“In 2002, while working as a wildland firefighter, I suffered a fall resulting in paralysis from the waist down. After my injury, I couldn’t do anything on my own. I was alone on an island and felt like everything I used to do was no longer an option.
While in recovery, someone allowed me to ride their [adaptive] bike and I am forever grateful. This gesture catapulted me into living rather than existing and led me to compete in national and world competitions. As an able-bodied athlete, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to my limit because I didn’t know that limit existed. The long-suffering of a catastrophic injury pulls that ability out of you.
Now, I am an athlete and Operations Specialist with Catalyst Sports. I remind our athletes what my mentor told me, ‘If you can think it, you can do it.’ Nothing brings me more joy than seeing someone post-injury who gets into a piece of adaptive equipment and realizes the world of opportunities available. My goal is to continue to ‘pay it forward’ so no person with a disability feels alone.”
Over 70 million people in the US live with physical disabilities. Studies show physical and inclusive activity lowers rates of depression and isolation and fosters connection. We are all hardwired to be in community with one another.
At Catalyst Sports, we believe no one should feel alone.
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