in an active way on a Mako adaptive bike!! This past year I have been able to meet others who are also High Fives grant recipients and they have all inspired and motivated me in countless ways to be more adventurous, brave and kind! Thank you High Fives! I am beyond PUMPED and so grateful to be a High Fives athlete as I know even more amazing memories are going to be created now. - Mak
March 2, 2002 I was out with a group of Friends riding my dirt bike at the sand dunes. A bad wind storm began. We decided to be safe and return to our camp and wait for the storm to pass. Unfortunately on this ride back to camp I had a bad accident. I broke my back at my T-12 vertebrae causing a Spinal Cord Injury and paralysis from my waist down. As I Paraplegic I have strived to always STAY POSITIVE and continue living my Life the same as before my accident only now I do things sitting down. I heard about The High Fives Foundation and after learning more about it, I Admired everything about this group. I really wanted to be a part of such an Awesome group of people in situations like mine! One of the sports I have wanted to return to was Surfing. I reached out to The High Fives Foundation and applied for a grant for a Mac Waveski to help me accomplish my goal of Surfing. I feel Very Lucky and Blessed that my grant application was approved! The members of the High Fives Foundation have been Great Welcoming into their Family and helping myself and others like me to achieve our goals. I’m Very Grateful for the opportunity to be a part of The High Fives Foundation, to continue chasing my goals, and also to Hopefully help others in the future!
After a motor vehicle accident left me paralyzed from the chest down I was restricted on activities I was able to do. Oh I kept telling myself “someday” I will be able to get a piece of equipment that can bridge the gap from my every day wheelchair to getting off the beaten path and into the woods again. The High Fives foundation was able to make that someday today. I am very thankful for them to be able to enjoy time with my family in a camping environment where I can be off of concrete surfaces. Growing up I was always very active in the country and I want to be able to have my daughter experience the same upbringing. The High Fives foundation has made this possible.
High fives has made an incredible impact on my life and the lives of so many others. In 2018 I suffered a tragic accident that I shouldn’t have survived. I was 30 feet up a tree when the tree tipped over with me on it. My right leg was crushed and my pelvis shattered. My leg had to be amputated as a result of the injury. As an active individual I’ve had to reshape my approach to staying active and adventurous. High fives provides the tools and support to help individuals reach their goals. The communication and support is first class and I can’t express enough gratitude for what they do. They provide a new lease on life for those who’ve lives have changed and the stoke is infectious!
When I found out about High Fives foundation and heard about all the incredible work they do in the adaptive community, I was lucky enough to connect with them and receive such amazing support and be welcomed into their community! They have helped me continue to follow my passion and dreams after losing my leg from a shark attack while surfing, by helping me get a custom adaptive surfboard that could handle the abuse from surfing with my prosthetic. I feel so fortunate to receive all the support from this incredible foundation! Thank you for helping me live more on one leg than I did with two!
The High Fives Non-Profit Foundation is truly one of a kind, and provides opportunities like no other to individuals like myself!
August 27, 2006
At the age of 18, I attended a local motocross race that would change my life forever. While trying to make a pass on my best friend for the lead, we collided in mid-air over a jump. We both came crashing to the ground. As best friends we competed to be better than one another at everything…including crashing. I won this battle as he was uninjured in the crash, whereas I had broken my T5 and T6 vertebrae, stretched my spinal cord, collapsed both lungs, suffered severe internal bleeding, and was paralyzed from the chest down.
August 27, 2016 | 10 Years Later
On August 27, 2016, I married the girl of my dreams, who I believe I would have never met had I not been put on such a wild adventure exactly 10 years before.
August 27, 2021 | 15 Years Later
Motocross has made me who I am today, given me the true meaning of life, given me a lifetime of memories, and has inspired me to inspire others. My wife, Britani, has been by my side day in and day for everything from simply getting dressed in the morning to chasing my wildest dreams - yet she has never seen me stand or take a step, let alone ride a dirt bike...UNTIL now.
The High Fives Non-Profit Foundation has provided not only the opportunity for me to ride motocross again using an adaptive bike, but also to share this experience with my wife on our 5-year wedding anniversary, which just happens to be 15 years exactly to the day of when this journey all began in 2006.
High Fives is a dedicated group of individuals who not only bring inspiration, hope, and happiness - they truly make dreams come true, and words cannot express how thankful I am for all that they do.
November 20, 2020 was like any other early season powder day. The stoke to shred was at an all time high! I had dedicated my life to snowboarding since I was 15 years old, working and surrounding myself in the snowboarding/ski culture. I lived and breathed snowboarding, something I would look forward all summer just to get a chance to float on that chowder! The statement "life can change in a blink of an eye" was more true then ever on this day! I planned to jump over a rock and caught my board which sent me forward directly onto another rock. I broke my T9-T10 which lead to a T7-T12 spinal fusion. My life would forever be changed, but the support that I found from CRAIG and High Fives will never be forgotten! The grant which I received will help me to regain my confidence, strength and get me back to doing the things that I loved so much! I wouldn't be where I am at, without the generosity and support from the High Fives Foundation! Each and every athlete is an inspiration to model my life around. I want to give my utmost gratitude to High Fives and all that they have and will do in the future! Keep the shred alive!
New Year's Eve 2021 I broke my back snowmobiling in Northern Michigan. I had Covid in early December that made me test positive when admitted to the hospital. The next two weeks were spent in isolation, but my family and High Fives was there for me. People like Roy, Eric, and Landon Facetimed my family and me to keep our spirits high and our heads above water.
Fast forward 7 months and I'm headed out to Reno for the REACH Program. I am so thankful to High Fives for giving me the opportunity for hyper healing, hyper therapy, and hyper outdoors. The friends I'm going to make will last me a lifetime and it's all because people at High Fives care for those in need. I'm so excited!
When I broke my back, a nurse in the ER told me to go to my happy place. I closed my eyes and pictures the ocean and began crying. My happy place, the place where everything where everything else melts away, the place that always brings me joy was now one giant inaccessible body of water. I didn’t know what to do. My happy place wasn’t happy anymore. It was a reminder of things I couldn’t do. I sat on the beach and stared at it for so many days feeling angry and sad all at the same time. It broke me to not be able to be in the one place that I knew would make me feel better. Then I found HighFives, and they had a way for me to get not only back in the ocean, but back on a surfboard. My eyes welled with tears the first time I was paddled out to the lineup, and for the first time in months I was filled with hope and happiness. It was like I was saying hi to a friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. It was pure joy and HighFives made it possible. There aren’t words for how grateful I am for not only bring the ocean back into my life, but for bringing hope back as well.
We have had such an incredible and supportive experience with High Fives, and we've only just begun! I supported my brother in applying for one of their grant programs in order to acquire medical, wearable therapy. We are so grateful for their support in achieving these devices as they hold the promise of an increased quality of life. My brother too is a former athlete and we feel immense hope seeing a community of athletes pursuing their passion for sport well after their injury. My brother is enthusiastic to get more involved with this fellowship and we look ahead to the day when he can get back on the slopes, the waves or the road! We're so happy to be here and joining this community/family.
On April 8 2017 (from photo) I was in a crash racing in a US MTB Cup which ended my career and has left me in a very long phase of rehab, consecutive surgeries, and therapy since. The gift that High Fives grant is on my life and my family is immeasurable, it not only decreases the financial burden of therapies but also creates a second family and community with fellow athletes whom are all learning to adapt and live life forward. It's allowing me to redefine purpose in the day to day grind of rehab by bringing a shared sense of hope knowing how full life can be and not alone.
On October 18, 2020 I sustained a T4 spinal cord injury while downhill mountain biking. Word got out in the mountain biking community of Vermont and before I knew it I was getting phone calls from Roy Tuscany and Kelly Brush. It was so great to hear from them both that I WOULD be able to get back out there and do what I love to do. It has only been 9 months, and I’ve had a lot of medical set backs, so I haven’t been able to get outside too much yet, but High Fives awarded me a grant for a MyoCycle FES bike, so while I’m not outside biking yet, I can work on retaining my leg muscle mass! It will also be so nice to be able to get exercise on those too cold, too snowy Vermont days :)
Thank you so much High Fives and I hope too see you out on the trails asap!
I have seen high-fives sponsor and support so many athletes to get back to doing the things they love. For me, they have made it possible to get more therapy and work towards getting back to the things I care about.
I got paralyzed snowboarding February 11, 1999. Since my injury I have played a lot of wheelchair sports around the United States. The one sport I have missed and thought I would never do again was mountain biking. At first it was because they didn’t make off-road hand cycles. Nowadays they make them but they are way out of my price range. With the grant from the High Fives Foundation my 20 year dream is now becoming a reality. I can’t wait to get back on the trails and go places I haven’t seen in over 20 years. I thank the High Fives Foundation for this and I look forward to helping them with their mission to help others.
After sustaining C2 spinal cord injury while mountain biking, I thought my days of adventure were over. Thanks to the High Fives Foundation I will be back on the trails enjoying life again soon.
Two years ago I sustained a C7 injury in a cycling accident. High fives has given me the opportunity to return to sport and has greatly exceeded my expectations with the level of support. I have received a grant for a monoski through them which will enable me to ski independently again. It is a great foundation with a large level of support that drives you to keep pushing toward your goals
What a year 2020 has been , COVID shut down my job as a DJ but the good thing was I got to Bike everyday which has been one of my favourite things to do over the last 30 years as well as Snowboarding.
On October 2nd 2020 I was mountain biking , went off a jump too fast sending me over the bars and landing on my head resulting in breaking my neck in several places an crushing my spinal cord.
After 2 months in VGH Vancouver and 4 months in GF Strong im now a c7 complete , paralyzed from the chest down, luckily my arms are strong and hands are compromised but work ok.
i have been a avid mountain biker since being a kid going from BMX to trials then Mountain Biking , In 94 I discovered Snowboarding in Austria then moved to Canada the following year to Live in the BC Mountains.i would alternate seasons biking then snowboarding so now with this disability I have really missed being out in the mountains.
During my 6 months in Hospital I had lots of time to think. Reflect and research any new ways to be able to enjoy the outdoors. One thing ive learned is most disability equipment is super expensive and can be overwhelming thinking about getting back into.
After lots of research I saw things like the Bowhead bikes and friends told me about High Fives non profit foundation who provide camps that allow people to try new adaptive ways to get back into sports they loved to do prior to their accident, they also award generous grants that help people afford equipment to return to the outdoors independently.
Their athletes such as
Landon McGauley , Mike Shaw , Trevor Kenninson and Al Wilson have also been an amazing help and resource for learning whats out there too.
Thanks so much for everything you guys do to help the SCI community.
The people at High Five are absolutely incredible! I feel so supported. They provide amazing grants to get people active and living their best lives after experiencing tragic injuries. I can't wait to continue to work with them in the future!
The folks at High Fives visited me in the hospital after a life-changing injury. The conversation I had with their team member showed me that life goes on, and gave me hope and inspiration to carry on. Their support since then has been incredible, as well as their great communication. This is a wonderful group of people that truly care! Thanks guys and gals!
I had spent the majority of my life traveling the world as a competitive snowboarder and most recently an elite level coach. After a life-changing injury high-fives reached out to let me know I was not alone through this process and there is a communityWaiting for me to return to what I love. Thank you high-fives!
I was injured with a Traumatic Brain Injury while rock climbing on the Tennessee wall in July 2020. I have come a long way but I still require intensive therapy. My goal is to go back to finishing my education, able to be independent and enjoy the nature and the outdoors. I am grateful to have received such a precious gift from High Fives Foundation that will not only support me financially but also emotionally by introducing me to amazing people who share the same love of the outdoors as I do. I have been truly blessed to be part of this wonderful community. Thank you so much High Fives Foundation.
I was injured speedflying october 2020 leaving my left hip/ leg paralyzed and breaking a lot of other stuff. I’m grateful for Highfive for supporting my recovery financially and emotionally by introducing me to the amazing community of adaptive athletes. Being an athlete was the core of my identity and I feel like I have gotten that back.
The people at Hive Fives are truly a blessing. I suffered a T8 spinal cord injury from a road biking accident that left me paralyzed from the belly button down. Sense day 1 of my new life as a para I was determined to get back to mountain biking. High Fives is helping me accomplish this dream of returning to the trails once again.
A few years ago I broke my neck diving into a lake near my hometown. As a result of this I became paralyzed from the chest down and I have not been able to participate in many of the outdoor activities that I once loved and lived for. Thanks to the High Five Foundation I will be able to purchase a piece of equipment that will give me the ability to leave concrete sidewalks and venture back into nature as well as access some of my favorite trails. However, it will also give me the ability to navigate my college campus without getting fatigued! Thank you High Five Foundation for changing my life along with the previous and future recipients lives as well!
I was injured in a mountain bike accident severing my spinal cord and ruining all the fun I used to have riding, snowboarding, and rock climbing. I felt like I lost a part of myself not being able to do these sports anymore. High Fives is giving some of that back through helping me buy a bike. I'm going to hit the old trails I used to love and it's all thanks to them.
High Fives supports athletes financially, but more than that they have built a great community for them to become a part of after sustaining a catastrophic injury. I sustained my spinal cord injury late in the evening jumping my mountain bike on jumps very familiar to me. I was left paralyzed from the waist down with little preserved function in my legs. I am grateful to become part of this community as I continue my rehabilitation journey and my fight to reclaim an active outdoor lifestyle.
The work that High Fives does to give back life to those who have felt like all was lost is mind blowing! After my accident and C6/C7 fracture I felt completely broken. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too. The High Fives organization has been instrumental in giving me the hope I needed to back out on the mountain with my son again one day. Not if but when! The positivity that is spread through this community cannot be replicated. Thank you High Fives! You are amazing! My family and I are forever grateful!
In January of 2020, I was biking in Costa Rica when I hit some loose gravel, lost control and went off the side of the cliff. Injuries were significant, with breaking my back being the one that will effect my life forever. I was always looking to get outside and get active before my accident - and as a T5 paraplegic, this has not changed. Thanks to the High Fives Foundation, I will be able to get outside and enjoy what I love INDEPENDENTLY like I once could, with a new handcycle! I am so excited. And cannot thank the High Fives Foundation enough. This is a donation not just to me, but to my friends and family who I will get to enjoy the long bike rides again with :) - That is why foundations like this are so important. One donation is helping an army of supporters behind that person.
This organization creates hope for people who have suffered a Life Altering Traumatic Injury by redirecting the psychological and physical sequalae into an invigorating positive response that empowers the individual to strive toward recovery.
Suffering from a C5/C6 SCI at age 18 while surfing, I assumed there would be many things in my life that I would have to say goodbye to - namely what I love most - surfing. High Five has not only renewed my hope in the possibility of getting back out on the waves again, but has invested in me by financially supporting my ability for recovery. Words cannot express how grateful I am to be received into their High Five family. They have made the impossible now possible.
It is difficult for me to explain what it is like to lose your leg to amputation regardless of the circumstances. To lose a leg at age 50 in an incredibly active life should be irreparable.
Because of HiveFives Grants to Military, I am able to stay as active if not more!
Thank you for the grant, to me it means-Liberty.
I was injured in 2010 while speed flying in Montana. For over a decade I have been living an active life as an incomplete c7 quadriplegic and have been following High Fives for most of that. It has been truly amazing to see all the lives they have affected.
For about a decade I have been exploring trails on a hand cycle without power assistance and without any suspension. To say that it has had its limitations would be an understatement. I have been dreaming of the day that I could ride my own Bowhead Reach so that I could finally be mountain biking in the way that resembles how I biked on trails before my accident. When I say that I mean it both in my ability and also in the way that I used to share the experiences with those around me. I applied for a High Fives grant and to my surprise I found out that the Bowhead would be a reality in my life.
I truly can't wait to to experience the mountains with my fiends and especially my partner. Her and I have been searching for ways that we can both get out without it feeling like a sufferfest every time. The dream is coming true and its all because of High Fives. There is no way I can explain how much this means but just know that they are changing the lives of many people living with disabilities. Mine included. Thanks you High Fives!!!
In March 2020 I injured my spinal cord in a mountain biking accident which left me as a quadriplegic. Within a month of my injury the High Fives Foundation has reached out to me to show me that you can live a full and exciting life regardless of your injury. The High Fives Foundation is more than giving to those who need help, it's a community where people can get together who love their sport and people who can form relationships over their similar situations. If it wasn't for this foundation many people who are injured a Lift asking what if.
I severed my spinal cord last summer and after months of rehab, I was ready to get back to exercising in some of the same ways that I did before. High Fives helped me with an incredibly generous grant that helped me get a tricycle and and trainer for winter weather riding indoors. They plan to involve me in their outdoor camps, which are super adventurous. More importantly, they inspire me to be the best I can be.
In August 2018 I was cycling with my bike club when we were hit by a pick up truck. I was critically injured and sustained many fractures, organ damage and an incomplete spinal cord injury. I have worked really hard in my recovery and through the whole process have hoped to get back into sports and adventuring in the outdoors. I learned about this organization from a friend who was a fellow High Fives Athlete and he connected me with Landon to learn about the organization. From the very first conversation I could see how passionate High Fives is about supporting individuals like myself who have experienced traumatic injuries and the drive they have to get us back to living life and doing the things that bring us joy. The mission and the work they do are incredible! I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to now be a high fives athlete myself. I whole heartedly believe in their mission and can't wait to work with them to reach my goals of adventure biking!
On July 17, 2020 while camping on Hornby Island I crashed while mountain biking. With the help from my two friends and emergency response team I was air lifted to Vancouver General Hospital where it was confirmed I broke my neck at level C6. I spent 3 weeks in ICU and another 5 weeks in the spine ward. After my hospital stay I transitioned to GF Strong and spent 3 more months rehabbing. After being away from my home and family for 5 months I returned to try navigate my new normal. With support from the Highfives Foundation my new normal will still include sports I love to do. The Highfives Foundation has also provided me with the opportunity and possibility to try some new and exciting sports as well. Highfives awarded me with a board approved grant that will give me the ability to get back on the trails and start shredding on my mountain bike again. I am stoked to be part of the Highfives family and community.
In August of 2020 I was injured in a serious mountain biking accident which resulted in a complete T8 spinal cord injury. High Fives is coming through for me at a time when I need it the most and is allowing me to continue my work with Project Walk Boston. With their help I will be able to continue working towards recovering from my devastating injury.
In the year of 2007 I broke my back snowboarding. In the decade+ before my accident, I had been a snowboard bum, living the dream and snowboarding every day I could, which was over 80 times a year at various mountains in the Canadian Rockies.
Many years later, my wife finally got me to get back onto the snow by taking a few lessons. I got hooked instantly, and all those years of love for the snow came back to me.
The equipment this foundation is providing is going to enable me to take my sit ski skills to the next level, and help me ride fresh tracks all over the Rockies albeit this time with my wife and two kids :)
In February 2019, at the age of 24, I sustained a complete T4/5 SCI while skiing in Utah. I completed my rehab at Spaulding Rehab in Charlestown, MA that April, and since then have dedicated myself to getting back outside and up in the mountains. I first heard about High Fives through friends in the adaptive skiing community and had the pleasure of meeting a number of High Fives athletes at an event at Sugarbush. Since then I’ve met a number of people who have received life-changing equipment grants through High Fives, and now I’m happy to count myself part of this awesome community. They are helping fund my purchase of an adaptive mountain bike, which will allow me to access many places that have been closed to me since my injury. As someone who had been a passionate backpacker/climber it’s an incredible feeling to anticipate spending the warmer months up in the mountains once again. Thanks, High Fives!
I've always been at home in the water. When my brother and I were kids we spent several days a week in the pool which made the two of us natural swimmers and watersport fanatics. At the time it was classic breath holding contests, diving for coins, all of the usual pool games. Eventually we became decent water skiers, but both of us moving to the west coast after college drew us to surfing. Surfing, diving and swimming always brought me back to the little kid in me. The ocean was always a place that let me reset; it helped me clear my mind and remind me of who I was and what brought me joy. One of my favorite ways to spend my time is sharing this joy and freedom with other people in my life. My most epic surf sessions are always when I am able to teach others how to surf and experience the enjoyment that the ocean gives me. My accident and injuries took that away from me. High Fives is helping me get back in the water and helping me share what the ocean gives me with others again soon.
I got injured while in the military. My injury is invisible though. I have PTSD which has left me mostly house bound since 2012. I was aimlessly going through life, just trying to learn how to deal with this PTSD and all the other illnesses that come with it. Well, I attended an Air Force wounded warrior(AFW2) virtual event and found sports. I've never considered myself an athlete. Well, now I want to be an athlete...I want to bike and row and throw! Unfortunately, the AFW2 doesn't provide the equipment, so now with the help from the High-Fives foundation I am able to get a few things so I can practice with equipment, like everybody else. My goal is to go to an in person event and compete. Thank you High-Fives!!!!
I was injured in a skiing accident in December of 2019. The injury left me with a complete SCI at the T6/T7 level. I first heard of the High Fives Foundation (HFF) during my rehab at Craig Hospital in Englewood, CO. At the time of my injury I was a Division 1 college football player and my desire to compete still burned inside of me. Fast forward a few months and I applied for the Empowerment Grant through the HFF to help purchase a racing wheelchair in my pursuit to feed my competitive spirit and get back into athletics. The HFF was incredibly generous with their donation. The people involved from top to bottom are top-notch, genuinely good people. I am extremely grateful and hope to someday give back to this organization just as they have given to me.
On June 9, 2012, I was injured in a car accident which left me a quadriplegic C4-C5 incomplete. That day has forever changed my life. I am on the road to recovery each and every day. The High Fives Foundation has helped me by assisting with a donation to further my recovery. Their donation has helped me physically, as well as, mentally. From the first conversation I felt nothing but genuine comparison and encouragement. I can’t wait to join in events and interact with others. I will forever be grateful for their assistance and encouragement.
Thanks Malik Hinton
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Dear Sir or Ma’am,
My name is Christian Bui. I am a forty-three year old man with a wonderful family, to include a young, energetic, full of life son. I have always had a love for the outdoors; however, in the past decade, I have watched myself steadily withdrawal from the many outdoor activities that I have grown to love.
While serving in the military I volunteered to go to AIRBORNE school. While I was stationed in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, I would participate in as many jumps as possible. I loved my job and loved feeling so free with the adrenaline running through my veins. As a result, my passion for jumping has caused me to suffer from long term chronic neck and back pain with muscle spasms, hindering my daily life activities.
High Fives Foundation has been a real blessing for me and my family. This has been the first time in many years that I have been excited about the opportunity of getting back to the outdoors. Being able to be outside, riding with others that have mobility issues, such as me, and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow veterans is an amazing life changing experience. It has truly been a breath of fresh air. My passion for the outdoors has returned and it would not have been possible without amazing programs such as the High Fives Foundation.
We all experience various limitations in our daily lives, but programs like High Fives has helped me to get back to doing what I love most; being able to enjoy the outdoors with my family. I have regained my confidence to be outdoors and in return, I can help others by volunteering my time and sharing my story by riding with veterans offering my support and providing words of encouragement.
Through your foundation, I'm back to living a life full of fun and adventure though riding and friendship. My family notices and praises the positive changes in my attitude and outlook on life. I’m appreciative of the supportive staff and the foundation for providing me the resources I needed to enjoy life again.
Thanks High Fives!
Respectfully,
This foundation has helped myself and so many others get out and become active again. I am a below the knee amputee and High Fives has given me the opportunity to receive a running leg and a chance to get back to an active lifestyle of hiking and running.
I was injured almost two years ago now and with the help of foundations such as High Fives I have been able to finally find direction, motivation, and passion for the things that I once loved - biking, skiing, hiking, etc. I am endlessly grateful. THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING ME WITH NEW LIFE!
I was paralyzed in June of 2018 from a jet ski accident. I was paralyzed c6-c7, making me lose function of my legs, core, and some movement in my hands. I was super active and adventurous before my injury, and I knew I didn’t want to stop being active after I was hurt. Through the High Fives Foundation, I can earn money to support my ambitions of living life to the fullest and staying my active self. They are a wonderful foundation that truly makes dreams come true!
I am a 31-year-old quadriplegic from Michigan. My entry level is C4 incomplete tetraplegia. I have pretty decent movement with biceps, shoulder movement is okay but still need some work, and I can rotate my wrist outward; but that's pretty much it and no movement in my legs; trunks pretty weak too.
Needless to say, there's not a lot of options for cardio aerobic activity. Particularly the kind I enjoy; being that I am a former triathlete and outdoor enthusiast. Seated aerobics really is not my speed.
The High Fives NPO foundation is supporting my efforts to gain more cardio fitness through helping me obtain better exercise equipment that suits my abilities and preferences towards a more involved high-intensity workout.
My ultimate goal is to complete a marathon in a hand cycle within the next 2 years and I hope to see the crew from High Fives at the finish line!
Two years ago while competing in a mountain bike race I got thrown over the handlebars and broke my neck. I sustained a C6-7 spinal cord injury that left me with complete paralysis below my shoulders. I felt isolated as I was very limited on the places I could travel in my wheelchair. During my rehabilitation I was introduced to an off-road handcycle. I was blown away and when I finally got a chance to ride one. It gave me back that sense of freedom I so desperately missed. Without High Fives help I would have never been able to afford one of my own. Now, I can go bike riding with my friends and enjoy the outdoors. Thank you High Fives!
Four years ago I broke my neck and became an incomplete quadriplegic. Throughout my recovery at Craig Hospital, I always was running into epic people and they all were a part of this organization called High Fives. As I have met more and more of the SCI community I was lucky enough to meet Roy Tuscany and hear about High Fives directly! They have always been an epic community and I am thrilled to be a part a recipient of this organization's grants. High Fives is allowing me to pursue a dream of kitesurfing, something I previously thought beyond difficult, by helping me find and build a sit Kitesurfboard.
Everything they do is maximally beneficial and always puts their injured athletes first!
I have been a T12 paraplegic since 2008. Staying physically active has been a challenge for the last 12 years. High Fives’ Empowerment Grant will enable me to purchase a hand cycle. I’m honored and excited to be a part of the High Fives family.
High Fives is a real blessing to me and many others. In May of 2018 I suffered a SCI at C6-7 and I thought my active lifestyle would be no more. With the help of this great organization, I'm back to living a life full of fun and adventure. Thanks High Fives!!
I was injured nine years ago in a diving accident that left me paralyzed from my chest down. I was always active prior to my injury and being injured didn't slow me down. I am always looking for new things to try and ways to continue to be healthy and active. Since being injured I have repel down a building, been rock climbing, got certified in scuba diving, been parasailing, skiing, water-skiing, kayaking, and work out daily.Last year I started practicing with our local quad rugby team and I fell in love with the sport. I needed to be able to get enough money to be able to purchase my own rugby chair so that I can join the team and compete with them. I have been blessed in receiving a partial scholarship from the High Fives Foundation that will go towards the purchasing of a rugby chair so I can pursue my goal of competing with my local team. Without foundations like High Fives I would not be able to afford to play the sport due to the cost of equipment. I can't tell you how grateful I am for those who make donations and support organizations like this and allow me to follow my passion. Thank you High Fives Foundation and all you do!
The High Fives Foundation is a great origination that has given me the opportunity to go places and do things I would not have been able to do without their generous grant. My spinal cord injury was 17 months ago and I have missed so much of what I used to be able to do! I now will be receiving an all terrain wheelchair that will allow me to once again go surf fishing. I am also going to be able to access the stream behind my house for fresh water fishing, and I plan to hike the local nature trails and explore all the places my everyday chair does not allow me access to. Thank you High Fives for bringing accessibility back to my life!
This organization is fantastic! Just over a year ago I suffered a spinal cord injury while rock climbing, and for that time I have not been able to go outside and enjoy and thrive in the outdoor spaces I love. High fives has been able to help with the funding for an adaptive mountain bike that allows me to be outside, explore new areas, learn a new sport, and enjoy time with friends in the mountains. This is something that I have missed dearly and really appreciate the support from great foundations like High Fives that allow me to get back at it!!
Rating: 5 09/07/2019
High Fives Foundation is a great non-profit that is providing financial support in getting adaptive equipment which is high dollar expense for those with a Spinal Cord Injury. On September 7, 2019 I was in skydiving accident that severed my spine at C4,C5 Which left me paralyzed from the chest down. I applied for the empowerment grant for standing wheelchair so I can do my therapy with out me fainting. This is truly a blessing to my financial and I as was concerned with how we were going to get the funding.I really appreciate the staff and the foundation made feel as family by answering all my questions and notify me with all process. High Fives foundation rock!!!!! Thank you so much.
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On July 28, 2019, I became a T-9 Paraplegic due to a motocross accident. During my first year of recovery, I stayed active by spending countless hours in the gym, exercising, and doing my best to learn the outdoors in a wheelchair, but something was missing. Sport is what was missing! High Fives is giving me the ability to acquire a hand cycle that I’ll be able to transport safely by myself and use to compete in future road races and triathlons.
My name is savoy brown and i am a double leg amputee. I lost my legs when i was 9 years old and I am 32 years years. Because of Hugh five i am able to get back to the lifestyle I’ve known almost half my life at this point. I’m a wheelchair basketball player who have competed almost every level. I played high school (junior division) college (Southwest Minnesota State University) and i played professional (amfiv Vigo Spain). Now I’m a father of two beautiful girls and a husband. Me being able to participate in the game that has brought me so many opportunities also helps me stay fit for my family. The staff at High Five Foundation have been nothing but great to me. I requested funding for some wheels so i can continue to play the game i passionately love. When i spoke to the vendor i was getting my wheels from, they were very fond of High Five Foundation. She was naming names of the staff of High Five Foundation reassuring me the professionalism of this foundation is more than five stars i can give in this review. I want to thank High Five For helping me because at a time like this its important for me to stay in the gym as much as possible. Not just for my health but so i can have the energy to chase after my two very young at this time daughters.
On September 11, 2007 I was working Construction and while I was framing a 2nd story wall near a stair well, I tripped and fell 8ft landing on the back of my shoulders and head breaking my lower back at T11-T12. This accident was forever life changing and left me paralyzed from the waist down & wheelchair bound. From that moment on, I accepted my injury and just wanted to move forward and get back to a “normal” life! Over the years I’ve learned so much and networked with so many great adaptive programs who have helped me get where I am today and that’s been 100% independent and as active as I can! Well throughout my journey, I kept hearing of these amazing athletes doing awesome things because of an amazing non profit organization called the High Fives Foundation! Well the more I learned about this organization I realized that it was more than just that! High fives is a family of amazing people who just want to enjoy life and pay if forward! In this past year, I was finally able to meet some of these amazing people and knew I had just become apart of this family, honorably. I look forward to the many possibilities that this program has to offer! It is because of non profits like this, I am able to continue to keep my independence and my wife and I are so thankful as without them I/we would not be able to make our new home fully accessible for myself!!
So if anyone is in the situation to be able to donate either time or money to this great non profit please do and keep up to date with where it’s going! It is because of them that adaptive athletes are able to do amazing things and continue to live as normal of a life as they can! I personally can not thank you all enough! Much love!
High Fives Foundation is a great non-profit that is providing financial support in getting adaptive equipment which is high dollar expense for those with a Spinal Cord Injury. On June 30th, 2020, I was in a motorcycle accident that severed my spine at T5. Which left me paralyzed from the chest down. I applied for the empowerment grant for an all-terrain chair so I can get back to a normalcy with my fiancée. This is truly a blessing to my fiancée and I as we were concerned with how we were going to get the funding.
On September 1st 2019 I rolled a vehicle in the desert east of Carson City and received a spinal cord injury. Because of that injury I lost the ability to do many of my passions. One of my biggest passions was skiing. When laying in the hospital I quickly learned of adaptive skiing and the High Fives Foundation. With their help through their empowerment grant I'm going to be able return to skiing and try to push the adaptive skiing sport to new levels. I am beyond thankful of their help to get me onto the hill. I'm glad to be a part of the High fives family, and look forward to seeing everyone they help along the way.
Thank you High Fives
After a freak accident left me paralyzed from the chest down, regaining the strength to get back outdoors was my priority. After countless hours of therapy I'm pushing a manual chair and thanks to High Fives Foundation I'm going to get some all-terrain tires so I'm can get back to the trails and enjoy the outdoors.
After a mountain biking accident left me paralyzed from the waist down, I began to look into adaptive bikes and found that they were all extremely expensive. Thanks to the High Fives Foundation I am able to purchase an amazing adaptive mountain bike that will get me back on the trails!
Fortunately, on my way out from a great workout at Craig Hospital, I stopped to talk to one of the visiting guys wearing a High Fives shirt. He listened as I spoke about my spinal chord injury from a paragliding accident, and how finding the humility to ask for help has been particularly tough. He smiled, handed me his business card, and told me that I still haven’t asked - High Fives is offering it. That was Roy, the founder, and he gave me the dignity to apply for an Empowerment Grant. I’m so grateful to High Fives for helping me through this challenging time, as I move from surviving to living again.
Even better than the Empowerment Grant that I received, which provides me with healing therapies, is the community that this amazing organization has created. While lying in the ICU, after incurring an incomplete C6, C7 spinal cord injury, I was greeted by a High Fives athlete who provided a living picture of what I could do, of how to thrive. Discovering new allies and friends has been nothing short of amazing. When it is easier to focus on what I can’t do, High Fives re-orients me to new ways for doing what I want to do.
I've had a spinal cord injury since 2019, when I was hit by a van while riding my bike. Now that I've progressed enough in my recovery to start to think about getting back to some activities, I'm so grateful that High Fives is helping me along with a monetary grant to help fund my rehab activities, especially work with a trainer that's helping to restore strength to my partially paralyzed leg. I'm also looking forward to attending some of the camps and connecting with a broader SCI/TBI community.
In 2013 I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of a hit & run while riding my bike. Thanks to High Fives and the Empowerment Grant, I'll be able to work with rehabilitation specialists who work specifically with TBI survivors for the first time since my accident. Through this work I can start laying a strong foundation that will allow me to achieve my new life goals!
I was injured in a diving accident on a beach in my hometown in July of 2018. I broke my neck and suffered a spinal cord injury, I am an incomplete C4 quadriplegic and I have been working hard on my body to improve myself and get back to a more normal life. At first I couldn’t move any of my limbs but now I’m working on building the strength back up in my arms and legs to allow me to be more independent. It’s a slow process but I have come a long way and I’m still working on it every day. High Fives has been very helpful and cooperative with working with me on my goals to keep building myself and getting me where I want to be.
High Fives is INCREDIBLE! Their support goes far beyond injury prevention and providing monetary support for injured athletes looking to take back their lives. They help empower you to take steps towards reclaiming your sport and life with goal setting, guidance, and peer support. High Fives gives you hope. High Fives is a gift. I am extremely grateful to be a part of the High Fives Family!!
Prior to the accident I worked as a firefighter/paramedic in Reno and was finally making strides in my dream career. The saying “anything can happen in a blink of an eye happened to me.” On December 28th, 2019, I endured an event that possibly altered the future of my life. I was in an off road accident that resulted in me sustaining an L1 tear drop burst fracture with spinal cord damage. This left me paralyzed from the sternum down. I honesty did not know how to feel. Going from helping others to being the one to need the help. When I arrived at rehab I felt as though I lost everything and did not know how to deal with it. The support from family and friends is amazing, though they truly don’t understand what I was actually experiencing. But then, another blink of the eyes gave me hope when Roy walked into my room. We sat and talked for hours and just the insight he provided me gave me that hope that I was missing. Finally having someone that has experienced something similar to me and has made tremendous progress was what I needed physically and mentally. Since then, the support from High Fives, Renown, and countless other, I have reached personally goals that fully exceeded my expectation. High Fives provides generosity, optimism, and hope to people who might have lost sight of that after an accident. The entire staff/athletes from top to bottom are just amazing like-minded people who truly understand how hard these life changing events can be. The foundation has opened new doors for me in life and I could not be more grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way. Thank you High Fives for everything you have done for myself and many others!
Last September I had a devastating mountain bike accident while having an epic day at whistler bike park. I ended up going over the bars off of a steep rock roll and basically swan dived onto my head. I broke my C7, T8 and T12 vertebrae with a C6 incomplete spinal cord injury. Since then I have worked very hard to maximize my recovery and following the high fives athletes has given me motivation to smash my goals. High Fives has also been very generous and has helped me out with rental of the Neubie electrical stimulation machine so i can continue my rigorous therapy routine at home. Thanks High Five!
High Fives has been such an amazing experience helping me continue my life in outdoor sports. I suffered a T4 spinal cord injury while skiing last year and have been able to get back out since even though it may look a little bit different. I am so excited to see in what other ways they can continue to help me pursue my dreams!
I became a C6 quadriplegic in a diving accident on December 20, 2017. As a result of my injury I’ve lost a lot of independence. Because of the generosity of High Fives, I will be able to purchase car modifications that will enable me to drive again and regain some of the independence I lost. I’m so happy and grateful to be a part of an organization as awesome as High Fives!
I got injured mountain biking, a sport I was falling in love with, in Jackson Wyoming, a town I fell completely in love with. I sustained a complete injury at the T7/T8 level. I assumed everything I loved doing was probably out the window but then came Roy and his foundation High Fives. He called me while I was still in the ICU and then sent me a video from the foundation and my eyes were wide open and watery. He gave me incredible advice from day 1 and followed up with a grant to help push me to my eventual goal; heading back to Jackson to shred champagne and brown pow (ski and bike). I am so thankful for the support I received from day 1 and the hope it gave me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent them as an athlete. Whatever I achieve in this new chapter will be in part because of High Fives reaching out and giving me a chance. Forever grateful and forever overwhelmed:)
I was an avid Mt.Bike rider prior to my spinal cord injury. One of my favorite therapy activity has been an FES cycle. I was pointed toward the High Fives foundation to help. I was excited when they got back with me so quickly! I’m also excited when I see all of the other activities that they empower athletes to do!
I injured my T6/7 in a Skiing accident December 21, 2019, which rendered me a paraplegic. Even while I was in the ICU people would mention the High Fives Foundation as something I should look into. It's great to be a part of a community with people who know what you are going through. It's also very inspiring to see people return to the sports they love through the emotional and financial support that High Fives Foundation gives. Thank you High Fives for your support in my rehabilitation efforts!
The High Fives Foundation is a group of excellent people who understand that when you love a sport that feeling doesn't stop after you sustain an injury. The High Fives organization makes it possible to participate and excel in the adventure sports we loved before we got injured and keep outdoor recreation and the rush in our lives. The Foundation enabled me get a custom adaptive kneeboard. This allowed me to train, compete and continue to raise the level of my surfing with equipment that fits my body post injury. It is my goal to promote adaptive surfing, especially women in adaptive surfing, and pay it forward as others have done for me. Thanks, High Fives, for your support! - Victoria Feige
Since losing my leg to an injury I sustained in a backcountry skiing accident last year, I have been feeling limited by what I can do using my medical-grade prosthesis. High Fives helped me to acquire a high performance prosthetic foot that will allow me to do the sports and activities I live for at a much higher level. This organization is led by disabled athletes who know how it feels to lose control of their lives for a time, and who recognize that the best way to regain control is to get back to doing the outdoor activities they love as quickly as possible. High Fives is a community of generous, caring, and like-minded individuals who support each other through tough times, and who spread stoke and positivity as they continue on their adventures through life. I am both humbled and inspired by this group of amazing human beings! Thank you so much for all your help! I'm proud to be a #HIGHFIVESATHLETE
This High Fives grant will allow me to chase down a groundbreaking study for people living with paralysis resulting from SCI, which I have been matched to participate in. The potential for recovery of the abilities lost after my SCI in this study (epidural stimulation) are truly remarkable. It’s the first time in the nearly 12 years that I’ve been in the chair that I have been truly excited about the chance of something changing my daily life limitations. This grant gets me one step closer to kicking some dependence to the curb and for that I am very grateful. Thank you, High Fives!
After loosing both my legs below the knee and suffering a TBI in a skydiving accident I was struggling to move forward with life. I was introduced to Roy Tuscany while while rehabbing in Texas and was invited to a High Fives surf camp in San Clemente California. The support and confidence that I got from learning to surf again with 10 other people who were going through a similar life event was amazing, not to mention just how fun it was to meet and hangout with such an unreal group of people. I was lucky enough to go to the us open as a high fives athlete the later that year and now I have received a grant to pursue a dream that I had in sport even prior to my accident.
High fives is the best!!!!!
I was snowboarding at monarch mountain near Salida, Colorado on December, 1st 2019 when I caught an edge and somersaulted on to my back fracturing my spine at C6-C7 leaving me a quadriplegic. While a patient at Craig hospital in Englewood, Colorado I was introduced to Dani and the High Fives Foundation and immediately felt like they were kindred spirits who enjoyed the outdoors as much as me. They have been super supportive of my goal to walk again and hope to be a high fiver forever. Thank you High Fives!
I was injured Feb. 23, 2020, in a snowboarding accident. I broke my sternum and suffered a T6 spinal cord injury. The people of High Fives have been supporting me all the way right from the start. Having a community of athletes who have their own stories to share are truly inspiring! It’s a community I can relate to and continue my athletic career with. Thank you!
I suffered a spinal cord injury about a year and a half ago. I was snowboarding and broke my neck at c-5 leaving me as a quadriplegic. I came across the high fives athletes and was inspired by their stories and encouraging words. This community is nothing but kind and encouraging. I am so grateful to be a part of it to help restore my sense of adventure and independence.
In February 2020 I became a paraplegic after surviving a traumatic ski accident. Bouncing back after destroying my body has been the most challenging obstacle I have encountered. High Fives has welcomed me in with open arms and shown me I am not alone. With their help I will be able to continue my PT ensuring I return to work and play at high levels.
After exploding my neck 2 1/2 years ago, I thought my life of adventure and adrenaline seeking was over. With the help of High Fives Foundation that wasn't the case. I started sit-skiing a year after my injury in Big Sky, Montana. I was lucky enough to receive some funding from a local foundation my first season back which helped pay for lessons and get back in the groove of things. This most resent season I was awarded the empowerment grant from High Fives which paid for 15 lesson through an adaptive ski program called Eagle Mount. I progressed from a bi ski to a mono ski by the time the season got cut short. I am thankful every day that I have the support from such a rad program like High Fives to continue exploring the possibilities of outdoor adventure still.
I got my spinal cord injury over six years ago, and recently discovered nordic skiing. Since I started skiing, I've regained the sense of adventure and exploration outside. It allows me to move freely in the snow--something I didn't think I could experience after paralysis. The High Fives Grant allowed me to purchase my own Nordic ski setup. I am so excited and grateful to have my own equipment--it will allow me to continue exploring and training outside on the snow, which is my absolute favorite place to be!
I sustained a spinal cord injury while rock climbing in June 2016, which has impacted every aspect of my life. One of my goals has been to find a way to enjoy being outside again. A few years ago I discovered para Nordic skiing (which I love!) and I have been borrowing equipment from another organization. High Fives has provided me with a grant so I can have my own bucket, skis and poles which will help me pursue this sport!! Also, I will be able to have a custom bucket made for me and my body which will improve my abilities on snow. Having my own gear will be huge in adding to my independence and ability to chase snow. I can’t thank High Fives enough. I am also excited to discover new activities and opportunities with this organization.
High Fives has been a big helping hand. From the offroad handcycle camp at Northstar to the excellent physical therapy at the CRJohnson Healing Center to the sit-ski lessons package, I'm really stoked to be getting back to the activities that I love.
Thank you High Fives!
From the moment I reached out to the High Fives Foundation to the moment I was awarded my mono ski grant, they opened their arms and welcomed me like I was part of their family. It's so inspiring to think that there is an organization with such a specific purpose helping us reach our athletic pursuits. Not only did the High Fives Organization connect me with some amazing like minded individuals but it provided me with the freedom to be outside my wheelchair doing a sport I love so much.
In June of 2019, I sufferred a C5 incomplete injury. So, this is the beginning of my SCI journey. This year I have been focused on recovering as much function as possible doing whatever I can. My dad heard about High5s at Craig Hospital and applied for a grant to get me skiing again. My mother was uncomfortable with me skiing so soon after my injury, so instead High5s gave me a grant for a tennis sports wheelchair. Thanks to HighFives, I will be out with my team at Del Oro HS not only serving as captain but getting a chance to relearn tennis in a new way. High5s is unreal. I'm truly humbled by what they have done. Sometimes support like High5s has shown is all it takes to change the trajectory of someone's life. I am so honored to be a High5s athlete and am looking forward to future adventures as well as meeting others in the High5s community. What a fantastic organization.
Hi my name is Josh and I was involved in a mountain bike accident that left me a C5 incomplete quadriplegic. On a beautiful spring day on June 10, 2018 I was out on a Morning ride with the guys. We started our dissent and while eyeing my next turn I missed seeing a rock that flipped me over the handlebars 30 feet into a tree. While in the hospital multiple friends told me about hi5 foundation. I knew once I was in the right place in my healing that I was going to reach out to them. Hi five it’s so much more than just a foundation to me. I was always into Non-traditional sports like mountain biking, skateboarding, and snowboarding. Now with the help of this grant I will be able to continue physical therapy at Project Walk which in turn helps me have the strength to go skiing, ride my trike bike and work on healing.
It's been 20 years since I sustained a spinal cord injury while skiing, and the High Fives foundation is helping me to finally get back on the snow with a grant for sit ski lessons. They're a great organization, easy to work with, and truly invested in their mission. They do more than providing grants, making sure that athletes have a plan and the support needed to achieve their goals.
I had a spinal cord injury on February 16, 2019 From snowboarding. The results of his injury left me paralyzed from the chest down. I fractured my C-4, C-6, C-7 and shattered my C-5. The doctors listed me as in AISA A but I don’t believe it and I won’t let it hold me back. I know I will walk again. I am so thankful that the High Fives Foundation has graciously welcomed me to their team. While I am just getting started, I know they will be there on my journey to recovery.
My partner was paralyzed in a rock climbing accident. Navigating the massive change this has made to our lives has been difficult, but throughout it members of the High Five family have stepped in to help. Although we were complete strangers they have texted with, us talked with us, come to our events, and done everything they can to help ease the healing journey and show us that there are worlds of adventure still waiting. Stoked to be part of this family.
Hello my name is Jeremy I'm 35, I first learned about this place last year around July from my friend. I was embarrassed at first to go in but I realized this a great place if you need help. The platform is great for shower,food,charging,I internet access, meet cool new friends, socialize . It feels like a community that you can get used to. I learned to love this place and the people
Thanks to High-Five and the generous empowerment grant I received, I'm able to purchase and off-road hand cycle and get back into the woods and dirt trails as I grew up doing and love. Since getting paralyzed in 2006 I have tried getting outdoors and in the woods in different ways but with this bike I'll actually be able to get off the beaten trail and climate around on rocks/trails. About a month out of rehab I tried to take a bank turn in a BMX park in a power chair and just about cracked open my skull given their not quite meant for that. Stoked to get that rush of going down hills and riding around in the dust. Everyone I have interacted with has been amazing so far, and a super supportive community. Stoked to be part of it.
Since I broke my neck in August Of 2019, One of my goals has been to get back outside riding bikes and surfing again. The founder, Roy Tuscany, came to Craig Hospital And told me I would be able to get back to doing things I love, just in an adaptive way. His outlook on life and positive mindset has stuck with me And now I strive to have that same thought. Thank you high fives!
Thanks to High Fives I was able to start my journey back into the outdoors where I’ve always loved! The entire team and staff is not only very helpful but also very positive! Thanks to this amazing foundation I was able to get back into the outdoors and skiing as an adapted athlete!
When I was 17, I broke my back and landed in a wheelchair. It has been the wildest adventure I’ve ever imagined and High Fives Foundation has been the jet fuel in my adventure engine.
Through them, I have been trained by world-class fitness trainers, I have gotten to surf, ski, rock climb, horseback ride, and rip around the back roads of the Sierra Nevada mountains with Return to Dirt Foundation.
As a result of their provided training and inspiration I have been able to live completely independent and travel the world, living in remote places like Rwanda and Nicaragua.
This team works tirelessly to achieve every goal we set together, and I could never express my thanks enough.
"When you're an active mountain sports athlete and you experience a life-changing injury, it's not that hard to get left in the dust and question where you fit in. What impacted me the most becoming a High Fives athlete is the sense of family and belonging. We relate to each other's lives, and are brought together by our shared experiences and our hunger to return to the lives we loved so much...
Not only do the wonderful people at the High Fives Foundation bring us together in our common goals and dreams, but they also help us secure funding for therapies and equipment that keep our fires lit and our recoveries onward and upward, sometimes delivering us from very dire circumstances. Through their tireless efforts and infectious positivity they have transformed the lives of so many of us and will continue to as they grow and become capable of helping more and more mountain sport athletes in need.
They have most recently created the possibility for me to incorporate custom seating in my sit ski setup for the winter this year. Beyond stoked to be able to spend more time in the ski and have greater control as we take on steeper terrain and higher speeds. All the help I have received from the High Fives Foundation has helped me reach this point and leaves me very inspired to further invest in my progression and put a big fat cheese eating grin on my face. Long live High Fives!"
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The HIgh Fives Foundation is unique in that it focuses on injured mountain athletes. Athletes searching for ways to advance their recovery from traumatic injury, and perhaps even return to competition, usually face significant obstacles of access and funding to pursue therapies and return to athletic activities. Since becoming a C4 incomplete quadriplegic 4 years ago; spending the first two of those battling pressure wounds, infections and pneumonias, I'm now about two years deep slowly building strength and new motor function. I'm finally at the point where I can really push myself physically and my recovery continues to gain momentum and renew innervation to body parts that were paralyzed until recently. The High Fives Foundation has helped me boost my recovery by creating access to the best technology available for me to rebuild and regain my upper body. Access is the most important factor in my ability to recover the use of my body, and I am so very thankful high fives has helped create such access. I'm also humbled and excited to be included in a group of like-minded athletes with such positive and gold directed outlooks on life. As a father and an athlete with a hunger for the hills, I'm very much looking forward to spending more time with my family, good friends, and hopefully fellow High Fives athletes in the mountains!
-Adam Lavender
The High Fives Foundation has single handedly built a community of individuals that have helped redefine what it means to live life with a spinal cord injury. As a college student with an SCI, I can 1000% say that High Fives reminds me daily that I am capable of so much more than the barriers I let myself believe are ahead of me! Because of this organization I have been able to enjoy my time in the outdoors with adaptive sports and have sponsorship to achieve my rehab goals. Having an SCI is a marathon, not a sprint, but High Fives makes the marathon truly enjoyable.
After losing my leg in Iraq , high five is helping me get the cycle
I need to stay and have a edge in para sports ..
My name is Nolan Ryan Trowe. I had a spinal cord injury back in 2016, that left me with severe paraparesis in my legs. Throughout my recovery, which will be life-long, High Fives has been there quite literally every step of the way, from my first unassisted steps in the CRJ HEaling Center, to the first time I was able to ride a bike that they funded me through a grant. High Fives is more than an organization, they're my community. CRJ Healing Center is a second home. I've always had their support from the inpatient rehab hospital, to grad school and beyond. They've helped me regain my confidence to excel in any situation. Now with a grant they've funded for an EBIKE I can explore the world in an entirely new fashion. High Fives continues to open doors for me, even years after my initial injury. In the spirit of CR Johnson and High Fives, it really is One Love.
High Fives Foundation has generously provided funding for me to purchase a full-suspension handcyle. I look forward to getting back out into nature on a smooth ride. Adaptive sports are expensive; High Fives understands this and is helping disabled athletes get back to the places and activities that we love. Many thanks!
I feel very fortunate to have the high fives foundation helping me on the road to recovery, I will not be moving forward if it wasn't for their help!!
High Fives is an incredible organization. They offered me moral and financial support after I broke my back skiing in Tahoe, and have been a wonderful resource during my recovery.
Being in Montana you have to be self sufficient, but everyone needs help being paraplegic. The HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION is the best supporter here in Montana! With their help I've been able to negotiate the first disabled ski pass at Big Sky, and ski every weekend! Additionally, no disabled scuba dive non-profits will help us in Montana, but the HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION did!
With the help, I will sit ski Big Sky again this year! and scuba dive and adaptive surf Maui in May 2020!
HIGH FIVES is a great group, well organized, and an inspiration! Thank you!
JP
Bozeman, Montana
The High Fives is an amazing non profit organization that has always been there for me since day 1. They have seriously helped me every year since 2013 in many ways when it comes to grants for bobsledding to taking me on camps to learn new adaptive sports. I have nothing but good things to say about these guys. Much respect!!
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The High Fives Foundation has been there for more since day 1. They have helped me overcome obstacles and have help me reach my goals. I’ve had the opportunity to learn new sports with this amazing foundation, it has not only made me stronger as a person but also helped me get over certain fears. I have nothing but good things to say about this foundation. They have been through my struggles and know where I’m coming from.
#highFives
High Fives has helped myself and many of my close friends in so many ways! Such an amazing foundation.
I'm a disabled and retired Army Ranger. I was injuried in 2012 after being shot and blown up, that resulted in a broken neck and back. I've undergone multiple spinal fusions C and L spine. Adaptive sports have saved my life. High Five Foundation stepped up when I was in need of equipment, so that I can continue to adapt and recover in sports that I love to participate in. I can't thank these guys enough and look forward to everything associated with this great Nonprofit!!!
The High Fives foundation has been a great foundation to work with. They have given me a grant to get an off road hand cycle. I am very excited to have the opportunity to get out in the woods and get cycling!
I suffered a T11 Spinal Cord Injury while Downhill Skateboarding. Members of the HighFives Community contacted my fiance to offer support before I was even out of surgery. Since then, the organization has helped me in so many ways; from proving by example that there is both fun and healing to be had after injury, to funding my own recovery and connecting me with the most valuable support system. Through HighFives support and example, I've even made a return to Downhill! My top personal accomplishment was Streetluging at the 2019 World Roller Games in Barcelona as a Team USA athlete! For my sport, I've joined the World Organization for Downhill racing (International Downhill Federation) and have successfully pulled off the FIRST Adpative-Downhill race, as well as confirmed it as a category for the full 2020 World Downhill Championship Tour. Without HighFives and the community, I wouldn't have known (and gone for) my potential after injury. Thank you, HighFives!
High Fives Foundation has been a critical part of my recovery goals since I broke my back skiing five years ago. When I first spoke to Roy Tuscany, the founder, he told me they were going to get me healthy first, then they would get me back on the mountain. Through the support of High Fives, Roy has kept his word and some. High Fives funded countless hours of physical therapy and still do, they took me adaptive surfing and skiing for the first time, and most importantly they introduced me to the High Fives family. You can learn a lot in the hospital but it is nothing in comparison to what you can learn in a single day at a High Fives camp. Being able to connect with like minded peers and learn from them is invaluable. Thank you High Fives Foundation.
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Hi5s has been a pivotal part of my recovery. The first time I spoke to Roy and Steve they told me, "year 1 we are going to focus on getting you healthy, year two we will focus on getting you back on the mountain". Up until that moment getting back on the mountain didn't even seem like on option. Now its all I think about and Hi5s has given me the resources I need to get back out there.
Thanks High Fives,
-Bond
High fives is one of the most incredible nonprofits out there! The collection of awesome, positive and supportive people creates one of the best communities I’ve ever been a part of. After breaking my neck skiing in February of 2018 Roy Tuscany the founder of High fives came to my bed in ICU and told me that I would be able to get back to skiing and other extreme sports. This year I after applying for one of their grants I was approved for a grant towards a sit ski! I could not be happier to get back out on the slopes and get back to doing what I love thanks to High fives!
High Fives epitomizes the leading edge of support and reintegration of severely injured athletes. After my injury I was determined to once again ski with my wife and children. High Fives not only supported me with grants for equipment and alternative therapy that insurance would not cover but they also run adaptive sporting events for the community. They provide training, support and engagement with other injured athletes with similar interests that cannot be matched. They have taken me downhill skiing and mountain biking. They have created not just a financial charity but a Ohana, or community, of support and camaraderie that drives recovery.
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Two years ago, after 50 years of downhill skiing, I suffered a devastating accident that I was lucky to survive. High Fives really helped take my recovery above and beyond. They purchased equipment for my house, assisted with costs at an activity based therapy facility that is not yet covered by insurance and really encouraged me to get back out on the slopes. I have spent the last two seasons learning to ski on a mono-ski and am now learning to waterski . I am honored to be a part of their community and am inspired by the other members who are also striving to overcome their disability and get back into outdoor sports.
After hearing about this organization through a case manager and applying for the empowerment grant, I began telling everyone I knew about it and planned on supporting the organization even if I didn't receive the grant (but I am so glad to say I did!). High Fives Foundation's mission of preventing spinal cord and brain injuries and supporting those who unfortunately sustain these injuries is so necessary. I so appreciate their BASICS program, promoting helmet use. As a recipient of the empowerment grant, I am so grateful to have the opportunity to receive more physical therapy sessions than I am allowed via my insurance company, enabling me to progress physically so that I can return to my love of skiing.
I endured a spinal chord injury in 2003 and spent many years feeling as if I had lost my identity. I had grown up skiing and many of my fondest memories where made on the ski hill with friends and family. It was not until 2012 that I came across a video showcasing a sit skier named Josh Dueck in the backcountry skiing terrain I never would have thought possible. It was in that moment that I decided I needed to get back to the mountains. Since then I have spent my winters honing my skills and along the way have damaged myself and a fair bit of equipment. High Fives has graciously accepted my application to fund the replacement of the faring on my sit ski, and for this I am incredibly grateful. As a disabled athlete, requiring expensive adaptive equipment can be a real economic hurdle. If it wasn't for this incredible foundation, I may have been out of luck in getting back to the sport I love so much.
The High Fives Foundation has given me back part of my identity through providing access to adaptive sports. Through the High Fives Foundation I was able to learn how to monoski and get back to the mountain after I broke my back at Keystone A51 in a snowboarding accident. The High Fives Community is a top notch and closely knit group of individuals who truly care about improving the comprehensive quality of life after folks have suffered a traumatic life changing event. Love this organization.
In the first few months after my SCI it seems that your past life is over and returning to your outdoor hobbies is nothing more than a dream. After learning about High Fives Foundation it becomes obvious that it is nothing more than a temporary setback. The support and opportunity that they provide allows people to get the stoke back in their life!
In February 2019 I was snowboarding at Northstar. I made a "slight" miscalculation and dropped 10-15ft onto a flat cat track. I suffered an L1 burst fracture in my spine and was immediately paralyzed from the waist down. After a week in the ICU I was transferred to the Neuro unit while awaiting approval for my transfer to an inpatient rehab facility. It was during this waiting that I was visited by Roy Tuscany.
Roy's information, advice, and attitude changed the course of my recovery. Roy is THE MAN. I was doing my best to keep joking and laughing in an effort to let my wife and family know I was OK. In reality I wasn't really OK until Roy showed up. He let me see that recovery was possible if you are serious about it. Life doesn't end. Things are going to be difficult and you have to claw your way towards every small victory. I've been doing that ever since.
The resources that High fives provides are invaluable and I hope to be a part of the High Fives family forever. These folks really are life savers.
I was helped by High Fives Foundation initially in 2011 and they have supported me ever since. I truly believe my life would be no where as incredible as it is, without High Fives. Thanks to High Fives I have travelled all over North America surfing, waterskiing, and skiing. That alone has been life changing, but High Fives also has an incredible community of like minded people with varying disability that make High Fives an incredible organization that i am eternally great-full for.
In September 2018, I took a ground fall climbing that resulted in a lumbar level SCI. I've spent the majority of my life in the mountains skiing, climbing, and hiking. Since my injury, I've been trying figuring out if, and how, to return to the sports and places I find most fulfilling. I'm thrilled to join the Hi Fives team and become part of a group of like-minded and motivated individuals!
I suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2009. When I contacted High Fives for help with my rehab, independence and recovery they were right there. High Fives continues to support me with therapies, medical equipment and their wonderful caring for one of their athletes. I thank them over and over again for the relationship we have developed. They are the best. Love you High Fives
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High Fives Foundation has helped me in so many ways with my rehab. I suffered a traumatic brain injury and they were right there offering their help. High Fives has helped me to walk with assistance, gain flexibility, coordination, balance, coordination,and body awareness. They provided an electronic gait system for walking, an outdoor all season wheelchair so I can continue my outdoor activities all year round, therapeutic horseback riding to increase the areas I listed above and having me participate in the making of an award winning documentary about helmet safety. This documentary has provided me with the opportunity to go and speak to schools about the importance of wearing a helmet. I love talking with students about helmet safety and the helmet I wore saved my life. Thanks to High Fives I am able to love life, right here right now.
High Fives has paid for hundreds of hours of physical therapy that insurance didnt cover. Because of High Fives, Im able to live independently and am connected with a community of other people fighting similar disabilities.
As an Olympian before my injury, I’ve been apart of, and interacted with, many foundations; however, never have been as amazing as this! The High Fives foundation changed my life and showed me what is possible after my injury!! The people involved are unbelievable and some best people you’ll ever meet! The positive impact they’ve had on the community, and on the lives of their athletes, is absolutely amazing!
HighFives has been a HUGE part of my recovery from my spinal cord injury. They make sure their athletes keep chasing their dreams no matter what they are and they provide many resources along the way, one of the greatest being a community of like minded individuals. Learning to take on life from a wheelchair is no easy task, but with HighFives, love, inspiration, and family are endless and never more than a phone call or text away!
Hi, my name is Logan Smith and I am a C6 complete from vehicle accident in October 2016. I was driving home from college and hydroplaned over a 40 foot bank. I feel very blessed to be alive today and I strive everyday to live life to the uttermost. My plan was to finish college, go to the Naval Officer Candidate School and then attempt to become a Navy Seal. When I wrecked I was a freshman in our local community college and now I am a Junior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in business and real estate. My plan is to help design, build and sale housing that is truly wheelchair accessible. I have been very active since my accident. I have been skydiving, I have become HSA scuba diving certified, I play quad rugby for the Carolina Crash, I kayak fish a lot, I salt water fish off our boat all the time, I hand cycle with the ASAP group from Charlotte, NC. and we have been on the Cycle to the Sea ride of 180 miles twice since my injury. I have frequently talked to newly injured young people about what to expect and to show them that you can live a great life no matter the situation. Just 2 weeks ago, I took an all terrain wheelchair, the Grit Freedom Chair somewhere that a wheelchair has never been. Myself and my family took the Grit up the walking path at Stone Mountain, near Atlanta. It is a one mile path that has an 800 foot increase in elevation. The path is all rock and boulders. It was one of the very hardest things that I have ever done. One of the very cool things about doing this was the amount of people that stopped us along the way and expressed how inspired that they were by our adventure. So, as you can see I am a very active young man and I am going to live life like I always have. That is why it is so important for Non-Profit Foundations like High Fives to thrive and provide the grants for people who want to get out and enjoy life. I am beyond thrilled and blessed that High Fives approved my grant application. Steve Wallace was incredible throughout the entire process. He gave me direction, answered every question and was very timely in his responses. I am so excited to be a part of this great organization and will do all I can to help and promote High Fives. I know that in my position I can influence many people and I plan to do just that for High Fives. You can see my entire story on facebook at Prayers for Logan.
Thanks High Fives Foundation. Roy is Pro. His organization and the work they do to get individuals back to sports is amazing. The athletes are like family and we can walk or roll into a room having never met and be instant friends because of the backgrounds we all come from and the life goals we all have to accomplish something great even after an injury. Thank you so much for your time, support, financial help and being there when people just get hurt or helping even years after the initial injury. High Fives Foundation is a literal family!
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Read moreAfter breaking my neck almost 20 years ago I haven’t been able to get back to mountain biking as a quad. Thanks to High Fives though, I’m about to open up that chapter of my life again and I cannot even believe it. So beyond grateful for the support the spinal cord injury community receives from High Fives, they help in ways that no one else does.
High Fives Foundation reached out to my family the day after I was injured and has been emotionally and financially supportive since May 1 when I had a c5 spinal cord injury at Superpark. Roy talked with my mom and me at Craig Hospital and has been available to talk anytime. I have been able to stay in CO and continue rehabilitation thanks to the High Fives Fives Foundation. It has only been 5 months but I hope to get back on the snow this winter. Rob Knab
The folks over at High Fives have been so very helpful in guiding me through their process and helping me get back into the sport that I once enjoyed before my spinal cord injury. They are compassionate , well organized and genuinely love what they're doing. I am eternally grateful for the work this organization does to help those with spinal cord injuries get back to doing what they love.
High fives has been a amazing group to be a part of. The unconditional support in so many ways is so inspiring.Couldn't ask for a better nonprofit organization to be associated with and always look forward to seeing and hearing from High Fives. They're changing the world for the better!
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On February 22, 2017 I suffered a severe accident skiing. Left is a quadriplegic I didn’t know where to turn and what resources there was help me through my recovery. High fives was there for me at my bedside within two days (Roy). Without their help and ongoing support I don’t know how my recovery would’ve been. First class organization with first class people. Without their help and ongoing support I’m sure my outcome would’ve been much worse. High-fives!!
High Fives does amazing work for athletes looking to get back out there after a life-changing injury. I'm so grateful to them for believing in me and supporting me!
Incredible growing foundation that has helped so many achieve goals and live better lives. I sustained a spinal cord injury in March 2019 and High Fives is supporting me through various health rehabilitation to get back into the sports I love. Very positive, strong, and generous team to make this happen! Incredible to see the impact they have had on athletes lives, Kudos to Roy and team!
I was injured in the military and have been struggling to find my new normal. Not just financially. But to get healthy. I am so excited to be able to get this grant they are helping me to go to a trainer who can adapt to my injuries and help me reach my goals. This is the first time I feel like someone has my six since I have been back. cannot tell you how much it means to me. Thank you so much for making feel like I can work toward my goals and I still matter.
In 2018, while I was alpine rock climbing in the North Cascades, I fell approximately 200 feet and broke my neck. I was airlifted by NAVY Search and Rescue to the hospital where I was diagnosed as a complete C5 quadriplegic. High Fives has very generously offered me a grant for the purchase of a manual wheelchair that my insurance would not cover. I am excited to join this family of athletes that were injured doing what we love. Thank you for everything that you guys do!
Being a life long surfer injured in 2018 at C4-C5, I was not sure if ever would surf normally again or at all. Thankfully High Fives have stepped I. To get me back in the water this year with a custom waveski. A friend told me to apply earlier this year and I’m stoked I did! Stoked to be part of the High Fives fam!
I wouldn't have returned to playing in the mountains without High Fives. They created a community, they helped motivate, and they help financially with all sorts of things related to body care, mental care, and movement again!
My experience with this nonprofit organization has been phenomenal. They have helped me through my recovery by providing me with proper equitment to improve my strength and with emotional support that I have received from all the high fives members and other high fives athletes. High fives is one big family that I am proud to be apart of.
High Fives brings knowledge, energy, and positivity to the adaptive athlete community. The managers and volunteers at High Fives are always looking for ways to bring more life into this special community. They are straightforward, kind humans who share their stories openly and honestly so that others can gain confidence and acceptance with their "new normal". The support of High Fives provided me with valuable physical therapy sessions, but more importantly, the examples set by their athletes and members continue to inspire me to keep moving forward in life and recovery from spinal cord injury.
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High Fives is an amazing and extremely vital organization for the SCI community. The staff is so positive and energetic that their message quickly becomes contagious. After my spinal cord injury it was so important to see other SCI survivors living full and satisfying lives. High Fives showed me examples of athletes not just surviving, but thriving and overcoming their injuries every day. The organization also connected me to those people personally and funded a large portion of my physical therapy costs so that I too could reach my goals. They are not just staff, but fellow athletes, friends and shining examples of how to grab life by the horns. High Five!
High Fives Foundation has stepped beyond themselves by helping Canadian athletes and other international athletes in an effort to grow the community of para-athletics and competition. The High Fives' tribe of athletic individuals is an incredible network of like minded people who were hurt in circumstances that leave them untouched by insurance and support after injury. Their support network has helped me both mentally and physically cope with life after spinal cord injury.
High Fives has supported me ever since the day of my accident, and they continue to financially and emotionally support ever thing I go through!
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When I had my ski accident five years ago, a friend recommended High Fives Foundation to my parents. We were blown away by the financial contributions they were willing to make in order to help me recover even more at the point. A couple years ago, they funded a trip for me and my mother (from Colorado Springs to Truckee, CA) to receive specialized physical therapy from one of their master trainers. I know that now, if I struggle with anything related to my accident, they will support me and answer any question I have. I can't imagine how difficult the emotional and financial struggles would be for me if I didn't have the High Fives Foundation.
Ever since my spinal cord injury, High Fives has been there to provide support. Being able to attend the CR Johnson healing center has been an incredible experience. Camps that high fives runs have been the best experiences since my skiing accident. I have gone adaptive mountain biking and surfing. I wouldn’t have been able to do these trips without high fives.
High Fives helped me tremendously after breaking my back in 2010. with the Help of this great organization, I was able to purchase a handcycle. the Foundation has also helped open up connections to allow me to use my sitski in a lot of cool locations.
I volunteer with the group as much as I can when I travel and promoting their B.A.S.I.C.S. program when I'm at home.
I crashed at a ski competition and went into a coma. They helped be receive the healing I needed beyond what insurance would cover like massage, supplements and yoga. They also helped me pay for emotional therapy which has helped me out tremendously and made the next chapter of my life.
Can't say enough about High Fives. As a person recovering from a life-changing spinal cord injury this organization has been just as important to my recovery and health as my actual doctors. They provide financial support, advice, opportunities to go on trips, encouragement and most importantly a community and network of friends that have your back no matter what. Couldn't ask for a better nonprofit organization to be associated with and always look forward to seeing and hearing from High Fives. They're changing the world for the better!
In 2012 I broke my back snowboarding and was left completely paralyzed. High fives has provided me the resources to make nearly a full recovery.
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Several years ago I was involved in an accident that broke several vertebra and left me paralyzed. High Fives Foundation first helped by guiding me towards medical treatments and care that best suited my specific situation. After I was released from the hospital, High Fives Foundation stepped in to cover the cost of therapy treatments that my insurance did not cover. As my recovery slowed, the organization's role in my life shifted again. They organize adaptive sports trips and I was invited to participate in two of them. The sense of community and the chance to experience the world in athletic and playful ways are invaluable to me and the many others they support. This spine injury has effected every aspect of my life and l'm grateful for High Fives Foundation for helping me to rebuild a life I feel proud of
High Fives is an incredible organization that has an unmatched culture. They really consider their grantees as family and constantly staying in touch with the community they serve. I've personally been positively affected by High Fives and was granted the cost of a very expensive ski rig. What I love about High Fives is that they follow up with their participants and want to offer resources to help them succeed. I also admire that they have a system in place to follow up and provide accountability and motivation to continue athletic pursuits. HIGH FIVES SETS THE STANDARD!
I would probably be sad and most definitely fat if it wasn’t for High Fives!
In 2011, at 17 years old I broke my back and began riding a wheelchair. High Fives swooped in, got me back on the slopes, ripping the waves, and crushing the gym. These things would never have happened without their passion to see all people living their fullest life.
I have now traveled to multiple continents including Africa, I became the first paraplegic EMT, and have some friends for LIFE.
Grateful does not even come close to how I feel about this team.
I sustained a spinal cord injury after a snowboarding accident 5 1/2 years ago. High Fives foundation paid for six months of therapy as well as brought me back to the mountain for the first time! They are great organization that changes the lives of so many people.
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Back in January of 2013 I was snowboarding at a friends house building jumps and making rails. I took off after one of the jumps. I was trying to do a flip trick that I have done in the past many times. I used to be a snowboard instructor and also competed in local terrain park competitions. The jump gave out and I landed awkwardly on my neck. I broke my c6 vertebrae leaving me paralyzed with a spinal cord injury from the chest down. To this day I still have to use a battery powered wheelchair. High5 sent me a generous donation only days after my accident which far exceeded expectation. I have gotten to know some of the people in the organization and can say that they are heading in the right direction by helping others. Awesome organization. Thanks!
My name is Jason and I'm a C-4/5 quadriplegic. I was injured a little over 4 years ago. The High Fives Foundation has been an AMAZING support tool and family for me and my family! I've been granted countless workout sessions with the trainers; massage sessions; and even acupuncture sessions. High Fives strides to help as many athletes as possible in their own journeys of recovery! This is a stand out organization that deserves recognition!
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The High Fives Foundation has made a tremendous impact in my life. You are surrounded by positive energy from the moment you enter the CR Johnson healing center. I've been working directly with the personal trainers, Chris and Jack, and have seen progression in my rehabilitation. Also, being an athlete, High Fives Foundation has supported me financially through grants. My hat goes off to Roy and Steve and the rest of the team. They are making positive changes in so many lives and I couldn't be more thankful.
The love for not only their athletes but all people they come in contact with is unmatched!! This is the most actively engaged non-profit I’ve ever had the privilege of participating in, they do anything and everything they can to help their athletes succeed!
I would not be the person I am today without the help, love, and support of High Fives Foundation and I mean that with every inch of my heart. They were the first to jump in when I got injured and made me feel like I would never be alone in my new, traumatic, and life changing situation. They gave me the strength, positivity, and insight to get back into the activities that I loved prior to my injury and helped me acquire the equipment I needed to continue to pursue my passions. They’re so much more than a non profit granting athletes opportunities like extended physical therapy, adaptive equipment, or medical related needs, they have become my family over the last three years. I turn to them when I need advice, want to chat something out that I’m feeling about my injury, and even to share good news about my personal life! The foundation itself as well as the network of amazing athletes they’ve supported are the first to congratulate me when I do something awesome (like get back on two wheels after a mountain bike crash)! They are so motivating and full of love and I truly believe they are the reason I’m as happy and positive as I am today despite a horrible injury.
The High Fives Foundation has played an integral part in my post injury life. At 23 I broke my back while skiing and was paralyzed from the waist down. Many of the sports and activities that I loved such as skiing, hiking, biking (to name a few) seemed out of reach for me.
The High Fives network helped to show me that I could still pursue and enjoy the active hobbies that are part of my identity. I was recently awarded a grant from High Fives that helped me to afford an off-road handcycle mountain bike. It is such a game changer for me because I am no longer forced to live by the confines of my wheelchair when I hike or fish or just enjoy life outside. 5 stars all day for this superb foundation and their incredible staff!
I’m a recovering TBI patient. I’ve had doctors question if i’d ever be out of a wheelchair among MANY other possibilities they question for me. I always knew I’d prove them wrong but knew I needed help. High Fives not only gave me the help I needed but they gave me the support I needed. They also gave me motivation to set goals and celebrated me when I achieved them. I skiied this last winter and proved everyone I can achieve the impossible... but I couldn’t have done it without High Fives. I’m so grateful for them!
High Fives is an amazing nonprofit that gave me the tools to pursue my dreams of becoming a Paralympic skier. I met up with the High Fives crew in my home state of Minnesota for a monoski camp. I then was able to begin training in Winter Park Colorado full time the year after. High Fives has helped me with training fees, competition fees, equipment, and having a strong group of fellow Highs Fives friends to train and work with. I’m extremely thankful for this nonprofit.
I feel very fortunate to have the high fives foundation backing me up in my road to recovery, I will not be moving forward if it wasn't for their help!!
My name is Shay Hampton, I'm a retired military combat veteran with a spinal injury, TBI, and severe PTSD! Two years ago High Fives gave me the opportunity to do something I've never done...snow ski! Despite my health issues, I learned how to ski! This changed my life, it changed it so much that my pursuit of adaptive sports has lead me to the Invictus Games this October in Sydney, Australia where I will compete as a member of Team USA! The competitive drive doesn't end there...stay tuned!!!
I was Mountain Biking in Moab Utah Shenna i broke my back and was life flighted to St Mary’s for surgery then they shipped me off to CRAIG Hospital in Denver. About a month later HIGH FIVES held an event on the Gym there and I met Roy and a few of there athletes. They immediately gave me encouragement for getting back outside doing things that I love to do. During that event they mention a GRANT program that helps folks injured doing outdoor sports get things they need to get back out doing what they love. I immediately applied and they accepted and since have been able to get me out not only in my manual chair that now thanks to HIGH FIVES it has an assist motor as a Smart power drive as well as a big front tire which lets me roll out and about wherever I may roam. Not only that, probably the biggest thing is the family feel they vibe. It’s a community they created to help motive, inspire, and be there to high five you when you accomplish something. I’ve been able to visit the Amazing Healing center in Truckee a couple times so far and am very happy to be able to drop in anytime and have help or just to hang out and talk about each other's opsticals and achievements. Inspiring. So happy to have this group apart of my new life. At this point Inreally don’t know where I’d be without their direction and support. Peace Love Happiness!
We were introduced to H5 while at Craig hospital after suffering a t5/t6 fracture. Working with Steve has been amazing, the support and ongoing guidance to get back into the sports I love has been amazing. They have helped me covering my neuro rehab appts for the past year, in addition to inviting me to a surfing camp to help introduce me into the community. H5 is amazing for what they do. Prior to being injured, I had no idea there were organizations out there like this. Thank you!
The High Fives team brought a fresh sense of encouragement and confirmation that even though I was no longer competing that I was still an athlete! Their positive reinforcement and commitment to the community is like no other charity I’ve been involved with. High Fives Rocks!
High Fives supported me in my quest to qualify for a spot on 2014 Sochi Paralympic team. Unfortunately I didn’t make the team but High Fives was still there for me regardless. High Fives also grants funds to athletes in need of KBG atheletic equipment.
I was injured a year ago with a severe shattering of my lumbar and thoracic spine. I broke all of my limbs and was going through surgeries all year. A family friend told us about High Fives and their amazing support community.
I was inspired just to realize there was a community of athletes that no matter the circumstances are still stoked to be in the mountains. I was granted assistance for PT to help my body learn to walk and do normal life tasks.
Without High Fives I would not be gaining the same independence! I cannot say how grateful I am for receiving help!
In spring 2013, i suffered a career-ending crash competing in freestyle skiing at Big Bear Mountain, California. I was a broke college student, hoping to win money and sponsor recognition competing, had no family for 2,000 miles, and was airflighted off the mtn to a hospital for 2 weeks with a broken back and pelvis that had snapped in half.
Upon returning home, i was lost. I had no idea how i was going to pay my rent or how to get proper PT treatment.. I thought i would have to fly to new york and fail my final semester of school and walk with crutches the rest of my life.
In the midst of this terrible incident, i did somehow gain what i wanted - a sponsor, ironically. The High Fives Foundation provided me with monetary support and endless emotional support to help me get back on my feet, and successfully pursue my ski career. Since then, i've launched my own Pro model line with J skis, traveled the world for skiing, and even began my own ski touring product company ( Daymaker Touring). You can view my story with high fives here https://vimeo.com/78219237
Thank you High Fives!!!
I have an L1 fracture and use a wheelchair. After my accident, it felt my life was over. Everything I loved was taken away from me. I know this sounds dramatic, but I couldn't imagine living without access to the wilderness and mountains. I learned about High Fives through an internet search. Their website immediately filled me with stoke. It was amazing to watch adaptive athletes like me skiing, surfing, mountain biking, fishing and having a really good time. High Fives supported me financially for two years after my injury: covering expensive pilates-based physical therapy and equipment costs. Thanks to High Fives, I've made huge gains in my recovery, and can walk with crutches and braces for short distances. I also got strong enough to do triathlons. Recently, High Fives invited me on a surf trip with seven other adaptive athletes. It was an amazing experience. High Fives creates the excitement, the community, and the support athletes need after a traumatic, life-changing injury like a spinal cord fracture.
Meeting some of the High Fives Team two years ago sparked my interest in the foundation. Since then, seeing all that the foundation does for not only the big mountain sports community, but for disabled veterans, Truckee-Tahoe community members, and it's employees I couldn't help but share my stoke for the foundation. This summer the foundation has been gracious enough to share their knowledge about SCI injuries and running a non-profit, by allowing me to volunteer as an intern and it has by far been the most amazing experience of my life. I cannot put into words the positivity and down to earth vibe this foundation has, but it's AMAZING!
High Fives contagious positive energy and desire to impact the community of people with disabilities is unparalleled. They are at the forefront of contributing to such a community by sponsoring people, events, and programs that might not get the same attention otherwise. Plus high fives are free and frequent!
This group of individuals has literally changed the life of so many, now bringing athletes to surf has really showed the power of this group.
Our son had a skier vs tree accident 2 1/2 years ago, and a resulting spinal cord injury left him paraplegic. High Fives not only has provided funding for PT to help our son physically, but they've provided emotional support by recognizing him as an athlete. Not a former athlete nor someone who's disabled, but a kickass adaptive skier who achieves his goals and skis much better than his mother. I have no words to describe what High Fives means to our family, but I will help in any way possible to further their mission.
The High Fives Foundation is a unique and powerful nonprofit that initially inspired me to volunteer after I experienced the positive impact the organization had on our local community. By supporting and inspiring those working to overcome serious injury, High Fives has had an incredibly intense effect on the lives of everyone that comes in contact with the team. Every person the foundation has helped is empowered to overcome extreme personal challenges, which is a phenomenal feat.
After I was injured 2.5 years ago, High Fives has continually supported my recovery. They have not only helped me by covering the cost of therapy sessions directly aimed at helping me get stronger, but they have created a community of people that I have continually learn from, share experiences with, and cheer on. Such a valuable organization!
About 8 years ago i broke my C5, C6 & C7 vertebrae while front flipping on my snowboard. Prior to coming into contact with the High Fives Foundation i was pretty active in the adaptive sports community but i was having countless surgeries due to medical complications, over time i started to see my endurance decrease which made it difficult to engage in a lot of physical activity. So about 2 years ago i reached out to High Five and told them my story and my situation and with open arms they helped me tremendously. I received weights and a stationary arm exercise machine along with a badass Top End XLT hand cycle. Thank you guys so much for helping me along my recovery process.
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High Fives has thoroughly changed my life. Enabled me to return to the mountains after my spinal cord injury and they all work SOOOO hard. Staying late at the office is VERY regular for everyone invovled.
On January 27 2016 after I had made my way out to the west coast after graduation I had a serious snowboard accident, and lost my ability to walk. Finding out the most likely path to recovery was through organizations that can't be covered by insurance was huge. High Fives is dedicated to trying to get people like me back onto the mountain and into the snow. Everyone who I have spoken to with the company (and especially Steve Wallace) have been super relaxed, helpful, and give me hope. Because of High Five's generosity I've been able to focus on my recovery without distraction. This small detail has proven to make a big difference in my recovery. I owe so much to this organization.
Three months ago I suffered a L-2 vertebrae burst fracture. At that moment I thought I would never walk again. High Fives took me in after I was released from the hospital in Santa Clara and immediately helped me with my recovery. With the help of The High Fives Foundation I'm on track to getting my life back, and getting back on my feet.. The humans at High Fives are great, from the trainers, to the office staff, and the founders. I honestly, don't know where I'd be if I wasn't going to High Fives. The people at High Fives have constantly pushed me in all the right ways to help me recover. I am blessed to be part of such a great organization, and it's very hard to put all of what they've done for me in a review. I could go on for pages about how great High Fives is, but perhaps I'll save that for another day. My name is Nolan Trowe, I am a High Fives athlete, and I believe High Fives is the best thing that could have ever happened to me post injury. One Love.